If you've toured a childcare centre or read through an enrolment pack, you've probably come across the term EYLF. It gets mentioned a lot in early childhood education but it's rarely explained in a way that actually makes sense to parents. Here's what it means and why it matters for your child.
What is the EYLF?
EYLF stands for Early Years Learning Framework. Its full name is Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. It's the national framework that guides how all approved childcare and early education services plan and deliver learning for children from birth to five years.
It was developed by the Australian Government and originally released in 2009. A significant update known as EYLF V2.0 came into effect in February 2024. Every approved childcare centre in Australia, including all Kaleidoscope Kids centres, is required to follow it.
The EYLF doesn't prescribe a specific curriculum or rigid daily schedule. Instead it gives educators a shared foundation of principles, practices and learning outcomes to guide the experiences, environments and relationships they create for children.
Belonging, Being and Becoming
These three words sit at the heart of the framework and reflect how children experience their world.
Belonging is about feeling connected to family, community, culture and place. Children learn best when they feel they belong. Being recognises that childhood is valuable in its own right, not just as preparation for school. Children need time to simply be curious, playful and themselves. Becoming acknowledges that children are constantly growing and changing, and that every experience shapes who they are becoming.
The 5 EYLF learning outcomes
The framework is built around five broad learning outcomes that educators use to guide and assess children's development:
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity. Children feel secure, develop trust in their relationships and begin to understand who they are.
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world. Children develop a sense of belonging to their community and learn to care for others and their environment.
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing. Children develop physical health, emotional wellbeing and growing independence.
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners. Children develop curiosity, creativity and a love of learning through play and exploration.
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators. Children develop language, literacy and numeracy skills and learn to express themselves in many ways.
These aren't boxes to tick. They're broad areas educators use to reflect on each child's growth and plan experiences that support their individual development.
What changed in EYLF V2.0?
The 2022 update, which became mandatory in February 2024, added several new elements. The principles expanded from 5 to 8, adding Critical Reflection, Sustainability and Collaborative Leadership. There's also a stronger emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, children's rights and trauma-aware practice.
For parents, the practical day-to-day experience at a quality centre won't look dramatically different. The changes mostly reflect how educators think about and plan for children's learning.
How Kaleidoscope Kids uses the EYLF
At Kaleidoscope Kids, the EYLF guides everything our educators do, from how they set up learning spaces to how they observe and document your child's development. Our play-based programs are designed with the five learning outcomes in mind, giving children the freedom to explore, create and learn at their own pace.
Our kindergarten program is also guided by the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline, which works alongside the EYLF to prepare children for the transition to Prep.
If you'd like to see it in action, the best way is to visit one of our centres. Book a tour at your nearest centre in Logan Central, Booval, Goodna, Redbank or Rothwell.
Frequently asked questions
What does EYLF stand for?
EYLF stands for Early Years Learning Framework. Its full name is Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia.
What is EYLF V2.0?
EYLF V2.0 is the updated version of the framework that came into effect in February 2024. It expanded the principles from 5 to 8 and strengthened the focus on sustainability, critical reflection and inclusive practice.
What are the 5 EYLF learning outcomes?
The five outcomes are: children have a strong sense of identity; children are connected with and contribute to their world; children have a strong sense of wellbeing; children are confident and involved learners; and children are effective communicators.
Do all childcare centres have to follow the EYLF?
Yes. All approved childcare and early education services in Australia operating under the National Quality Framework are required to follow the EYLF.
How does the EYLF affect what my child does at childcare?
The EYLF guides how educators plan activities, set up environments and support your child's development. In practice it means your child's day is thoughtfully designed to support their identity, wellbeing, relationships, learning and communication through play, exploration and meaningful interactions.
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