Summary: The Early Years Learning Framework

Teacher’s actions within the classroom are influenced from formal curriculum documents or around educational frameworks. Teachers follow these forms of curricula as the ‘correct way’ of doing things however what impact does this framework have on gender equality and diversity.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a framework of principles, practices and outcomes in which educators can use to build their curriculum (DEEWR, 2010, p. 3). The principles of the EYLF reflect contemporary theories and research about children’s education and early childhood pedagogy. These principles underpin the practices that are focused on assisting all children in their progression of their learning outcomes (DEEWR, 2009, p. 12). According to the principle

five in the EYLF, teacher’s theories and philosophies shape their understanding about children and their learning (DEEWR, 2009, p. 13). We take the assumption that all teachers have a balanced approach to theoretical perspectives however the reality could be quite wrong such as taking only one view or stand about gender such as gender is biological determined or the sponge theory model of gender formation identity which believes the environment and interactions with children is the way to challenge gender construction without taking into account the abundance of information children receive and the several sources this information derives from (MacNaughton, 200, p. 19, 20).

Teacher’s interpretations of this framework may also vary depending on their views, beliefs and attitudes toward equality and diversity. Outcome 1.1. i) Children confidently explore and engage with social and physical environments through relationships and play (DEEWR, 2009, p. 21). Some teachers may only interpret this as children are confident to explore their environments through motor development skills and awareness. Another teacher may interpret this and relate gender equality to this outcome ensuring children are confidently exploring all aspects of their environment regardless of gender through play and through the relationships they build with others. As this framework is about the teachers building a curriculum from the children’s learning, an important aspect of this requires equality and diversity to be an important belief and value of all teachers enabling a fair, unbiased, safe and welcoming environment for children.