Victorian Early Years Learning
and Development Framework
Information for families
What is the Victorian Early Years Learning and
Development Framework?
• A document which describes what children should
learn between the age of birth and eight years
• Outlines how early childhood professionals work
together, and with families, to support children’s
learning.
What is it all about?
The Framework aims to highlight the importance of:
– Play-based learning
– Professionals talking to each other
– Recognising that all children learn in different ways and at
different rates and times
– Families as their child's first teacher. Families understand
their children better than anyone else.
Why is there an Early Years Learning and
Development Framework?
• Research tells us:
– The first eight years of a child’s life is when they do
their most important learning
– This time should be full of play and opportunities to
explore the world around them
– From birth, learning and development at each stage of
life forms the building blocks for the next.
What does it say about learning?
The Framework identifies five learning and
development outcomes for all children from birth to
eight years.
These outcomes have a broad view of the kind of
knowledge and skills all children need for them to
become confident and happy through their life.
Outcome 1
Children have a strong sense of identity
Having a strong sense of identity means that
children can:
• build secure relationships with friends, family
and other people in their lives
• interact with others in a constructive and respectful
way
• reach out and communicate their needs for
comfort and assistance
Outcome 2
Children are connected with and contribute
to their world
Being connected with and contributing to the
world means that children can:
• explore their world by making new friends
• learn about fairness and how to live
independently and with other people
• understand the natural environment
Outcome 3
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Having a strong sense of wellbeing means
that children:
• have good mental and physical health
• are confident
• understand the benefits of strong social,
emotional and spiritual wellbeing
Outcome 4
Children are confident and involved learners
Being a confident and involved learner means
that children:
• Enjoy learning
• Are curious, confident and creative
• Show persistence to keep trying
• Use their imagination to solve problems
• Can use technologies to find new information
Outcome 5
Children are effective communicators
Being an effective communicator means that
children:
• Interact verbally and non-verbally with other
people
• Enjoy reading and being read to
• Enjoy singing, talking, counting and rhyming
• Can see patterns in numbers and shapes
How early childhood professionals will
support your child’s learning
Early childhood professionals will:
• Discuss your child’s learning with you
• Ask advice from other professionals if they are concerned
about your child’s learning
• Respect your family’s values, beliefs and decisions
• Recognise that all children can learn, but some children
require additional help to learn
• Use the most effective teaching strategies to support your
child to learn
What can I do to support my child’s learning
at home?
Families are the most important people in supporting
children’s learning and development. You can support
your child’s learning at home by:
• Reading to them
• Encouraging them to ask questions
• Playing singing and rhyming games
• Encouraging their attempts at new things
• Encouraging them to be involved in household activities
• Encouraging them to talk and interact with others
What else can I do to support my child’s
learning?
There’s also a range of services you can access which have early
childhood programs including:
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Local libraries
Museums
Local parks
Maternal and child health service
Playgroup
Kindergarten and long day care
Sporting organisations
Specialist children’s services
If you have concerns about your child’s learning, you can talk to your early
childhood educator or your maternal and child health nurse who can
provide you with advice or a referral.
What can I do to support my child’s transition
to school?
If your child is beginning school, work with your child’s
educator to complete a Transition Learning and
Development Statement, for your child. This helps your
child’s future teacher to get to know your child and plan their
learning.
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/transition
Where can I get further information?
Helpful newsletters, websites, and telephone services on
a range of topics related to children’s learning and
development can be found at:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/childhood/parents/health/
Pages/newsletters.aspx