Dear Kindaburra Parents and Families,

In 2009 the Department of Education introduced Australia’s first National framework regarding early childhood education in prior to school settings. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) provides educators with ‘principles’ and ‘practices’ that guide them to support children in achieving desired learning outcomes. As our half-yearly assessments and meetings are drawing to a close we wanted to discuss how the educators at Kindaburra view ‘Assessment for learning’ as more than just a process to meet the requirements of these National regulations and standards. Here at the Centre we aim to use assessment to open up lines of communication with our families and work in partnership to cater a program that best suits your child’s needs. We hope that this post answers any concerns that have been raised regarding this issue.

What is assessment for learning?

When families first encounter the term ‘assessment’ in an early childhood setting it is understandable that they question its use and worry about the pressure it places on their child. EYLF has taken a positive approach to ‘assessment for learning’ as they see it as a cycle of ongoing “planning, documenting and evaluating children’s learning. The EYLF considers assessment as a way for educators to observe what the children already know and to plan experiences that extend this knowledge. For families, the assessment process allows them to add their own thoughts, ideas and direction to their child’s learning and development Families now have access to evidence of their child’s growing body of knowledge and skills and likewise they can see if there are areas that require more focus. For Kindaburra educators, it can help us evaluate the programs we offer by ensuring that the environments we design, and the experiences we plan are relevant and challenging to the children. As early childhood education is complex and dynamic, it requires educators to thoughtfully reflect on their practices and engage in current research, so that they are able to deliver experiences that are most beneficial to your child’s development.

When does the assessment process begin?

Here at Kindaburra Children’s Centre we appreciate that each child and family brings with them a variety of diverse cultures, experiences and skills. For this reason, we strive to gather as much information as we can to ensure that our program is relevant to each child and caters for their individual development.

We see assessment as an ongoing cycle that begins as early as the orientation and playdate process. You may remember filling in several different forms during your family’s orientation visit. These forms are used by the educators to gauge your family’s expectations of the service, gather some brief background information, familiarise ourselves with your child’s interests, friendships, likes and dislikes alongside considering any “unique knowledge” your family wishes to share.

By gathering this information, the educators begin to assess the individual needs of each child which will not only help your child’s transition into Kindaburra Children’s Centre but also ensure that they are on the path to success that best suits them.

The assessment process doesn’t stop there— it is a part of our everyday practice, and it takes place through our observations of the children throughout the day, and whilst they are engaging in play-based experiences.

Why do we use assessment for learning?

The assessment process is used for a variety of reasons. Through careful assessment our educators can consider each child’s needs before planning meaningful and challenging experiences that not only benefit them in the here and now but also sets them up for future learning.

Kindaburra educators use assessment to document and communicate your child’s progress and learning so that we can work in partnerships with our families to benefit your child.  We appreciate that our families provide a different viewpoint that will help us construct a more meaningful program that is inclusive of the child’s needs and culture. Through ongoing assessment the success of each program is evaluated and any changes that need to be made to support further development are implemented. This careful assessment helps the educator determine when it is time to alter learning environments and extend experiences to encourage and support the children and challenge their capabilities.

As educators we are mindful of the skills the children require to help them transition through the older classes. By observing and assessing their current skill level we are able to introduce experiences that extend on what the children know and give them confidence in their own abilities. Giving the children time to practice and master these skills gradually allows for them to recognize and celebrate their own achievements as they are working towards their goals.

How do we gather information and assess for learning?

Here at Kindaburra, educatorsuse a variety of means to gather information including learning stories, jottings, pictures, running records, recordings, transcripts and observation notes. We encourage the children, family members and our colleagues to contribute to this process so we can consider all learning opportunities and to provide a comprehensive view of the child’s progress.

When all the evidence is gathered and documented we pair this information with our professional knowledge and research on current practices to interpret our findings and assess what the child has learnt. Our goal is to support the child’s future learning by thoughtfully setting goals, designing learning environments and through using an array of different teaching techniques to support and extend the child’s knowledge through play. The assessment process is used to remind us as educators to slow down and really look and listen to each child. It’s not just the big achievements we wish to celebrate but all the little ones as well.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any further questions regarding assessment and your child please do not hesitate to ask.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Is assessment for learning used to rank my child against another?

No assessment for learning is used to document the distance your child has travelled and to celebrate their achievements, even the small ones.

Do you use formal testing to assess my child?

No, we use an observational approach, as we try and gain a deeper understanding of what the children are actually learning. We are concerned about the process and their level of enjoyment, not just the outcome.