Cuddles Childcare Centre embeds the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) into the program curriculum.
Belonging
Experiencing belonging – knowing where and with whom you belong – is integral to human existence. Children belong first to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. In early childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging. Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes who children are and who they can become.
Being
Childhood is a time to be, to seek and make meaning of the world. Being recognises the significance of the here and now in children’s lives. It is about the present and them knowing themselves, building and maintaining relationships with others, engaging with life’s joys and complexities, and meeting challenges in everyday life. The early childhood years are not solely preparation for the future but also about the present.
Becoming
Children’s identities, knowledge, understandings, capacities, skills and relationships change during childhood. They are shaped by many different events and circumstances. Becoming reflects this process of rapid and signifi cant change that occurs in the early years as young children learn and grow. It emphasises learning to participate fully and actively in society.
The EYLF is centred on children’s learning and consists of three elements: Principles, Practice and Learning Outcomes.
All three of these elements are important to curriculum decision making and how professional childhood educators help children learn and develop. Curriculum encompasses a wide range of interactions, events, routines and experiences that occur within the course of providing child care.
Children are receptive to many diverse experiences. What experiences are included or excluded from the curriculum has a direct effect on how the child develops, learns and understands the world.
Five Principles of EYLF
The EYLF is centred on five principles. The first is secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships. It is the responsibility of the educator to educate and nurture children and give them the support they need to establish positive relationships with teachers, parents and peers.
The next principle is partnership. Childhood educators work in partnership with families to help them develop the skills and confidence they need to have positive interactions with others.
The next principle is high expectations and equity. In other words all children, regardless of background, are expected to succeed and are nurtured to accomplish that success. All children are provided equal opportunities to learn.
The next principle is closely related: respect for diversity. Children can come from many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The languages, customs, histories and cultures of all children are to be respected at all times.
The last principle is ongoing learning and reflective practice. This means that educators must look for ways to develop and better education on an ongoing basis. They become co-learners with the children.
Cuddles embraces these principles in the daily delivery of our service.
