The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) is a comprehensive guide designed to support the learning and development of children from birth to eight years old. For parents, understanding the VEYLDF can provide valuable insights into how early childhood education can support their children’s growth and development. Here’s a guide to the key elements of the VEYLDF and how it benefits children:
1. Learning and Development Outcomes: The VEYLDF identifies five key learning and development outcomes for children:
- Identity: Children develop a strong sense of identity, feeling safe, secure and confident in their abilities.
- Community: Children become connected with and contribute to their world, understanding their role within their family, community and society.
- Wellbeing: Children develop a sense of wellbeing, including physical, social and emotional health.
- Learning: Children are confident and involved learners, actively engaging in their learning experiences.
- Communication: Children are effective communicators, expressing themselves through language, gestures and creative expression.
2. Practice Principles: The VEYLDF outlines eight practice principles to guide early childhood professionals in their work with children and families:
- Family-Centred Practice: Recognising the importance of families in children’s learning and development and building strong partnerships with them.
- Partnerships with Professionals: Collaborating with other professionals to provide comprehensive support for children and families.
- High Expectations for Every Child: Holding high expectations for all children, regardless of their background or abilities.
- Respectful Relationships and Responsive Engagement: Building respectful and responsive relationships with children and families.
- Equity and Diversity: Valuing and respecting diversity and promoting inclusive practices.
- Assessment for Learning and Development: Using assessment to inform and support children’s learning and development.
- Integrated Teaching and Learning Approaches: Combining intentional teaching with child-led learning experiences.
- Reflective Practice: Continuously reflecting on and improving teaching practices to enhance children’s learning outcomes.
3. The Role of Early Learning Centres: Early learning centres play a crucial role in implementing the VEYLDF and supporting children’s development. These centres create a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn and grow. Educators use the VEYLDF to guide their teaching practices, ensuring that they provide high-quality education and care. By focusing on the key learning and development outcomes and practice principles, early learning centres help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
4. How Parents Can Support Their Children’s Learning: Parents play an essential role in their children’s education and development. Here are some ways parents can support their children’s learning in line with the VEYLDF:
- Engage in Play: Encourage and participate in play-based activities that promote exploration and creativity.
- Read Together: Reading with your child helps develop language and literacy skills and fosters a love for books.
- Communicate Regularly: Talk to your child about their experiences, feelings and interests and listen actively to their responses.
- Build Routines: Establish consistent routines that provide a sense of security and predictability for your child.
- Collaborate with Educators: Maintain open communication with your child’s educators and participate in school activities and events.
The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) provides a comprehensive approach to supporting children’s learning and development. By understanding the key elements of the VEYLDF, parents can better appreciate how early childhood education can benefit their children. Early learning centres play a vital role in implementing the framework and parents can support their children’s growth by engaging in play, reading together, communicating regularly, building routines and collaborating with educators. Together, these efforts ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive and reach their full potential.