Early Childhood Learning

The period from birth to eight is a critical period of a child’s life. It is the time when children acquire essential foundation skills and knowledge and when brain development is at its optimal level.

Families are children’s first and most enduring educators. Families provide the caring relationships, the models, the opportunities and the experiences shaping children’s learning and development.

There is a wide range of services that also support children’s learning and development. These are provided by early childhood professionals with a range of qualifications, skills and experience and are most effective when they engage families and when children’s learning builds on their previous experiences, interests and strengths.

Current information covers:

• Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework - information on the draft Victorian Framework which assists families and early childhood professionals guide children’s learning and development in the first eight years of life
• Transition: a Positive Start to School – information on transition to school programs to support children, their families and educators. Includes information on the Transition Learning and Development Statement and the Transition: a Positive Start to School Guide
• Universal Access - information on the commitment to provide 15 hours of quality early childhood education for all children prior to commencing school
• National Quality Agenda - as part of a range of reform work being undertaken in the areas of education, skills and early childhood development, the Commonwealth Government and State and Territory Governments, through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), have committed to developing a rigorous National Quality Agenda.