The Environment Rating Scale (ERS) is a nationally recognized tool used to assess and improve the quality of child care programs. ERS workshops offer step-by-step guidance for making helpful changes that can make a real difference in the work that is done with young children.
Iowa's Early Childhood and School Age Professional Workforce Registry (i-PoWeR) is a comprehensive registry where you can find and enroll in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved professional development opportunities related to early childhood and school-age professionals. It will also maintain a record of your professional achievements. Approved training opportunities can be accessed by visiting i-PoWeR below.
i-PoWeR Link
Environment Rating Scale Assessment
The ERS assessment is part of Iowa’s Quality Rating System (QRS). Early care and education programs working towards achieving a 5-star rating will receive an ERS assessment.
ECERS-3: Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale 3
This series will allow participants to gain an understanding of the importance of assessing learning, play and routine environments in a preschool-age child care center setting. Additionally, providers will identify the measures that indicate quality in staff-child interaction, program structure and language and literacy areas. Intended as an observation scale, caregivers will be given the opportunity to asses and interact with the scale in a realistic child care setting.
ITERS-3: Infant and Toddler Environment Rating Scale 3
This series will allow participants to gain an understanding of the importance of assessing learning, play and routine environments in an infant to age three child care center setting. Additionally, providers will identify the measures that indicate quality in staff-child interaction, program structure and language and literacy areas. Intended as an observation scale, caregivers will be given the opportunity to assess and interact with the scale in a realistic child care setting.
FCCERS-3: Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale 3
This series will allow participants to gain an understanding of the importance of assessing learning, play and routine environments in a mixed-age child care home setting. Additionally, providers will identify the measures that indicate quality in staff-child interaction, program structure and language and literacy areas. Intended as an observation scale, caregivers will be given the opportunity to asses and interact with the scale in a realistic child care setting.
SACERS-U: School Age Care Environment Rating Scale U
This series will allow participants to gain an understanding of the importance of assessing learning, play and routine environments in a school-age child care center and home setting. Additionally, providers will identify the measures that indicate quality in staff-child interaction, program structure and language and literacy areas. Intended as an observation scale, caregivers will be given the opportunity to asses and interact with the scale in a realistic child care setting.