Is the Early Years Learning Framework a strict curriculum?

No – the EYLF is a flexible guide. It supports educators in planning meaningful experiences rather than prescribing strict lessons.

Has the Early Years Learning Framework recently changed?

Yes. Version 2 of the EYLF was endorsed in 2023, reflecting updated research and practice. Services across Australia are now implementing these changes.

Do parents need to know about the EYLF?

It helps! Understanding the Early Years Learning Framework gives you confidence to ask questions and see how your child’s development is supported in everyday learning and play.

Early Years Learning Framework

Q: What is the Early Years Learning Framework?

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia’s national guide for early childhood education, supporting children’s learning from birth to five years of age.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia’s national foundation for early childhood education, guiding learning from birth to five years of age. It outlines the key principles, practices, and learning outcomes that educators use to build meaningful, play-based learning experiences where children can grow, discover, and thrive — all shaped by the concepts of Belonging, Being, and Becoming. For families in Wollongong and the Illawarra, understanding the EYLF can make it easier to choose the right childcare service and feel confident about how your child’s development is supported each day.

This guide answers the following questions:

What is the Early Years Learning Framework?

What is Belonging, Being and Becoming in the EYLF?

What are the 8 principles of the EYLF?

What are the 5 learning outcomes?

What is the Early Years Learning Framework?

The Early Years Learning Framework was first introduced in 2009 and refreshed in 2023 (Version 2) to align with current research and contemporary educational practice. Rather than prescribing a strict curriculum, the EYLF acts as a flexible guide, giving educators a shared understanding of how young children learn and develop. All approved early childhood services in Australia — including preschools, long day care centres, and family day care — are required to implement the EYLF as part of the National Quality Framework.

By focusing on the whole child, the EYLF ensures children are supported to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively through meaningful play and discovery. It acknowledges that every child is unique and that the early years form the foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing, confidence, and participation in their community.

Belonging, Being & Becoming in the EYLF

At the centre of the Early Years Learning Framework are three core ideas that shape how educators support young children:

Belonging – Children learn best when they feel connected to the people and places around them. A strong sense of belonging — to family, culture, community, and their learning environment — gives children the confidence to explore, participate, and build relationships.
Being – Childhood is a unique and important stage of life. The EYLF recognises that children need time to play, imagine, experiment, and express themselves in the present, not just in preparation for the future.
Becoming – As children grow, they develop new abilities, understandings, and identities. The framework supports each child as they build resilience, independence, and a confident sense of self.

Together, Belonging, Being, and Becoming guide educators in creating meaningful learning experiences that honour who children are today and who they are becoming.

The 8 Principles of the EYLF

The Early Years Learning Framework is guided by eight key principles that underpin quality early childhood practice. These principles give families a clear picture of what high-quality education and care should look like in their child’s learning environment:

Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships — Children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. Trusting relationships with educators form the foundation for curiosity, confidence, and meaningful learning.
Partnerships — Families and educators work together, recognising that parents are a child’s first teacher. When communication is strong and collaborative, learning outcomes improve.
Respect for Diversity — Every child and family brings their own culture, language, background, identity, and strengths. Early learning environments actively include and celebrate this diversity to promote belonging and fairness.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives — Services embed First Nations perspectives, honouring Country and culture while supporting truth-telling, respect, and reconciliation in everyday learning.
Equity, Inclusion and High Expectations — All children have the right to participate and succeed. Educators promote fairness, remove barriers, and uphold the belief that every child is capable and competent.
Sustainability — Children are encouraged to care for their environment, community, and the world around them. Educators model sustainable thinking and responsible decision-making to support long-term wellbeing.
Critical Reflection and Ongoing Professional Learning — Educators continually examine their own practices, challenge assumptions, and seek professional growth to ensure children receive the best possible learning experiences.
Collaborative Leadership and Teamwork — When teams communicate openly and leadership is shared, services deliver more consistent, supportive, and high-quality programs for children and families.

