Curriculum Framework

Vision and Purpose

Early Years Learning and Development Framework at Neev advances all children's learning and development from birth to 6 years by supporting all early childhood professionals to work together and with families to achieve common outcomes for all children.

Children learn from birth and their learning & development at each stage of life forms the foundation for the next. During this period, children experience more rapid brain development and acquire more skills and knowledge than in any other period in their lives. By the time they enter the grade level school, children have already developed key communication, learning and thinking skills. They can form a strong sense of own identity, build and maintain relationships. These skills and knowledge are the foundation for learning at school, and for lifelong learning.

Neev Early Years Framework (NEYF) is visually presented as below. The three key elements- Learning Outcomes, Pillars of Practice and Principles form the core of our curriculum philosophy and the outer two circles form the Domains of Learning and the Methodology or approach of our learning and teaching practices.

Learning Outcomes

The four learning outcomes are broad statements that identify the skills, knowledge or dispositions that educators actively promote, in collaboration with children and families.

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

These outcomes can be used by educators to plan opportunities and experiences, and engage in interactions that support children progressing towards and achieving the outcomes. It is essential that the learning outcomes be embedded in practice, as this will provide us with rich and varied opportunities to support documentation of children's learning.

Pillars of Practice

The curriculum framework states eight Pillars of Practice, which describe the most effective ways for early childhood professionals to work together, with children & families to facilitate learning and development. These practices illustrate that educators draw on a wide range of strategies to support children's learning, recognising that children learn best when they are healthy, safe and secure, when their individual needs are met, and when they have positive relationships with the adults caring for them.

The Eight, Pillars of Practices are Sustained Shared Thinking for Social Construction of Learning, Joy of Learning, Communication, Ethical Orientation, Nurturing Well- being, Relationships, Play and Inquiry.

Principles

The five principles that reflect contemporary theories and research provides evidence concerning children's learning and early childhood pedagogy. The Principles underpin practice that is focused on assisting all children to make progress in relation to the Learning Outcomes.

They are - Global Citizenship, High Expectation, Social Responsibility and Equity, Cultural Heritage, Protection of Children

Developmental Domains

The Neev early childhood Curriculum motivates educators to consider a more in-depth view of children and the contexts in which they learn and make sense of the world around them.

The domains of learning and development are catered around Language Development, Cognitive Development, Mathematical Development, Creative Development, Personal Social and Emotional Development and Physical Development.

Each domain of learning has clearly defined objectives, which are progressive and are based on age appropriate milestones

The "traditional" domains of children's development (social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development) only provide part of the picture. What we do consider at Neev is the creative, aesthetic, and spiritual dimensions of experience.

It is important to keep in mind that all aspects of learning is interconnected, despite child development being categorised into separate domains. High-quality programs integrate all areas of development in a holistic manner, with no greater emphasis on one area over another.