A “Look-For” guide is a practical tool used by educational leaders and mentors to identify and reflect on key indicators of quality practice during observations, walkthroughs, or self-assessments. Think of it as a lens—it helps you focus on what matters most in a learning environment.
What It Does
- Clarifies expectations: Outlines what effective teaching and learning look like in action.
- Supports consistency: Ensures all observers are aligned when assessing practice.
- Promotes reflection: Encourages educators to self-assess and grow.
- Links to frameworks: Often aligned with EYLF outcomes, NQS elements, or service philosophy.
How You Might Use It
- During learning walks to gather insights and celebrate strengths
- As a coaching tool to guide feedback conversations
- For self-reflection—educators can use it to assess their own practice
- To inform professional development planning
Examples of EYLF-Aligned "Look For" Observation Guide
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Look For:
- Children confidently engaging in play and routines with a sense of belonging
- Educators using children’s names respectfully and acknowledging their choices
- Warm, trusting relationships between educators and children
- Celebrations of culture, family voice, and individual uniqueness in displays or interactions
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Look For:
- Group experiences that promote cooperation, fairness, and empathy
- Diverse cultural materials, books, and provocations accessible to children
- Opportunities for children to care for their environment and others
- Family contributions woven into learning environments or storytelling
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Look For:
- Calm, welcoming learning spaces with access to restful areas
- Children engaging in risk-taking supported by attentive supervision
- Intentional conversations around emotions, resilience, and self-regulation
- Healthy routines (e.g. nutrition, hygiene) modelled and embedded in play
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Look For:
- Children engaged in open-ended materials, STEAM provocations, and problem-solving
- Educators scaffolding thinking with “I wonder…” questions and active listening
- Use of technology (like Appsessment) to meaningfully document learning journeys
- Evidence of persistence, curiosity, and experimentation
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
Look For:
- A print-rich environment with visual aids in multiple languages
- Children exploring creative expression through music, storytelling, and visual arts
- Active conversations between children and educators, using open-ended language
- Documentation that reflects children’s voices, theories, and narratives
How To Refelct On "Look For" Guides
Reflecting on Look-For guides is where the real growth happens—it’s how you move from simply noticing practice to deepening it. Here’s a practical and empowering approach you can use as an educational leader:
How to Reflect on Look-For Guides
1. Start with Observation, Not Judgment
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Use the checklist as a lens, not a scorecard.
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Ask: What did I notice? What surprised me? What patterns emerged?
Example: “I noticed educators consistently used open-ended questions, but spontaneous teachable moments were often missed.”
Use a Reflective Framework
Try a model like DIEP (Describe, Interpret, Evaluate, Plan):
| Step | Prompt Example |
|---|---|
| Describe | What did I observe in relation to the Look-For guide? |
| Interpret | Why might this be happening? What influences this practice? |
| Evaluate | What’s working well? What could be improved? |
| Plan | What support, resources, or conversations could help move practice forward? |
3. Involve Educators in the Reflection
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Share patterns from the Look-For guide in team meetings.
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Use prompts like:
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“What do you think this tells us about our practice?”
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“How does this align with our philosophy and the EYLF?”
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4. Link to Compliance & Quality Improvement
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Cross-reference with NQS elements or policy goals.
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Ask: Are we embedding our policies (e.g. photo use, supervision) in daily practice?
5. Document the Reflection
- Use, a shared journal, or a visual wall to track:
- What was observed
- What was discussed
- What actions were taken
6. Celebrate & Act
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Highlight strengths: “We’re seeing strong cultural responsiveness in displays.”
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Set one small, actionable goal: “Let’s trial a ‘teachable moment’ tracker next week.”
Further Reading
How Educators Promote EYLF Outcomes 2.0
How Children Achieve EYLF Learning Outcomes Version 2.0
How To Write A Critical Reflection In Early Childhood
Q: How Do I Write Reflections That Inspire and Meaningful
Q: How Can Educators Make Reflections Meaningful?
Q: How Can I Create My Own Critical Reflections?
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