Practical guidance and resources for early childhood services on embedding the updated frameworks into their programs and practices.

In 2023 they released the updated versions of the approved learning frameworks for educators to engage with over a 12 month period. It gave everyone an opportunity to ease into the changes. Then, on February 1st  2024, the updated frameworks came into effect and were expected to be part of our practice. The new frameworks were: 

• Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia Version 2.0 (EYLF V2.0) and 
• My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia Version 2.0 (MTOP V2.0).

These frameworks were designed to support service providers and educators to meet the learning, development and wellbeing needs of child and young people. You can learn more about the changes in our article titled: The New and Improved EYLF 2.0 + MTOP 2.0 - Sticks & Stones Education .

Implementing the Updated EYLF and MTOP Frameworks in Early Childhood Services
The revised Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0 and My Time, Our Place (MTOP) V2.0 were introduced in January 2023. These updates help educators and service leaders better support children's learning, development, and well-being.

Understanding the Changes

The changes to the approved learning frameworks refine key principles, practices, and learning outcomes. The EYLF V2.0 and MTOP V2.0 build on current research and knowledge in early childhood education.  

How Services Are Implementing the Updated Frameworks

Early learning services across Australia are embracing these changes by:

• Reviewing their service philosophy and aligning it with the updated frameworks.
• Discussing new principles, practices, and learning outcomes during team meetings.
• Reflecting on current practices to celebrate strengths and identify growth areas.
• Updating policies and procedures to match the revised terminology.

Hot Tips for Early Childhood Service Leaders

Leaders play a crucial role in guiding teams through this transition. Here’s how you can support your educators:

• Provide Access to the Updated Frameworks
  Ensure all educators can access the EYLF V2.0 and MTOP V2.0 on the ACECQA website.

• Engage Educators in Learning Discussions
  Read sections of the updated frameworks during team meetings to encourage group reflection and discussion.

• Break Down Key Terminology
  Help educators understand new terms by unpacking definitions and using ACECQA’s Glossary of Terms Matching Game.

• Host Professional Development Workshops
  Use ECE Connect webinars and ACECQA resources to deepen understanding. Run workshops that relate to your service’s context.

• Use Visual Reminders
  Display EYLF 2.0 and MTOP 2.0 framework posters in staff areas or as desktop backgrounds.

• Plan Ongoing Discussions
  Schedule discussions throughout the year, using EYLF V2.0 and MTOP V2.0 fact sheets to spark critical reflections.

• Include Framework Training in Induction: ;ACECQA’s eLearning module on Approved Learning Frameworks V2.0 to your new staff induction process.

• Explore New Principles and Practices

  • Stay informed on the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Framework for NSW ECEC to enhance cultural responsiveness.

  • Embed sustainability using ACECQA’s two-part sustainability series.

  • Understand ‘Equity, Inclusion, and High Expectations’ through ACECQA’s Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) resources

Tips for Educators

Educators can integrate the EYLF V2.0 and MTOP V2.0 into their daily practice in several ways:

• Critically Reflect on Principles and Practices
  Consider how the updated principles and practices influence your programs. Discuss insights with your team.
• Engage Children and Families in Learning
  Choose a principle or practice and create a visual display with children. Invite families to add reflections.
• Use the Updated Planning Cycle Posters
  Download and print the EYLF V2.0 or MTOP V2.0 Planning Cycle posters to guide programming discussions.
• Refer to Expanded Learning Outcomes
  Find practical examples in the EYLF V2.0 (page 29) or MTOP V2.0 (page 32) to enrich your planning.

Preparing for Assessment and Rating

During assessment and rating visits, services must demonstrate how they have integrated the EYLF V2.0 and/or MTOP V2.0 into daily practice. Here are some ways to ensure a smooth assessment process:

•  Highlight how these guide your programming, planning, and daily practice. 

• Document the Changes: Maintain records of discussions, reflections, and policy updates related to the framework implementation.

• Showcase Educator Engagement: Encourage educators to share examples of how they apply new principles and practices in their programs.

• Use Learning Stories and Observations: Highlight how the updated learning outcomes shape children’s experiences through learning stories and assessments.

• Prepare for Questions from Assessors: Train your team to confidently explain how the revised frameworks guide planning, programming, and interactions.

• Demonstrate Critical Reflection: Use documented reflections and team discussions to show ongoing engagement with the framework.

• Incorporate Family and Community Input: Gather family feedback on how the updated learning framework supports their child’s development.

• Align Self-Assessment and QIP: Link your Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) to the revised learning outcomes, showing clear progress and improvements.

References + Further Reading

For more resources, visit the ACECQA website to access fact sheets, webinars, and downloadable materials.

Read More from the Educator's Notebook: The Early Years Edition:

• The New and Improved EYLF 2.0 + MTOP 2.0 - Sticks & Stones Education
• Practices of The EYLF 2.0 - Sticks & Stones Education
• Principles of The EYLF 2.0 - Sticks & Stones Education
• The Planning Cycle and the EYLF 2.0 - Sticks & Stones Education
• The Learning Outcomes of the EYLF 2.0 - Sticks & Stones Education
• EYLF V2.0 Learning Outcome 1 - Children Have A Strong Sense Of Identity - Sticks & Stones Education
• MORE TO COME ...