What is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)?
The Early Years Learning Framework is Australia's national curriculum that guides educators in planning and delivering play-based learning experiences for children from birth to five years old, focused on five learning outcomes.
Australia's Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is the national curriculum document that shapes how educators in childcare centres, preschools, and kindergarten settings plan and implement learning experiences for children from birth to age five. Developed by the Australian Government Department of Education, the EYLF sets out a shared vision for young children's learning and development across all early childhood services.
The framework centres on five key learning outcomes: children have a strong sense of identity, children are connected and contribute to their world, children have a strong sense of wellbeing, children are confident and involved learners, and children are effective communicators. Rather than a prescriptive curriculum, the EYLF encourages learning through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. Educators use these outcomes to guide what they observe, how they plan activities, and the environments they create.
In Redland Bay, educators at registered childcare services use the EYLF to align their daily programming, documentation, and assessment practices with national standards. The framework recognises that children learn best through play-based experiences, social interaction, and hands-on exploration. Educators working within the EYLF observe children's interests and strengths, then tailor activities to extend learning in ways that feel natural and engaging for each child.
Understanding the EYLF helps parents recognise what quality early childhood education looks like and why local early childhood services structure their days and environments the way they do.