Early Years Development Framework

Early Years Development Framework
(EYDF) 2023

Click here to download EYDF 2023

The Early Years Development Framework (EYDF) guides early childhood educators working with children from birth to three years in centre-based childcare settings. It sets a clear direction for educators to support our children’s learning and development by adopting key guiding principles and developmentally appropriate practices. EYDF has been revised to be more child-centric, with a continued emphasis on holistic development and positive outcomes for children in the early years.

EYDF 2023 gives greater prominence to four areas of development, namely cognitive, communication and language, physical, and social and emotional. Developmental goals for infants and toddlers are provided to serve as a reference in designing the learning environment and planning developmentally appropriate learning experiences. EYDF 2023 also outlines five principles, encapsulated in the acronym C.H.I.L.D, to guide educators in the implementation of meaningful experiences and influence the way they interact with children.

The EYDF 2023 (Chinese Language) will be available in April 2025.

The Early Years Development Framework
(EYDF) Educators’ Guide

(Click here to download EYDF EG Vol.1)

(Click here to download EYDF EG Vol. 2)

(Click here to download EYDF EG Vol.3)

The Early Years Development Framework (EYDF) Educators' Guide complements the EYDF 2023, providing educators with practical guidance on implementing the Framework’s key concepts.

The Guide comprises three volumes that aim to demonstrate how educators can - apply the C.H.I.L.D. principles to inform programme development and pedagogical decisions, carry out the four roles in alignment with these principles, and facilitate learning experiences that build on children’s growing interests and competencies across the four areas of development.

To enhance practical application, the Guide incorporates locally sourced examples, scenarios, and case studies, enabling educators to connect the concepts with their daily interactions and practices. Reflective exercises within the Guide prompt educators to evaluate and improve their current practices, while serving as discussion points between educators and centre leaders. Each volume also concludes with a narrative from either an educator’s or child’s perspective, bringing the explored concepts to life through authentic contexts.

These enhancements aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth among early childhood educators, ultimately benefitting the children in their care.

For feedback and enquiries regarding the EYDF and its Educators’ Guide, please email: EarlyYears@ecda.gov.sg