What is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)?
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia’s national curriculum framework for children from birth to five years old. It outlines the principles, practices, and outcomes that guide how early childhood educators support young children’s learning and development. The framework is built on the understanding that the first five years are a critical period in a child’s life — shaping how they think, learn, and relate to others.
At its core, the Early Years Learning Framework focuses on three key elements: Belonging, Being, and Becoming. These ideas remind educators that children learn best when they feel part of a community, when they can express themselves authentically, and when they are supported to grow at their own pace. In Canberra, all approved early learning services — including long day care centres, preschools, and family day care — follow the EYLF to ensure consistency and quality in the educational experiences offered to young children.
Child Care Guide Tip: Child Care Guide offer a complete guide to the Early Years Learning Framework.
Who Uses the EYLF in Canberra Early Learning Services?
Every approved early childhood service in the ACT is required to use the Early Years Learning Framework as part of the National Quality Framework. This includes government-funded preschools, private and community-based long day care centres, and family day care educators. The framework provides a shared language and professional foundation for educators, helping them design programs that reflect children’s interests and abilities while meeting national standards.
Educators in Canberra use the Early Years Learning Framework to plan, observe, and document children’s learning in ways that are meaningful to both families and the local community. For example, an educator might notice a child’s curiosity about native birds and create experiences around Canberra’s bushland and wildlife, connecting learning to the local environment. The EYLF encourages this kind of responsive, play-based programming — where educators act as guides and facilitators, rather than instructors, nurturing curiosity and creativity through exploration and play.
Why Is the EYLF Important for My Child’s Early Learning Journey?
The Early Years Learning Framework is important because it ensures that all children — regardless of where they live or which service they attend — experience high-quality, consistent care and education. It recognises that children learn best through everyday experiences and relationships, not just formal lessons.
In Canberra, the EYLF helps educators focus on five key learning outcomes: that children have a strong sense of identity, are connected with and contribute to their world, have a strong sense of wellbeing, are confident and involved learners, and are effective communicators. These outcomes are not checklists — they are broad goals that guide how children grow, learn, and express themselves at different stages.
By focusing on these areas, the EYLF supports Canberra’s educators in building confidence, independence, and resilience in children. It also ensures that children’s learning experiences are inclusive, culturally responsive, and reflective of the ACT’s diverse communities. Families benefit too, as the framework encourages strong communication between parents and educators about each child’s progress and achievements.
How Is the EYLF Applied in a Canberra-Based Early Learning Service?
In a Canberra early learning service, the Early Years Learning Framework comes to life through observation, planning, and reflection. Educators begin by getting to know each child — their interests, cultural background, and stage of development. They then plan experiences that are both engaging and purposeful, such as sensory play for toddlers, storytelling for communication development, or outdoor exploration to encourage problem-solving and curiosity.
Each activity is designed with intent, linking back to the EYLF outcomes. Educators document what children say and do, using that information to reflect on how each child is developing across different domains — social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. These observations are shared with families through regular updates, photos, and learning stories, helping parents feel connected to their child’s learning journey.
Many Canberra services also adapt the EYLF to reflect the local culture and environment. This might include programs about sustainability, connection to Ngunnawal Country, and outdoor play inspired by Canberra’s parks, lakes, and reserves. In this way, the framework not only supports educational growth but also strengthens children’s connection to their community and natural surroundings.
When Should Families Ask About the EYLF?
It’s a good idea to ask about a centre’s use of the Early Years Learning Framework when you’re touring or comparing services. Understanding how a provider applies the framework gives you insight into their approach to learning, relationships, and child development.
When speaking with Canberra providers, you might ask how they plan for children’s interests, how they assess progress, and how they work with families to set goals. Many centres will happily show examples of their programming, reflection notes, or children’s learning journals. This transparency helps parents understand what quality education looks like under the EYLF and gives confidence that the service is supporting every child’s individual growth.
Because the EYLF is mandatory across all approved services, hearing how a provider describes it can also reveal their level of commitment and professionalism. A strong, thoughtful response is a good sign that the service is both experienced and genuinely engaged with your child’s learning.
How Does the EYLF Support School Readiness in the ACT?
The Early Years Learning Framework plays a key role in helping children transition successfully from early learning to school. Rather than focusing solely on academic skills, it develops the foundations children need to thrive — such as curiosity, cooperation, emotional regulation, and confidence.
In Canberra, early learning centres often work closely with ACT preschools and local primary schools to ensure continuity between early childhood and school learning. This approach aligns with the ACT Education Directorate’s commitment to smooth transitions, recognising that the move to school is as much about emotional and social readiness as it is about knowledge.
By embedding the EYLF principles of belonging, being, and becoming, Canberra educators help children build the confidence, independence, and curiosity they’ll need as lifelong learners.
Early Years Learning Framework FAQs for Canberra Parents
Q: What does “play-based learning” mean under the EYLF?
A: Play-based learning means that children explore, create, and problem-solve through activities that interest them. Educators guide the process by extending play into deeper learning opportunities, encouraging curiosity and imagination.
Q: Do all Canberra childcare centres use the EYLF?
A: Yes. All approved early learning and preschool services in the ACT are required to implement the EYLF as part of the National Quality Framework. This ensures consistent, high-quality education across all settings.
Q: How is my child’s progress measured?
A: Educators observe children in everyday play and record how they demonstrate learning over time. This information is used to plan future experiences and is shared with families through regular updates or learning stories.
Q: How does the EYLF prepare my child for school?
A: The framework focuses on developing confidence, social skills, communication, and curiosity — the core foundations that help children adapt and succeed in formal schooling environments.
Q: How can parents be involved in the EYLF?
A: Families play a central role. Educators often invite parents to share observations, photos, and ideas from home, helping connect learning between the family environment and the early learning setting.
