Environment Rating Scales

The Environment Rating Scales (ERS) are tools developed to assess out of home environments in which children receive care. Four environment rating scales have been developed. They are:

• Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale: Revised edition [ITERS-R], used for programs serving children from birth to 30 months of age, the age group that is most vulnerable physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale: Revised edition [ECERS], used for a programs serving children aged 2 ½ to 5 years.
• Family Child Care Rating Scale [FCCRS], used for care provided to small groups of children of all ages in an individuals’ home.
• School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale [SACERS] used for care provided to elementary age children in a variety of settings.

All rating scales assess the following areas:

• Space and furnishings
• Health and safety
• Language and reasoning
• Activities
• Personal interactions
• Program structure
• Parents and staff

Each of the above areas include assessments on the awareness of diversity and children's special needs.

Why are rating scales used?
As knowledge about child development has grown, so has concern about the impact of the quality of care on children’s social, emotional and cognitive development. It is imperative that the environment in which children are placed provide the kind of experiences that children need for optimal development. The Environment Rating Scales are used to assess child care programs and identify strengths and improvements needed to improve quality in child care.

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