What's New

Over the last few months all Early Childhood Educators at Merri have commenced training in regards to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development framework (VEYLF). The VEYLF will be integrated within Merri's current program planning in stages. Stay Tuned for updates. 

What is the VEYLF?


The Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development released the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework for all children aged from birth to eight years on 27 November 2009.

The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework advances children’s learning and development from birth to eight years by early childhood professionals working together, and with families, to achieve common outcomes for children.

The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework is for all professionals who work with children from birth to eight years including maternal and child health nurses, all early childhood practitioners who work directly with children in early childhood settings, school teachers, family support workers, preschool field officers, inclusion support facilitators, student support service officers, primary school nurses, primary welfare officers, early childhood intervention workers, play therapists, health professionals and teachers working in hospitals, and education officers in cultural organisations.

The Victorian Framework:

  • identifies five Early Years Learning and Development Outcomes for all children

  • identifies eight Practice Principles for Learning and Development, categorised as Collaborative, Effective and Reflective. The Practice Principles describe the most effective ways for early childhood professionals to work together and with children and families to facilitate learning and development

  • emphasises the importance of supporting children’s and families’ transitions as they move within and across services throughout the early childhood period.

It complements the discipline specific resources that already support early childhood professionals, for example the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, the Victorian Essential Learning Standards and the Maternal and Child Health Service Activity Framework. In this way the Victorian Framework supports common understandings and shared conversations with other professionals and families to support children’s learning and development.

For further information, see:

  As per DEECD http://www.education.vic.gov.au/earlylearning/eyldf/default.htm retrieved 15.5.10