Early Learning Framework

Early Learning Framework (PDF, 1.15MB) (English)
Early Learning Framework (PDF, 1.34MB) (French)

The British Columbia Early Learning Framework describes the vision, pedagogical principles, and key areas of learning for children birth to five years (before school entry). The Framework was developed in partnership with the Ministries of Children and Family Development, Health, and Education.

The document was designed to be applicable to all early learning environments, including child care, StrongStart BC programs, and any other pre-school and early childhood development or child health program. The Framework helps programs build on their strengths and encourages in depth reflection on their practices and the development of children. Broadly speaking, the intended purposes of the Framework are to:

  • Support dialogue and reflection on the critical importance of development and learning of young children.
  • Serve as a tool for reflecting on and guiding early learning programs and activities.
  • Support discussion with and between families about their children’s early learning.
  • Guide professional development activities and investments.
  • Create a shared image of the child that can guide efforts to promote early learning at the local and provincial levels.

The Framework complements and builds on the BC Program Standards for Early Childhood Settings and the Child Care Licensing Regulations that requires child care facilities to provide a comprehensive program of activities that address all areas of child development.

Government partnered with three post-secondary institutions (the University of Victoria, Selkirk College, and Northern Lights College) to create and deliver professional development to implement the Framework. This training was provided by the British Columbia Early Learning Framework Implementation Project to various early years’ audiences, including early childhood educators (ECEs), staff in ECE training institutions, and other service providers. The companion document, “Understanding the British Columbia Early Learning Framework: From Theory to Practice”, was used to support training and the implementation of the Framework.

Although these training sessions are now complete there are still opportunities to receive training.  Field leaders and college instructors are available to offer professional development on the Framework. Field leaders are Early Childhood Educators with specialized training and a minimum of five years of experience working with young children. Communities or organizations that would like to organize training sessions on implementing the Framework can contact a field leader or college instructor (PDF, 183KB) in their region for further information. 

The Ministry in partnership with University of Victoria has made available professional development on the British Columbia Early Learning Framework via self-directed on-line training modules on the LearnNowBC website.  This new on-line format will ensure that the training is accessible and available to all early childhood educators across the province.

This on-line training is divided into six modules, which each take about 45-60 minutes to complete. Through the training website, educators also have the opportunity to join an on-line discussion forum to talk about the British Columbia Early Learning Framework with other educators. Licensed Early Childhood Educators who complete all modules are issued a certificate of completion that counts towards their professional development hours for recertification.

To access the British Columbia Early Learning Framework on-line modules, please visit the LearnNowBC BC.

Copies of the  British Columbia Early Learning Framework may be purchased from:
Crown Publications, Queen’s Printer for British Columbia.