The Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today launched the revised Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) at the annual Together We Grow: Early Childhood Education Conference.
The revised Framework reflects the latest research, practice and policy, and provides a high benchmark for early childhood professional practice in the Education State.
The Framework describes what all children should learn between birth and age eight, outlining the knowledge and skills that lead all children to become confident, engaged life-long learners.
The updated Framework will guide the work of early childhood professionals including MCH nurses, educators, primary school teachers, playgroup facilitators, cultural organisations and specialist support staff. It will underpin a range of educational guidelines and resources.
The Framework was first developed in 2009, and has been updated to focus on responding to children and families experiencing vulnerability, focusing on the importance of equity, diversity and respectful relationships. It promotes respect for Aboriginal culture in all Victorian children.
Educating children and young people about respectful relationships is a core part of changing the attitudes and social conditions that give rise to family violence.
$3 million in the Victorian Budget 2016/17 will fund the Building Respectful Relationships program in kinders, a key program educating children to develop positive attitudes about relationships that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
The Framework boosts support to children and families from birth to age three, recognising this period as critical to mental health, wellbeing and long-term success. These early years of a child’s life are when they do their most important learning. From birth, learning and development at each stage of life forms the building blocks for the next.
The revised VEYLDF will be available online next week and copies will be sent to all early childhood services, including primary schools, in June.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“In the Education State, learning begins from birth. The updated VEYLDF is an important tool, underpinning the key stages of every child’s early education.”
“The updated Framework emphasises that health is crucial for learning and development, and that high-quality education nurtures children’s mental and physical wellbeing.”
Quotes attributable to Chair of Early Childhood Education and Care at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education Collette Tayler
“This edition takes a big step forward in valuing culture and diversity, and recognising the realities of promoting every child’s wellbeing.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020