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The Early Phase of Learning

Early childhood education in Queensland state schools is characterised by quality curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and reporting that responds to the capabilities of young children from Preparatory to Year 3.

Education Queensland is committed to providing children with learning experiences that engage young minds, promote positive dispositions to lifelong learning and ensure a continuity of learning experiences through the early years of schooling.

Early childhood communities include young children, parents, teachers, administrators, ancillary staff and other early education and care service providers in the community. Building strong partnerships within and between these groups will enhance Education Queensland's focus on maximising young children's early learning and development.

The Early Phase of Learning focuses on:

Early childhood policy development
Supporting and promoting diverse and responsive curriculum delivery in the early years of schooling, in liasion with the Queensland Studies Authority
Advocacy and support for early childhood education in schools and within Education Queensland's broader strategic directions
Fostering early childhood stakeholder relationships and partnerships

An Early Phase of Learning Action Plan (new window) 487k was published in September 2007. The development and implementation of the Early Phase of Learning Action Plan completes Education Queensland's suite of P-12 planning frameworks providing a clear vision for school accountability, local planning and teaching and learning pathways.

The Action Plan acknowledges the significant role State preschools played in defining early childhood philosophy and practice and in delivering quality early education programs across Queensland over the last thirty years and embraces the implementation of the Preparatory Year as a catalyst for refocusing on teaching and learning across the early phase P-3

The Early Phase of Learning Action Plan reinforces the need to view learning as a continuum spanning pre-preparatory through the Middle Years and beyond. The Action Plan requires reflection on curriculum and practice, review of procedures, a focus on shared beliefs and an emphasis on collaborative planning. It recognises the role of schools in leading the development and delivery of effective early education programs. Through the identified Action Areas, schools reflect on current practices, review existing processes and formulate strategies for implementing the systemic vision for the Early Phase of Learning.

For further information, please contact the Early Phase of Learning team.

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