C&K Learning Approach

C&K Curriculum, The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) & Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines (QKLG)

Listening and Learning Together: C&K Curriculum Approach

In 2019, after extensive research, community consultation with leading early childhood practitioners, key stakeholders, parents and children, the first edition of Listening and Learning Together: C&K Curriculum Approach, was published.

Early childhood curriculum has been crafted by C&K educators with and alongside children, families and communities for over 110 years. Curriculum in C&K early childhood centres is shaped by a strong set of shared values, commitments and visions that honour children. A distinguishing feature of curriculum in C&K centres is the way that educators skilfully partner with children and families to create caring and vibrant learning communities. The purpose of the Listening and Learning Together: C&K Curriculum Approach is to set out the values, commitments and visions for children’s learning that underpin curriculum in C&K centres and to support educators’ to bring these to life in ways that realise the expectations described in The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF), and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines (QKLG).

The five learning outcomes in the C&K Approach (Belonging, Connecting, Wellbeing, Exploring, Communicating) align with the EYLF & QKLG and are framed as active and ongoing. The learning outcomes are inter-connected and support the learning and development of all children from birth through to school transition. The C&K Approach takes a holistic view of children’s learning and development and focuses on supporting each child’s learning across all learning and development outcomes and not limiting opportunities and experiences simply based on age alone. The C&K Approach respects and celebrates babies and toddlers as powerful learners, thinkers and theorisers and active citizens who thrive when skilled educators take time to build secure relationships, create responsive learning environments and plan engaging learning opportunities.

The C&K Approach compliments the learning descriptors detailed in the EYLF and QKLG by outlining teaching strategies and reflective questions that support educators’ meaningful documentation of children’s learning, professional judgements and decision-making.

Belonging, Being & Becoming – the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia

Belonging, Being & Becoming – the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) is the national framework for early childhood education and care. This document provides the foundation for future success in learning for Australian children. The Early years Learning Framework is part of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) reform agenda for early childhood education and care and is a key component of the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care.

The EYLF has five key learning outcomes to assist in and guide curriculum decision-making and assessment to promote each child’s learning:

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

Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines (QKLG)

The QKLG supports kindergarten teachers’ professional practice in a range of contexts across Queensland. It adopts the vision of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) that ‘all children experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life’.

The QKLG provides specificity for children’s learning across the year before starting school, recognising that children bring with them diverse identities and backgrounds. It acknowledges that parents/carers are children’s first teachers and values the vital role families play in children’s lives and their ongoing learning. The term ‘families’ is used throughout the guideline to recognise the range of people who take on parenting roles.

The QKLG provides a framework aligned to the EYLF and is designed to support teachers to plan and implement quality teaching and learning. Resources that support quality teaching and learning in a kindergarten program can be accessed on the QCAA website.

The QKLG describes a set of five learning and development areas (Identity, Connectedness, Wellbeing, Active Leaning, Communicating) that align to the five broad learning outcomes identified in the EYLF and the C&K Approach.

At KWK, Listening and Learning Together: C&K Curriculum Approach,  the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) and the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines (QKLG), along with contemporary international early childhood research and practice, inform our teaching practices, planning and curriculum decision making.