Early Years Education Glossary

Children's use of simple drawings, shapes, or marks to represent objects, ideas, or events.

The period of education that encompasses the years from birth to five years old, focusing on the foundational learning and development of babies and young children. 

Ensuring fair access to quality education for all children, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. 

A curriculum that emerges from the interests, experiences, and questions from the children, rather than being strictly predetermined. This allows learning experiences to evolve naturally based on children's interests, questions, and curiosity. 

The early stages of reading and writing development, including pre-reading and pre-writing skills. 

The capacity to recognise, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as perceive and respond to the emotions of others. 

Text found in the child's environment, such as signs, labels, and logos, that help develop early literacy skills. 

Cognitive processes that include skills such as attention, working memory, self-control, and flexible thinking, supporting children to set goals, plan and organise themselves so that tasks are achieved.  

Allowing children to freely explore materials and environments to satisfy their curiosity and stimulate creativity.