Additional Resources

• Approved learning frameworks:
  • Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) - v2.0
    • Victoria: Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework
  • My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia - v2.0
• This article shows interesting indoor learning environments for children
• ACECQA’s information sheets provide useful information about compliant service operation, focusing on each quality area
• Here are a few examples of service policies and procedures related to natural environment:
  • Goolwa Children’s Centre’s (SA) Environmental Sustainability Policy
  • Little Rascals Childcare’s (QLD) Environmental Sustainability Policy
  • Trikkikidz Early Learning Group (VIC) Environmental Sustainability Policy
• Read ACECQA’s information sheet about setting up environments as the ‘third teacher'.
• This information sheet explores in-nature programs, the benefits of these programs and the practical things which need to be considered when planning and implementing in-nature programs.

Examples of how sustainability looks like in practice

• This video series explores three (3) different Australian early years services, each with incredible natural environments with inspiring nature-focused practices. These videos showcase how they embed their sustainable practices, explain the benefits, and show how they look in practice:
  • PART 1
  • PART 2
  • PART 3
• This video showcases an educator and some children picking vegetables from their veggie patch to make a salad to eat. This displays a great example of how relationships and interactions with children can support the development of respect for the environment, an understanding of how to care for the environment and an understanding of where food comes from.
• This video showcases Denmark’s forest kindergartens who are one of the country’s leading the way in programs based in natural outdoor environments. It provides a unique insight into their focus on in-nature programs and how it benefits children’s learning.