Quality early learning programs incorporate the following principles into their daily practice.

Children as Competent Learners
• appreciate that children are active learners, drawing on their experiences to construct their own understandings of the world
• accept that children are competent co-learners with educators and learn best when their ideas are valued, their physical needs are met and they feel psychologically secure
• acknowledge that children demonstrate their various ways of knowing, doing and learning through their multiple ways of communicating

Holistic Development and Learning
• integrate the domains of social-emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual development into learning experiences
• base practice in early childhood education on current knowledge and research about child development and learning
• recognize that individual children develop at different rates
• support children’s development with opportunities to advance children’s growth beyond their current level of knowledge, skills,interests, attitudes and abilities

Strong Positive Relationships
• respect the dignity, worth and uniqueness of children in the context of family, culture and society
• partner with children, families and community in program planning

Stimulating and Dynamic Environments
• facilitate and guide play, exploration and discovery as important processes in enhancing children’s holistic development
• promote the holistic nature of children’s learning in an environment that stimulates exploration, curiosity and interactions with others
• encourage children’s independence, responsibility and participation in the learning environment, family and community

These principles reflect a holistic approach to children’s development and learning. They provide a foundation, set the direction for the early learning program.