Child Care Guide offer a detailed analysis of the Principles of the EYLF

Effective Practices in the Early Years Learning Framework

The EYLF sets out a series of core practices that guide how educators bring the principles to life in early learning settings. When these practices are embedded, children experience learning that is engaging, respectful, and genuinely responsive to their needs:

Holistic approaches – Children’s physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cognitive development are supported as interconnected areas of growth.
Responsiveness to children – Programs evolve based on children’s interests, strengths, abilities, and ideas, helping learning feel meaningful and relevant.
Learning through play – Play is at the heart of early learning. Through play, children explore, imagine, solve problems, build friendships, and develop confidence.
Intentional teaching – Educators purposefully interact with children, asking questions, introducing new ideas, or offering resources that extend thinking and learning.
Cultural competence – Daily routines and experiences respect and reflect each child’s cultural identity, language, and family context.
Continuity of learning and transitions – Children are supported through change — whether moving between routines, rooms, settings, or into school — to ensure a secure and consistent learning journey.
Assessment for learning – Educators document progress, reflect on observations, and plan future experiences that build on what children already know and can do.

The Five Learning Outcomes

The Early Years Learning Framework identifies five key learning outcomes that guide children’s development and help families understand how learning is progressing over time. These outcomes focus on building capable, confident, and connected young learners:

Children have a strong sense of identity — They feel safe, secure, and supported, developing confidence in who they are and where they belong.
Children are connected with and contribute to their world — They build respect for others, develop empathy, and learn to participate positively within their community.
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing — They grow in resilience, physical coordination, self-regulation, and healthy habits that support lifelong wellbeing.
Children are confident and involved learners — They show curiosity, creativity, enthusiasm, and persistence as they experiment, solve problems, and explore new ideas.
Children are effective communicators — They build language, literacy, and numeracy skills, learning to express themselves confidently in a range of ways.

How the EYLF Connects to the National Quality Framework

The Early Years Learning Framework operates as part of the broader National Quality Framework (NQF). Together, these systems ensure that all early childhood services across Australia are guided by consistent expectations for learning, safety, and quality. While the EYLF focuses on educational principles and learning outcomes, the NQF sets the standards for areas such as staffing, environments, governance, and quality assessment. For Wollongong families, this creates assurance that every approved service is working toward shared national goals that support children’s wellbeing and development.

Practical Tips for Parents

The Early Years Learning Framework isn’t only a guide for educators — families can also use its ideas at home to support early learning in everyday moments. Simple, consistent actions can make a big difference:

Encourage play with open-ended materials and unstructured time to explore, imagine, and create.
Talk about your child’s day and ask open questions to build language, thinking, and communication skills.
Celebrate your family’s culture and traditions and share these with your child’s educators to strengthen belonging and identity.
Establish healthy daily routines, including outdoor activity, rest, and positive mealtime habits.
Stay engaged with your child’s learning, reviewing portfolios, photos, or learning stories from educators and building on those experiences at home.

Final Thoughts

The Early Years Learning Framework remains a central pillar of Australia’s early childhood education system. For families in Wollongong and the Illawarra region, it provides reassurance that childcare and preschool services are building strong foundations in belonging, wellbeing, confidence, and lifelong learning. By understanding the EYLF and what it aims to achieve, you can feel more informed and assured that your child’s early years are supporting their future success.

Frequently Asked Questions about the EYLF

Q: What is the Early Years Learning Framework?
A: The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia’s national framework for early childhood education. It supports children’s learning and development from birth to five years and guides educators in creating engaging, play-based learning environments.

Q: Is the EYLF a strict curriculum?
A: No. The EYLF is intentionally flexible. Rather than prescribing set lessons, it helps educators plan meaningful experiences that respond to each child’s interests, strengths, and needs.

Q: Has the EYLF been updated?
A: Yes. Version 2 of the EYLF was formally endorsed in 2023, incorporating current research, inclusive practices, and improved guidance for educators. Services across Australia are now working with the updated framework.

Q: Do parents need to understand the EYLF?
A: While it’s not essential, it is helpful. Knowing the core ideas of the Early Years Learning Framework can make it easier for parents to engage with educators, ask informed questions, and better support their child’s learning at home.