Environment Rating Scales

About the ECERS-3

Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Third Edition

The ECERS-3 is used in classrooms with children aged 3-5 years. This 3rd edition rating scale is based entirely on a 3-hour observation. The ECERS-3 includes considerations for the many ways in which the child care environment, including the physical classroom and materials, personal care routines, teachers’ interactions, and the program’s structure support children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development, as well as their health and safety.

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ECERS-3 resources

document icon  ECERS-3 Materials list
This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.
document icon  Getting to know the ECERS-3
document icon  Getting to Know the ECERS-3 (Spanish Version)
document icon  NC Additional Notes ECERS-3 (11-5-24)
These are the current NC Additional Notes for the ECERS-3 used by NCRLAP assessors.
document icon  Thinking More about Activities ECERS-3
document icon  Thinking More about Interaction ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about positive practices for interactions based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Language and Literacy ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about language for learning, as well as, the use of books and other literacy-related details based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Personal Care Routintes ECERS-3
document icon  Thinking More about Program Structure ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about program structure including transitions, free play and group times based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Space and Furnishings ECERS-3
This worksheet can be used to answer questions and document information about space and furnishings based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
More....

About the Environment Rating Scales

Environment Rating Scales

Click the link above for general information about the Environment Ratings Scales and for resources that to all rating scales.

Click a rating scale below for information and resources that apply to the selected rating scale.

Child Care Program/Public School

Family Child Care Home

Important resources for all rating scale assessments

document icon  ECERS-3 Materials list
This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.
document icon  FCCERS-3 Materials list
document icon  Getting to know the ECERS-3
document icon  Getting to Know the ECERS-3 (Spanish Version)
document icon  Getting to know the FCCERS-3
This document provides basic information about how the FCCERS-3 builds on but also differs from the FCCERS-R. General points and a few details for each subscale are mentioned, along with some ideas to promote reflective thinking.
document icon  Getting to Know the FCCERS-3 (Spanish Version)
document icon  Getting to know the ITERS-3
document icon  Getting to Know the ITERS-3 (Spanish Version)
document icon  ITERS-3 Materials list
document icon  Language for learning: Schoolagers (video)
This video focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving schoolagers. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale.
document icon  NC Additional Notes ECERS-3 (11-5-24)
These are the current NC Additional Notes for the ECERS-3 used by NCRLAP assessors.
document icon  NC Additional Notes FCCERS-3 (11-5-24)
These are the current NC Additional Notes for the FCCERS-3 used by NCRLAP assessors.
document icon  NC Additional Notes ITERS-3 (11-5-24)
These are the current NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-3 used by NCRLAP assessors.
document icon  NC Additional Notes SACERS-U (updated 10-25-23)
These are the current NC Additional Notes for the SACERS-U used by NCRLAP assessors.
document icon  SACERS-U Important Program Policies and Procedures
This document includes information about SACERS-U policies and procedures important for school-age staff.
document icon  SACERS-U Promoting Engagement
This document includes details and reminders for items related to various learning materials, areas, and activities included in the SACERS-U.
document icon  Thinking More about Activities ECERS-3
document icon  Thinking More about Activities FCCERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Activities ITERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More About Activities SACERS-U
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on SACERS-U items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More About Health and Safety SACERS-U
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about personal care routines, health, and safety based on SACERS-U items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Interaction ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about positive practices for interactions based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Interaction FCCERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about positive practices for interactions based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Interaction ITERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about positive practices for interactions based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Language and Books FCCERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about various types of language, as well as, the use of books based on FCCERS-R items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Language and Books ITERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about various types of language, as well as, the use of books based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More About Language and Interactions SACERS-U
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about language for learning and positive interactions based on SACERS-U items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Language and Literacy ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about language for learning, as well as, the use of books and other literacy-related details based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Personal Care Routintes ECERS-3
document icon  Thinking More about Personal Care Routintes FCCERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about personal care routines, health, and safety based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Personal Care Routintes ITERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about personal care routines, health, and safety based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Program Structure ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about program structure including transitions, free play and group times based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Program Structure FCCERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about program structure including transitions, free play and group times based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Program Structure ITERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about program structure including transitions, free play, and group activities based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More About Program Structure SACERS-U
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about program structure including aspects of the daily schedule, free play and group times, and provisions for children with disabilities based on SACERS-U items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Space and Furnishings ECERS-3
This worksheet can be used to answer questions and document information about space and furnishings based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Space and Furnishings FCCERS-3
This worksheet can be used to answer questions and document information about space and furnishings based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More about Space and Furnishings ITERS-3
This worksheet can be used to answer questions and document information about space and furnishings based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
document icon  Thinking More About Space and Furnishings SACERS-U
This worksheet can be used to answer questions and document information about space and furnishings based on SACERS-U items and indicators.

