Hundreds of additional kindergarten staff will be provided with an online observation-based tool to support a consistent understanding and assessment of children’s strengths and abilities, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced the 2024 list of 263 early childhood services that will have access to the Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool (EYALT). The successful services will be invited to participate in professional learning for the EYALT from Term 1, 2024.

The EYALT an online observation-based tool that supports assessment of children’s strengths, interests and abilities – helping our littlest Victorians gain confidence in their own learning.

2023 was the first year of the program, with over 700 services running funded Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs across gaining access to the new system to help children get the best start in life.

For services, the EYALT will assist in the delivery of intentional and targeted teaching in a meaningful way. It offers structure for critical reflection, helping teachers to plan and deliver high quality kindergarten programs.

For children, it’s about celebrating their learning journey, while keeping their interests, unique needs, and strengths top of mind.

This forms part of the Government’s $22 million investment over four years to support early childhood teaching teams to plan and deliver quality education programs in Three and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten.

Early education has profound lifelong impacts on a child’s development, and providing kindergarten teaching teams with this tool is another way to support each child to get the best opportunities in life.

The Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool is part of the Labor Government’s $14 billion generational Best Start, Best Life reforms to early years education in Victoria – supporting every child to reach their full potential.