Early Learning Framework (ELF)

1. Early Learning Framework (ELF) In-service March 21, 2011

2. Early Learning Framework (ELF) is a (an): • Revision of the ‘Head Start Child Outcomes Framework’ of 2000 • Promotion of positive outcomes in early childhood. • Description of the developmental building blocks that are most important for a child’s school and long-term success. • Outline of the essential areas of development and learning to be used to establish school readiness goals for children, monitoring children’s progress and program planning.

3. Early Learning Framework (ELF) is a (an): • Reflection of the legislative mandates of the Improving School Readiness Act of 2007. • Reflection of current research in child development • Reflection of Head Start’s core values to promote all aspects of child development and learning.

4. Early Learning Framework (ELF) Expectations That all Head Start children should progress in all areas of child development and early learning outlined by the framework. Head Start programs are expected to develop and implement a program that ensures progress is made by every child.

5. Early Learning Framework (ELF) does NOT: • Provide specific benchmarks or levels of accomplishment for children to achieve in Head Start (It is recognized that the rate of progress and the form it takes depends on many factors that affect the individual child.) • Provide guidelines for infants and toddlers.

6. Comparison of Old & New Framework Old Child Outcomes • 8 Domains • 27 Domain Elements • 100 Indicators • New Early Learning Framework • 11 Domains • 37 Domain Elements • 100 Examples

7. Comparison of Old & New Framework Domains New Early Learning Framework Language Development Literacy Knowledge & Skills Mathematics Knowledge & Skills Science Knowledge & Skills Creative Arts Expression Social & Emotional Development Approaches to Learning Physical Development & Health Logic & Reasoning Social Studies Knowledge & Skills English Language Development Old Child Outcomes • Language Development • Literacy • Mathematics • Science • Creative Arts • Social & Emotional Development • Approaches to Learning • Physical Health & Development

8. Domain Elements • Domain elements more specifically define it components. • Children’s knowledge and skills with in a domain element will vary by age. • Within any age group, children will show variation in their abilities and skills. • Ex. A 4 year old child may be making letter-like forms and other 4 year olds may be writing their names.

9. Examples • Formerly known as Indicators • Examples are provided to give more information about the key knowledge, behaviors and/or skills within each domain and domain element. • Examples are NOT comprehensive. There may be other skills and behaviors that reflect domain element. • Examples are NOT to be used to assess the progress of the children on a specific domain element.

10. Early Learning Framework MUST • Be aligned with the school readiness and program goals. (This includes the state pre-kindergarten guidelines.) • Be aligned with the curricula. (Learning Systems) • Be aligned with assessments of children. • Be aligned with professional development activities. • Be used to support the child development and early learning of children with disabilities

11. Comments & Questions?