What Is the EYLF? A Simple Guide for New Educators

What Is the EYLF?

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia's national curriculum framework for children from birth to five years. Updated to Version 2.0, it guides educators in planning meaningful learning experiences for young children.

Why Does the EYLF Matter?

The EYLF sets the standard for quality early childhood education across Australia. It gives educators a shared language for discussing children's learning, helps ensure every child receives high-quality education regardless of setting, and is a requirement under the National Quality Framework.

Who Uses It?

Every educator working in an approved early childhood education and care setting in Australia uses the EYLF, including long day care centres, family day care, preschools, and kindergartens.

The Three Key Elements

1. Principles

The EYLF is built on five principles that guide how educators work with children:

• Secure, respectful, and reciprocal relationships
• Partnerships with families
• High expectations and equity
• Respect for diversity
• Ongoing learning and reflective practice

2. Practices

Eight practices describe what educators do to support children:

• Holistic, integrated, and interconnected approaches
• Responsiveness to children
• Play-based learning
• Intentional teaching
• Learning environments
• Cultural responsiveness
• Continuity of learning and transitions
• Assessment and evaluation of learning

3. Learning Outcomes

Five learning outcomes describe what children should know and be able to do:

1. **Identity** — Children have a strong sense of identity
2. **Community** — Children are connected with and contribute to their world
3. **Wellbeing** — Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
4. **Learning** — Children are confident and involved learners
5. **Communication** — Children are effective communicators

How to Use the EYLF in Daily Practice

Observe

Watch children during play and routines. Note their interests, skills, and social interactions.

Plan

Use your observations to plan activities that extend children's learning and connect to EYLF outcomes.

Document

Record children's learning through photos, written observations, and learning stories. Link these to specific EYLF outcomes.

Reflect

Regularly review your practice and children's progress. Adjust your planning based on what you learn.

EYLF V2.0: What Changed?

The 2022 update strengthened the focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, sustainability, and children's agency. It also simplified language and improved practical guidance for educators.

Getting Started

If you are new to the EYLF, start by reading the framework document, focusing on the five outcomes. Observe children with these outcomes in mind, and begin connecting your daily activities to specific outcomes.

Make EYLF Planning Easier

ECT Planner helps you create EYLF-aligned curriculum plans in minutes. Enter your observations, and get a complete weekly program with built-in outcome tracking.

Try ECT Planner Free →