In term 3 2025, up to 250 teachers across government and non-government preschool sites in South Australia will have the opportunity to take part in a trial of the Early Years Assessment and Learning Tool (EYALT).

The EYALT is an observation-based formative assessment tool designed to support early childhood teachers in understanding and guiding children’s learning.

Developed by the University of Melbourne and already used in more than 1000 interstate services, the EYALT helps teachers assess children aged 3–5 across eight key developmental areas, supporting intentional teaching aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

The trial will:

• explore the suitability of the EYALT in South Australian contexts
• support observation-based assessment of children
• provide feedback to inform future planning and practice.

Participation in the trial will be voluntary and is part of the department’s broader early learning reform and aims to support responsive, intentional teaching practices in preschool settings.

To find out more, contact the Preschool Funding Team at education.preschoolfunding@sa.gov.au