The Environmental Ratings Scales (ERS) are a series of research scales used to assess process quality in early childhood group care. There are four environmental rating scales, each designed for a different segment of the early childhood field.
Our team uses three of the scales:
- Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition (ECERS-R): This scale is designed to assess the quality of preschool environments located in center child care settings.
- Infant and Toddler Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition (ITERS-R): This scale is designed to assess the quality of care environments serving children birth to 30 months of age and is used in infant and toddler center classrooms.
- Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition (FCCERS-R): This scale is designed to assess the quality of the environment in family child care settings.
ERS subscales
The ERS was developed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They are made up of seven subscales that focus on different aspects of the classroom environment:
- space and furnishings
- personal care routines
- listening and talking
- activities
- interaction
- program structure
- parents and staff
The information collected from subscales is used to assign a score representing the quality of the environment. The score is based on a seven point scoring system. A score of 1 represents inadequate care, 3 minimal care, 5 good care, and 7 excellent care.
Learn about our ERS-related services and in-person trainings.