Community
The concept of community is a prominent theme in Australian early childhood education and The EYLF. Early childhood educators can help children access people and places within their community, learn about their local area, and develop a sense of belonging.
Communities are places to live, explore, learn and socialise. Each one is unique and there is a great difference between communities in cities and rural areas.
Children will have varying knowledge about their local area, depending on how long they have lived there and the level of their family's community participation.
The benefits of community
The benefits of community include:
- sense of belonging
- sense of community
- social development.
NQS
Community aligns with the National Quality Standards:
- Curriculum decision-making contributes to each child’s learning and development outcomes in relation to their connection with community (1.1.1).
- The service builds relationships and engages with its community (6.2.3).
EYLF learning outcomes
Community aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework as it involves communities (2.1).
The Early Years Learning Framework discusses community:
"From birth children experience living and learning with others in a range of communities. These might include families, local communities or early childhood settings."
Learning opportunities
Learn about components
Children can learn that big things are made up of little things. Each component makes its own contribution. Explore the different components of community.
- community members
- community places
- community services.