Early Learning Framework

The PEI Early Learning Framework (31.1 Mb) builds on the province’s Vision for Children which states:

Children in PEI are healthy and happy, curious and creative, playful and joyous. They are loved and respected, and are safe and secure in their families, homes and communities. Children are our collective responsibility. They are valued for who they are today, and as the future parents and leaders of tomorrow.

The Early Learning Framework assists early childhood educators to facilitate children’s learning through daily activities.  It supports and promotes each child’s well-being and holistic development – language, cognitive, emotional, creative, and physical.

On PEI, it is mandatory for provincially designated Early Years Centres to use the Early Learning Framework.

How does the Early Learning Framework benefit my child?

Early Years Centres use the Early Learning Framework to help respond to the unique nature of the children, families and community that makes up the population of each Early Years Centre.

The Early Learning Framework assists early childhood educators to frame your child’s learning around four broad goals:

• Well-Being
• Exploration and discovery
• Expression and communication
• Social and personal responsibility

Learning through Play

Play is the basis for children’s learning.  Play is enjoyable, spontaneous and active.  Play allows children to explore and learn from the environment around them.  Play supports children to learn such things as to how to make friends, communicate with others, express themselves, solve problems, and develop language and other cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills.  Play helps children to gain confidence and helps them learn to control their emotions in social environments.

• Through play children make sense of the world around them.
• Through play children expand their social and cultural understandings.
• Through play children’s brain and motor development is enhanced.