(EYLF) Evaluation

Evaluation practices involve educators’ critical reflection on the effectiveness of their planning and implementation of curriculum for children’s learning as part of the planning cycle, both for and with children. Evaluation practices can also involve gathering feedback from families. Evaluation focuses on improving aspects of practice to amplify children’s learning, such as learning, teaching and assessment strategies, the environment, use of resources or time. Educators’ evaluations and critical reflection can be undertaken through strategies including review and discussion with colleagues, watching others practice, coaching and mentoring and professional journalling. 

Educators critically reflect when they pose questions about new ways of thinking and doing in their evaluations, such as: ‘How effective, meaningful, and relevant was the planned program?’; ‘What difference did we make, and for whom?’ They critically reflect on their own views and understandings of theories, worldviews, evidence-based research, and practice to focus on: 

• the experiences, resources, strategies and environments they provide and how these link to the intended Learning Outcomes 
• the effectiveness of learning opportunities, environments and experiences offered, and the approaches taken to enable children’s learning 
• the extent to which they know and value the culturally specific knowledge about children and learning that is embedded within the community in which they are working 
• each child’s learning in the context of their families and children’s funds of knowledge so that the learning opportunities and experiences offered build on what children already know and bring to the early childhood setting 
• questioning assumptions and unacknowledged biases about children’s learning and expectations for children 
• incorporating pedagogical practices that reflect knowledge of diverse perspectives and contribute to children’s wellbeing and successful learning and is inclusive and appropriate for each child or small groups of children. 

Evaluation enables educators in early childhood settings to review how well they are doing, learn from their experience, identify gaps and priorities. Educators consider how they could build on successes and take action to improve their practices