[Female voice] Victoria’s Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool is an evidence-based tool designed to support all children in funded 3 and 4 year old kindergarten programs to have the best start in life. The tool has been developed to enable best practice in Assessment for Learning and Development. To better understand children’s learning and plan for next steps.
It’s inclusive. Supports play-based learning. A tool for all children.
For teaching teams, the tool uses their observations made about children in a meaningful way. It uses focused observations of children to identify the suitable next steps to deliver targeted, intentional teaching. The tool offers structure for critical reflection, helping teachers plan and deliver high quality programs. It’s also a great basis for discussions with families and other early childhood professionals, as it provides clear and consistent information to populate Transition Learning and Development Statements.
For children, the tool is about having their strengths and interests identified, and the progress in their learning celebrated.
And for services, the tool may be used to complement existing practices and assist in meeting or exceeding Standard 1.3, Assessment and Planning, under the National Quality Standard.
So how does it work?
The tool is strengths-based, skill referenced and not a test.
Teaching teams document observations based on their interactions with each child and the tool shows an individual’s learning progression.
The tool is dynamic and formative, designed to track learning growth over time, and has been co-designed with early childhood teachers to support everyday practice through the Early Years Planning Cycle.
It draws on a child’s authentic learning experiences, supports learner agency, and provides teaching and learning strategies aligned to the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
There are 8 learning and developmental domains in the tool.
Communication- Symbols and Texts, about children recognising signs or text
Communication - Interactions which includes eye contact, gestures, and attention.
Identity and Community – Social, is about children communicating their wants and needs, playing alongside each other and developing relationships.
Learning Dispositions is about how children might show curiosity, ask questions, or show perseverance.
Learning and Communication - Numeracy is about numbers and maths concepts.
Learning and Identity - Thinking Skills is about children being curious and inquiring about their world.
Wellbeing - Emotions is about children feeling good about themselves and expressing their emotions during play.
And Wellbeing - Movement is about children’s motor skill development.
Once the assessment has been completed online, a Learning Report is generated that summarises a child’s skills and abilities and what the child might be expected to learn next.
Setting everyone up, for success.
The Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool. Part of the Victorian Government’s $22 million commitment to quality practice.
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