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Why Was the Early Years Learning Framework Developed?
The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework guides early childhood professionals in helping children develop the following:
- A strong sense of identity
- Connection and contribution to their world
- Strong sense of wellbeing
- Confidence and involvement in learning
- Effective communication
With the help of the framework and proper guidance from parents and support from early learning centres, children can better prepare for the big school and beyond.
Why was the framework developed?
First, the framework and other educational approaches have been a response to the crucial role of the early years in people’s long-term development and future. Research has shown that rapid brain development occurs during a child’s early years. In these crucial early years, their early experiences can have a huge and profound impact in their overall lives for the coming years.
The early years are a great opportunity for children to gain rich and diverse experiences. These can help them better make sense of the world around them and feel their connection with other people. With these rich and diverse experiences, they can also gain a vast comfort zone where they can better get along with other children of different ages and coming from different backgrounds.
In other words, the Early Years Learning and Development Framework was designed to help children fully take advantage of their early years. That’s because early experiences can actually influence their whole lives more than we realise. For example, early trauma can make certain genes turn on or switch off (and then affect the child’s overall physical and cognitive development). On the other hand, early experiences filled with learning and interesting experiences can help children gain a jumpstart in life (e.g. they will feel more confident because they’re comfortable in a wide variety of situations).
The Framework has been a result of numerous consultations with experts and academics through symposiums, forums, trials and case studies. It’s ultimately backed by science, which shows how important early years are in a child’s long-term economic future and happiness.