Quality Start Louisiana

Child Care Providers

You've given them the sun and the moon. Now give them the stars.

Environment Rating Scales Criteria

Roadmap to Success: The Environment Rating Scales

Significant improvements have been made to two of the child care industry’s most important quality rating systems. These changes will result in a higher level of attention being focused on vital areas of child care, such as interaction in the child care environment, curriculum and cultural factors. These improvements will also address the growing influence of computers and video in child care, as well as free play and group play activities. As always, the goal is to provide the best environment for the children in your care.

Important Changes to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale

The revised Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS-R) is designed to assess group programs for children of preschool through kindergarten age – ages 2½ through 5. It includes significant new additions in the areas of curriculum, cultural sensitivity, health & safety, and interaction between staff and children as well as child-to-child interaction.

[expand]Overview of the Subscales and Items of the ECERS-R - 43
Items organized into 7 Subscales

[close]

Space and Furnishings

Indoor space
Furniture for routine care, play and learning
Furnishings for relaxation and comfort
Room arrangement for play
Space for privacy
Child-related display
Space for gross motor play
Gross motor equipment

Personal Care Routines

Greeting/departing
Meals/snacks
Nap/rest
Toileting/diapering
Health practices
Safety practices

Language-Reasoning

Books and pictures
Encouraging children to communicate
Using language to develop reasoning skills
Informal use of language

Activities

Fine motor
Art
Music/movement
Blocks
Sand/water
Dramatic play
Nature/science
Math/number
Use of TV, video, and/or computers
Promoting acceptance of diversity

Interaction

Supervision of gross motor activities
General supervision of children (other than gross motor)
Discipline
Staff-child interactions
Interactions among children

Program Structure

Schedule
Free play
Group time
Provisions for children with disabilities

Parents and Staff

Provisions for parents
Provisions for personal needs of staff
Provisions for professional needs of staff
Staff interaction and cooperation
Supervision and evaluation of staff
Opportunities for professional growth

Important Changes to the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale

The revised Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS-R) is designed to assess center-based child care programs for infants and toddlers up to 30 months of age. It includes significant new additions in the areas of curriculum, language/communication skills, the use of TV, video and computers, as well as the concepts of free play and group play activities. It also includes new subscales on cultural sensitivity, health & safety, and professional needs of staff.

[expand]Overview of the Subscales and Items of the ITERS-R - 39
Items organized into 7 Subscales