More....
document icon  FAQs: Observations Using the 3s
document icon  FAQs: Outdoor Environments and the Third Editions
document icon  FAQs: The Transition to the 3s
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: 5 Key points for NC FCCH Self Study Process
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: 5 Key points for NC FCCH Self Study Process Spanish Version
Este documento proporciona recordatorios importantes sobre los requisitos específicos para el proceso de autoestudio como parte de la licencia Star Rated de Carolina del Norte.
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: Bringing Self-Study Into Focus
Video about thinking more closely about self-study for FCCH providers
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: Getting Started with Self-Study
This document provides important reminders about requirements for the self-study process as part of NC's Star Rated License and offers some ideas and questions to consider when getting started with a self-study.
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: Getting Started with Self-Study Spanish Version
Este documento proporciona recordatorios importantes sobre los requisitos para el proceso de autoestudio como parte de la licencia Star Rated de Carolina del Norte y ofrece algunas ideas y preguntas para considerar al comenzar con un autoestudio.
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: Getting Started with the FCCERS-3
A short video breaking down the subscales in the FCCERS-3
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: Planning Form
Example of a form that could be used to plan for a self-study. This form is not required, but may be helpful in generating a plan to use for a self-study process.
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: Progress Tracking Form
Example of a form used to document self-study. This is not required, but may be helpful to use throughout the process.
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: Scoring the FCCERS-3
Short video walking a provider through understanding scoring concepts for the ERS
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: Understanding Self-Study
A document explaining the cycle of self-study
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: Understanding Self-Study Spanish Version
Un documento que explica el ciclo de autoestudio.
document icon  FCCH Self-Study F3: What is a Self-Study?
This video walks through what an intentional self-study process looks like and explains the steps that can be used along the journey.
document icon  Information for Families About Rated License Assessments (Spanish version)
document icon  Information for Families About Rated License Assessments FCCH (3s)
document icon  Information for Families About Rated License Assessments FCCH (3s) (Spanish Version)
document icon  Information for Families About Rated License Assessments in Child Care Centers
document icon  NCRLAP Guide for NC Pre-K ECERS-3
document icon  NCRLAP Guide NC PreK ECERS3 (Spanish Version)
document icon  Rest Well: Sanitation considerations for naptime
document icon  SACERS-U materials list
document icon  SACERS-U Statewide and county scores
This report shows statewide and county SACERS-U scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 9/1/2017 to 8/31/2019.
document icon  Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the SACERS-U
This document provides a summary of the lowest scoring items and indicators for the SACERS-U, as used for the assessment portion of the NC Star Rated License.
document icon  Thinking More About Activities SACERS-U (Spanish)
Use esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar información sobre actividades para aprender y jugar basadas en elementos e indicadores de SACERS-U. (Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on SACERS-U items and indicators.)
document icon  Thinking More About Health and Safety SACERS-U (Spanish)
Use esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar información sobre rutinas de cuidado personal, salud y seguridad con base en los ítems e indicadores de SACERS-U.
document icon  Thinking More About Language and Interactions SACERS-U (Spanish)
Use esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar información sobre el lenguaje para el aprendizaje y las interacciones positivas basadas en elementos e indicadores de SACERS-U.
document icon  Thinking More About Program Structure SACERS-U (Spanish)
Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar información sobre la estructura del programa, incluidos los aspectos del horario diario, el juego libre y los tiempos de grupo, y las disposiciones para niños con discapacidades según los elementos e indicadores de SACERS-U.
document icon  Thinking More About Space and Furnishings SACERS-U (Spanish)
Esta hoja de trabajo se puede utilizar para responder preguntas y documentar información sobre el espacio y el mobiliario en función de los elementos e indicadores de SACERS-U.
document icon  USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Infants
USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Infants less than 12 months old. These were updated on October 1, 2017. Source. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks and redesigned by NCRLAP.

Purchase the scales

Copies of all of the ratings scales are available at your local Resource & Referral and/or partnership agencies. 

Also, the Environment Rating Scales can be purchased from: 

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