Aranda Preschool
The Early Years Learning Framework at Aranda Preschool
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a guide for educators who work with children from birth to five years. The EYLF describes childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming.
- Belonging is the basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel that they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place.
- Being is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and children need time to just ‘be’ – time to play, try new things and have fun.
- Becoming is about the learning and development that young children experience. Children start to form their sense of identity from an early age, which then shapes the type of adult they will become.
At the Aranda Preschool, the preschool team will use the Framework in partnership with families - children’s first and most influential educators, to develop learning programs responsive to children’s ideas, interests, strengths and abilities. The EYLF recognises that play-based learning in an environment where they can develop secure relationships is vital for them to learn and develop.
Play is learning
Play is very important for children. Through play, young children explore and learn to understand the world around them as they communicate, discover, imagine and create. When children play, they are showing what they have learned and what they are trying to understand.This is why play is one of the foundations of the EYLF. By using this Framework, the team will guide your child’s play by carefully designing learning activities and stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Relationships are Key
It is well known that children learn best when they have secure relationships with caring adults. When children develop trusting relationships from a very early age, they feel more confident and able to explore and learn. In early childhood settings, when children feel emotionally secure, they learn through play to develop the skills and understandings that they need to interact positively with others and gradually learn to take responsibility.
How Will It Work
The Framework focuses on your child’s learning. The preschool team will work with you in order to get to know your child well. They will create a learning program that builds on your child’s interests and abilities, and keep you in touch with your child’s progress.
Through the Framework’s five learning goals, educators will assist you child to develop:
- A strong sense of their identity
- Connections with their world
- A strong sense of wellbeing
- Confidence and involvement in their learning
- Effective communication skills.
Watching Your Child’s Progress
Using the EYLF, the preschool team will observe your child’s learning so they can build on it and plan the next step. They will do this by listening, watching and talking to your child. They will keep in touch with you regularly to discuss your child’s progress. They may use photos or keep a folder of your child’s work to show what your child is learning, how they are developing and what particular learning interests them. Over the two semesters of preschool, the team will prepare information about your child’s learning and development to share with their primary school teacher. This will help ensure that your child’s primary school is well prepared to continue your child’s learning.
Working Together
By working together parents and educators can enhance a child’s learning and wellbeing. As the most important person in your child’s life, you can make a difference by speaking regularly with the team about your child’s progress.
Enrolling in Preschool
All ACT Government preschool enrolments open at the end of April and close in early June. For specific dates and more information, please visit the ACT Education Directorate's Enrolling in a Public School page.
Priority will be given to families who reside in Aranda, followed by the siblings of currently enrolled families, followed by new families from Cook. Those new families from Cook who cannot be offered a place at Aranda Primary School will be directed to other schools in their placement area.
As has been our policy for a number of years, we will not be considering applications from outside these suburbs. For more information about our enrolment policies and to access the new Directorate online enrolment form, please refer to our Enrolments webpage.