EYLF Principles & Practices Cheat Sheet

This guide distills the heart of the Early Years Learning Framework into clear, actionable reference points for educators. Grounded in evidence and everyday practice, it highlights the guiding principles and intentional actions that support every child’s learning, well-being, and sense of belonging. Whether used in planning, reflection, or team training, these prompts and insights help ensure that pedagogy is not just compliant but deeply connected, culturally responsive, and emotionally attuned.

EYLF Principles—What Guides Us

Principle	Quick Explanation	Keywords to Embed in Practice
Secure, Respectful & Reciprocal Relationships	Relationships are foundational for learning.	Trust Comfort • Collaboration • Respect • Attachment
Partnerships	Families, educators are central to children's learning.	Voice • Culture • Welcome • Co-create Share stories
Respect for Diversity	Culture, ability, language—all valued.	Acknowledge • Celebrate • Reflect • Affirm
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives	Respectfully integrating Indigenous worldviews, knowledges, cultural protocols, and community voices.	Respect for Country •Elders and community voice •Indigenous knowledges •Language revival
Equity, Inclusion and High Expectations	Creating learning environments where every child and educator is valued, supported, and expected to thrive	Anti-bias curriculum •High expectations for all •Diverse learner strengths
Sustainability	Fostering environmental, social, and economic sustainability through everyday practice and long-term thinking.	Eco-literacy •Nature pedagogy •Circular thinking •Resource stewardship •Sustainability embedded
Critical Reflection and Ongoing Professional Learning	Using intentional reflection to challenge assumptions, improve practice, and support professional growth over time.	Inquiry mindset •Theory-informed reflection •Bias awareness •Practice transformation •Collaborative inquiry
Collaborative Leadership and Teamwork	Leading with purpose, trust, and shared responsibility to elevate educator voice, strengthen relationships, and drive change.	•Feedback culture •Strengths-based teamwork •Co-leadership •Empowered educator voice

EYLF Practices—How We Work

Practice	Everyday Application	Embedded Prompts/Examples
Holistic, Integrated and Interconnected Approaches	See the child as a whole—mind, body, relationships.	“How did this activity support emotional AND social growth?”
Responsiveness to Children	Follow their interests, cues, and needs.	“I noticed Kai was fascinated with shadows—let’s explore light!”
Play-based Learning And Intentionality	Play is central, purposeful, and open-ended.	“How did this play evolve today?” • “Where did problem-solving emerge?”
Intentional Teaching	Be purposeful—ask questions, extend ideas, model thinking.	“Let’s try a prediction before we mix these paints…”
Learning Environments	Design flexible, rich spaces that invite exploration.	“What materials prompt curiosity and autonomy today?”
Cultural Responsiveness	Embed, respect, and reflect culture every day.	“Whose stories, songs, or rhythms are visible here?”
Continuity of Learning & Transitions	Support smooth shifts across settings or routines.	“Did this transition feel safe and empowering for the child?”
Assessment And Evaluation For Learning, Development and Wellbeing	Observe, document, interpret, and respond meaningfully.	“What does this moment tell us about their identity as a learner?”

Principles—Guiding Beliefs

Principle	Definition	Reflection Prompt
Secure, respectful & reciprocal relationships	Building trust, empathy, and genuine partnerships with children	How did I show respect and understanding today?
Partnerships	Engaging families as co-educators in learning journeys	What family insights did I invite or incorporate?
High expectations & equity	Supporting every child to reach their potential, free from bias	Did I challenge stereotypes and encourage each child’s growth?
Respect for diversity	Valuing each child’s identity, language, and culture	How did I celebrate individual backgrounds?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives	Respectfully centering First Nations cultures, histories, languages, and ways of knowing within learning environments and pedagogical practice.	How do our relationships with local Elders and communities inform our practice?
Equity, Inclusiveness, and High Standards	Ensuring every child, family, and educator feels valued, seen, and supported—while holding high expectations that affirm potential regardless of background, ability, or identity.	Are our environments physically, socially, and emotionally inclusive?
Sustainability	Embedding ecological, cultural, social, and economic sustainability across daily routines, long-term planning, and community connections.	How do children participate in caring for the environment and each other?
Critical Reflection and Ongoing Professional learning	Using reflective practice to confront assumptions, evolve pedagogy, and prioritize growth that is informed by theory, evidence, and lived experience.	What beliefs guide my teaching decisions—and are they still serving children and families today?
Collaborative Leadership and Teamwork	Cultivating shared responsibility, voice, and purpose among all team members to drive continuous improvement and deepen trust.	Are all voices—especially marginalised ones—actively listened to and acted on?

Practices—Effective Actions

Practice	What It Looks Like	Implementation Prompt
Holistic, Integrated and Interconnected Approaches	Addressing all aspects—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive	How did this activity support multiple areas of growth?
Responsiveness to children	Following children’s interests, cues, and emerging needs	How did I respond to a child’s curiosity or emotion?
Play-based Learning And Intentionality	Facilitating open-ended, child-led play experiences	What opportunities did I provide for exploration and problem-solving?
Learning environments	Designing rich, flexible spaces that invite investigation	How does today’s setup spark inquiry and independence?
Cultural Responsiveness	Integrating diverse cultures authentically in routines and resources	Whose stories, languages, or traditions are visible and honored?
Continuity of learning & transitions	Seamless shifts across routines and settings	How did I support confidence and predictability during transitions?
Assessment And Evaluation For Learning, Development and Wellbeing	Observing, documenting, and planning based on evidence	What did observations reveal and how will I plan next steps?