Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
Explore the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), including key outcomes and principles, to understand how it supports early childhood education and development.
EYLDF
Understanding the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
When it comes to early childhood education, every moment matters. From the first tentative steps to talking and starting to ask questions, early childhood is a time of incredible growth. But behind the laughter, playdough, and picture books lies a carefully considered framework designed to support children during these critical years – the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
The EYLF is Australia’s national Early Years Learning Framework, and it plays an important role in shaping the way young children learn, grow, and engage with the world around them. It provides a shared language and vision for early childhood professionals, families, and communities, guiding the way we nurture curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning from the very beginning. Whether you’re a parent or an educator, understanding this framework can help you better support the children in your care.
What is the Early Years Learning Framework and why is it important?
At its heart, the Early Years Learning Framework is all about making sure children have the best possible start in life. Developed by the Australian Government, it sets out principles, practices, and learning outcomes that guide early childhood professionals in their work with children from birth to five years old—and through the transition to school.
The EYLF isn’t a curriculum in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a holistic approach that values play-based learning and recognises that children learn in many different ways. It helps educators design environments and experiences that nurture every aspect of a child’s development—social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative.
The EYLF is built on three key pillars: principles, practices, and learning outcomes. These elements work together to create supportive, engaging, and meaningful learning opportunities that reflect each child’s interests, culture, and developmental stage.
The Early Years Learning Framework principles
The EYLF principles provide a philosophical foundation for early childhood professionals. These principles shape how educators view children, families, and their own professional roles.
- Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships: Trusting relationships form the basis of learning. Children thrive when they feel safe, valued, and connected to the people around them
- Partnerships with families: Families are children’s first teachers. Working together ensures children’s experiences are consistent, supportive, and culturally meaningful. Some families might find it difficult to engage with early learning services for a variety of reasons. This requires early childhood professionals to use multiple communication methods to overcome barriers
- High expectations and equity: All children have the potential to learn and succeed. This principle champions inclusive practices that celebrate diversity and address disadvantages
- Respect and diversity: Children come from diverse cultural, linguistic, and family backgrounds. Valuing and respecting this diversity supports children's sense of identity and promotes learning and development outcomes
- Ongoing learning and reflective practice: Early childhood professionalsare lifelong learners. Reflecting on their own practice helps them grow professionally and improve outcomes for children.
How EYLF principles influence early childhood education
These early years learning framework principles are more than just ideals; they’re practical tools that shape everyday teaching. For example, an educator might use respectful relationships to build trust with a shy child, or use family partnerships to incorporate home languages into classroom stories. By grounding their practice in the EYLF principles, early childhood professionals create inclusive, thoughtful, and engaging learning environments that support each child’s unique journey.
The Early Years Learning Framework outcomes: supporting children’s growth
The Early Years Learning Framework outcomes outline what children should be learning and developing during their early years. There are five outcomes in total, each highlighting a key area of growth.
This outcome is all about helping children feel safe, secure, and supported. It encourages children to express who they are, explore their emotions, and build relationships that give them a sense of belonging.
Children learn best when they feel part of something bigger. This outcome focuses on community, relationships, and environmental responsibility, helping children learn how they can make a positive impact.
Emotional and physical wellbeing are at the core of this outcome. From learning to manage emotions to developing coordination and self-care skills, this outcome helps children feel confident and capable.
Curiosity, problem-solving, and resilience are nurtured through Outcome 4. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and make meaning through play and hands-on experiences.
Language, literacy, music, movement, and digital tools all fall under this outcome. It helps children express themselves and engage meaningfully with others in their own unique ways.
Why the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) matters for educators
For educators, the Early Years Learning Framework provides a clear and consistent foundation for high-quality teaching. It encourages them to think deeply about what children need to thrive and offers a roadmap for creating learning environments that are inclusive, responsive, and developmentally appropriate.
Using the EYLF helps educators make intentional choices, document children’s learning, and reflect on their practice—all while keeping children’s wellbeing and growth at the centre of everything they do.
Resources for implementing the Early Years Learning Framework
Fortunately, early childhood professionals don’t have to navigate the EYLF alone. There’s a wealth of resources available, including:
- Government guides and handbooks
- Professional development workshops
- Online training modules
- Networking groups and communities of practice.
These tools help bring the EYLF to life in real-world classrooms, making it easier to implement with confidence and creativity.
Expanding the Framework: The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)
In Victoria, educators also draw on the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). This framework complements the national EYLF, aligning with its principles and outcomes while offering specific guidance for Victorian children and families. It extends the vision of the EYLF by covering birth to eight years, supporting children’s learning as they transition into the early years of school.
Together, the EYLF and VEYLDF create a strong, unified approach to early childhood education—one that sees children not just as learners, but as active, capable citizens from the very beginning.