The Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five (ELOF) presents five broad areas of early learning, referred to as central domains. The framework is designed to show the continuum of learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is grounded in comprehensive research around what young children should know and be able to do during their early years. To explore the ELOF, as well as resources within each of the central domains, check out the Interactive Framework.

There’s the ELOF for That is a short and fun video that can help Head Start leaders and others share information about how program staff can use the ELOF in their work with children and families.

The Head Start Program Performance Standards require grantees to implement program and teaching practices that are aligned with the ELOF. Education managers can use the ELOF Implementation Toolkit to guide the alignment process and help their programs strengthen practices to promote children’s development in all ELOF domains.

Teaching staff and home visitors can find resources to help them implement effective teaching practices in support of children’s development across the ELOF domains. The ELOF Effective Practice Guides provide information about domain-specific teaching practices that support children’s progression within the ELOF developmental domains. The guides describe teaching practices, show practices in early learning settings (including home-based), and offer a framework for reflection on and improvement of effective teaching practices.

Last Updated: November 14, 2024