A vision for the early years Welcome to the Queensland kindergarten learning guideline …

Shared through national and Queensland documents

Our shared vision is of …

engaged learners

building future success.

Our shared vision is of children …

in the here and now …

belonging …

being …

becoming.

Kindergarten promotes all children’s learning.

Educators help children to …

be connected with and contribute to their world

have a strong sense of wellbeing

be confident and involved learners

be effective communicators

build success for life.

Quality early years programs: putting frameworks together

National context

Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) National Quality Standard (NQS)

Supporting quality programs for children from birth to five years.

Queensland context

EYLF Queensland kindergarten learning guideline (QKLG)

Provides more specific advice for the Kindergarten Year (year prior to Prep).

Will the QKLG help me with the NQS?

•

QKLG

and

EYLF

support services to address National Quality Standards.

• Implementing

QKLG

in kindergarten settings = Implementing

EYLF

.

Why use the QKLG?

Implementing

QKLG

in kindergarten settings + qualified kindergarten teacher helps meet the criteria to become an approved kindergarten program provider (Office for Early Childhood Education and Care)

Why have a qualified teacher?

Research shows that children who attend early childhood programs provided by qualified teachers have better learning outcomes.

Why have a kindergarten program?

Kindergarten builds strong connections between prior-to-school and school programs.

Queensland kindergartens …

embrace the inclusive vision that “all children experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life” (

EYLF

).

Queensland kindergartens …

promote: • children’s right to experience the joy of childhood • learning through both emergent and planned experiences.

The QKLG and the EYLF …

are aligned in terms of: • perspectives • principles • practices • focuses for learning.

Aligned perspectives

“Our image of the child is rich in potential, strong, powerful, competent, and most of all connected to adults and other children.”

(Malaguzzi, L 1993, “For an education based on relationships”, Young Children, November, p. 10)

Aligned principles EYLF

• Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships • Partnerships with families • High expectations and equity • Respect for diversity • Ongoing learning and reflective practice

QKLG

• High expectations and equity • Respect for diversity • Holistic learning • Respectful relationships • Continuity in learning • Shared decision making • Intentional teaching • Reflective practice

Aligned practices

Embracing diverse children, families and communities Working in partnerships Responding to children’s ideas and interests Creating engaging learning environments Learning through play Responsive, intentional teaching practices

Aligned principles EYLF

(outcomes) • Children have a strong sense of identity • Children are connected with and contributing to their world • Children have a strong sense of wellbeing • Children are confident and involved learners • Children are effective communicators

QKLG

(learning areas) Identity Connectedness Wellbeing Active learning Communicating

Together the EYLF and QKLG promote …

a shared vision for the early years.

Focus questions

• How does your service reflect the vision for the early years presented in the

EYLF

and

QKLG

?

• What value will a kindergarten program, that aligns with the shared vision for early years, add to your service?