The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)

The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) serves as the foundational guide for professionals working with children from birth to eight years in Victoria, Australia. It is designed to support early childhood professionals to advance childrens learning and development, ensuring that every child has the best start in life.

Purpose and Vision

The framework is built on the vision that all Victorian children become resilient, capable, and confident learners. It recognizes that the early years are a critical period for brain development and that consistent, high-quality experiences are essential for long-term success. By providing a common language and set of principles, the VEYLDF helps educators, health professionals, and families work together to support a childs journey.

The Five Learning and Development Outcomes

The VEYLDF is structured around five key outcomes that describe the progress children make as they grow:

• Children have a strong sense of identity: Encouraging children to feel safe, secure, and supported as they develop a sense of belonging.
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world: Helping children understand their role in the community and the importance of sustainability and cultural diversity.
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing: Fostering physical health, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.
• Children are confident and involved learners: Promoting curiosity, problem-solving, and a positive approach to new challenges.
• Children are effective communicators: Supporting the development of language, literacy, and the ability to express ideas through various mediums.

Key Practice Principles

To achieve these outcomes, the framework outlines several practice principles that guide daily interactions and curriculum planning:

• Family-Centred Practice: Acknowledging that families are the first and most influential teachers in a childs life.
• Partnerships with Professionals: Working collaboratively across sectors, such as health, education, and social services.
• High Expectations for Every Child: Ensuring that all children, regardless of background or ability, are provided with opportunities to succeed.
• Respectful Relationships and Responsive Engagement: Building trusting bonds that empower children to explore and learn.
• Equity and Diversity: Creating inclusive environments that celebrate cultural, linguistic, and developmental diversity.

Assessment for Learning

Assessment in the VEYLDF is not about grading children but about understanding their progress and needs. Educators use ongoing observation and documentation to create a narrative of a childs learning journey. This information is shared with families to ensure that learning goals are supported both at home and within the educational setting.

Implementation Across Settings

The VEYLDF is designed to be flexible. It is applied in a variety of settings, including long day care, kindergartens, maternal and child health centers, and primary school classrooms. Because it aligns with the Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), it ensures that Victorian professionals are contributing to a nationally consistent approach to early childhood education.

Conclusion

The VEYLDF is more than just a set of guidelines; it is a commitment to the future of Victorias children. By focusing on evidence-based practices and the holistic wellbeing of the child, the framework ensures that educators are equipped to foster the cognitive, social, and emotional skills necessary for children to thrive throughout their schooling and into adulthood.