Introduction to the Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool
The Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool (EYALT) is an online resource co-designed with early childhood teachers to help understand each child's unique strengths, interests, and abilities. Whether you're new or experienced, EYALT is a valuable tool for all early childhood professionals.
It helps by:
- documenting interactions to understand each child better
- showing how children progress in their learning over time
- integrating seamlessly with daily teaching practices
- generating evidence for informed discussions with school teachers
- improving observations and assessments for intentional teaching
- supporting continuity of learning during transitions to school.
Watch this video for an overview of the EYALT.
EYALT 2025 mid-year intake
Applications for new services to begin using the EYALT in 2025 are open from early July and close Friday 29 August 2025.
Services new to EYALT receive a support package, including:
- a flexible grant of $3,150 (excluding GST) to support activities required to implement and embed use of the EYALT in the early years planning cycle
- access to a range of EYALT specific professional learning events and resources
- dedicated practice support through Kindergarten Improvement Advisors in your department area
- written guidance and technical support, including instructional videos in the EYALT itself.
Services already approved to use EYALT are not eligible for this new grant round but are encouraged to continue to use the tool and related professional learning.
Please see professional learning for 2025 for the link to an up-to-date list of departmentally funded professional learning options on offer to EYALT users.
Funding guidelines
For more information on the support package, refer to the 2025 Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool funding guidelines:
January 2025 intake
- Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool funding guidelines (PDF, 141KB)(opens in a new window)
- Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool funding guidelines (DOCX, 85KB)(opens in a new window)
Mid year 2025 intake
- Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool funding guidelines - Midyear Intake (PDF, 131KB)
- Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool funding guidelines - Midyear Intake(DOCX, 61KB)
How EYALT works
The EYALT contains 8 modules aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the Victorian Curriculum. Each module focuses on different aspects of a child's development.
The 8 modules are:
- ‘Identity and community - social’ is about children communicating their wants and needs, playing alongside each other, and developing relationships.
- ‘Wellbeing - emotions’ is about children feeling good about themselves and expressing their emotions during play.
- ‘Learning dispositions’ is about how children might show curiosity, ask questions, or show perseverance.
- ‘Communication - interactions’ is about eye contact, gestures, and attention.
- ‘Communication - symbols and texts’ is about children recognising signs or text.
- ‘Learning and communication - numeracy’ is about numbers and maths concepts.
- ‘Wellbeing – movement’ is about children’s motor skill development.
- ‘Learning and identity - thinking skills’ is about children being curious and inquiring about their world.
In each module, educators respond to a series of questions which draw on the child’s existing knowledge. When complete, the EYALT generates a Learning Report showcasing the child's strengths and interests.
Watch this video to hear about a teacher’s real experiences with using EYALT.
How EYALT aligns with the VEYLDF
The EYALT is part of our $22 million effort to support quality practice. It enhances best practices following the VEYLDF Practice Principle: Assessment for Learning and Development.
The EYALT helps teachers and educators to consistently observe and assess children’s learning. It provides a clear and systematic way to understand children's abilities that supports them to teach with intention. This is key for planning and delivering quality kindergarten programs. It sets up every child for success in learning.
Importantly, the EYALT is not an interview or a test. It’s a tool that teaching teams can use to better understand each child’s strengths, interests, and abilities. This helps them plan what the child should learn about next. The tool uses observations of children and encourages reflection on the learning process.
Roll-out and development information
Read the report to learn more about the exciting next steps for the EYALT. Discover how it was developed with input from over 300 early childhood teachers and educators, drawing on data from 5,000+ child observations in 150+ services.
- Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool report (PDF, 8MB)(opens in a new window)
- Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool report (DOCX, 827KB)(opens in a new window)
The EYALT and the national Preschool Outcomes Measure
The Australian Government has recently released information about a new tool called the Preschool Outcomes Measure, including new national learning progressions.
States and territories may choose to try out the new national tool in future or use an existing tool, such as the EYALT. In Victoria, the EYALT remains the approved tool, and its use continues to be voluntary. The department expects in the future to align the EYALT to the national learning progressions as they are finalised.
Find about more about the Preschool Outcomes Measure.(opens in a new window)
Professional learning for 2025
This year's professional learning program builds on previous success and introduces tailored sessions to meet your needs. Highlights include:
- Introductory Sessions: Designed for educators and early childhood services new to EYALT, these new sessions provide foundational knowledge and practical guidance.
- Coaching Sessions: Access personalised coaching to refine your practice and integrate EYALT more effectively into your curriculum.
- Q&A Drop-In Sessions: Flexible, live support sessions for educators needing real-time guidance on EYALT implementation.
Register for the above sessions & explore the complete 2025 professional learning schedule.
Support for Professional Learning
All services registered to use EYALT are invited to attend. All sessions are online only, to make it easier to attend.
Please note that funding is only available to services new to EYALT in 2025. Please refer to the 2025 funding guidelines above.
Getting Started
- Register for Sessions: Early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. Details can be found at https://www.semannslattery.com/eyalt/
- EYALT support: EYALT guidance materials, including log-in guides, how to videos, technical guides and instructions, can be found under the ‘Guidance Materials’ tab within the EYALT platform. For additional EYALT support and queries services can contact the EYALT helpdesk at early.years.assessment@education.vic.gov.au
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