The Environmental Ratings Scales (ERS) are a series of research scales designed by Thelma Harms, Debby Cryer, and Richard M. Clifford to assess process quality in early childhood group care. There are four different environmental rating scales, each designed for a different segment of the early childhood field. The ATC team conducts observations using the following three Environmental Ratings Scales:

(ECERS-R) Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale-Revised Edition (Harms, Cryer, & Clifford, 1998). This scale is designed to assess center-based child care programs for preschool children ages 2 ½ though 5. The complete scale consists of 43 items organized into 7 subscales: Space and Furnishings, Personal Care Routines, Language-Reasoning, Activities, Interactions, Program Structure, Parents and Staff. Only the first six subscales are used for the purpose of Parent Aware.

(ITERS-R) Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scale-Revised Edition (Harms, Cryer, & Clifford, 2003). This scale is designed to assess center-based child care programs for infants and toddlers up to 30 months of age. The complete scale consists of 39 items organized into 7 subscales: Space and Furnishings, Personal Care Routines, Listening and Talking, Activities, Interaction, Program Structure, Parents and Staff. Only the first six subscales are used for the purpose of Parent Aware.

(FCCERS-R) Family Child Care Environmental Rating Scale (Harms, Cryer, & Clifford, 2007). This scale is designed to assess family child care programs conducted in a provider's home for children from infancy through school-age. Scale consists of 37 items organized into 7 subscales: Space and Furnishings, Personal Care Routines, Listening and Talking, Activities, Interaction, Program Structure, Parents and Provider. Only the first six subscales are used for the purpose of Parent Aware. As Parent Aware is designed to assess quality in child care from birth to kindergarten, we do not include school age children present in the home during the observation process.

Observations Include:

1. Feedback reports.
   Feedback reports are available for individual observations that provide information to early education providers regarding strengths and recommendations for areas that could be improved.  
2. Subscale.
   The number of cycles observed can be tailored to project needs.

Cost

• Full observation (includes summary report): $200 per classroom plus mileage
• Full observation only (minus the report): $150 per classroom plus mileage

Request Observation Services

Complete the online CEED Service Request Form.

Top of page