What is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)?
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is Australia's national curriculum framework that guides early childhood educators in delivering play-based learning experiences and monitoring developmental outcomes for children from birth to five years old.
Australia's Early Years Learning Framework sets out the principles, practices, and learning outcomes that guide educators working with children from birth through to school entry. Rather than a prescriptive curriculum, the EYLF emphasises play-based learning, relationships, and each child's individual development within their family and community context.
The framework organises learning around five key outcomes: children have a strong sense of identity, are connected and contribute to their world, have a sense of wellbeing, are confident and involved learners, and are effective communicators. These outcomes are achieved through intentional teaching practices that value play, exploration, and responsive interactions between educators and children.
Gold Coast early childhood services, including kindergartens, preschools, and long-day care centres, use the EYLF to plan activities, observe children's progress, and report to families. It aligns with the National Quality Standard (NQS) and informs how educators design physical spaces, choose materials, and support learning across all developmental domains: physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language.
For families selecting kindergarten and preschool providers on the Gold Coast, understanding that a service follows the EYLF signals a commitment to evidence-based, child-centred practice rather than formal academic instruction at this age. The framework underpins quality early learning regardless of service type or location.