ERS-3
What is ERS?
The Environment Rating Scales (ERS) are designed to assess process quality in early childhood groups. Process quality consists of the various interactions that go on in a classroom between staff and children, staff, parents, and other adults, among the children themselves. It also includes the interactions children have with the many materials and activities in the environment as well as features such as space, schedule and materials that support these interactions. Great Start to Quality uses ERS-3, which is the third version of the tool.
Why ERS-3?
ERS-3 is used across the country in Quality Recognition Improvement Systems like Great Start to Quality and in all child care program types serving a variety of age groups. Learn
more about why ERS-3 is a great tool for program quality improvement below.
Which tools are used?
Great Start to Quality uses three Environment Rating Scales (ERS), each designed for a different segment of the early childhood field.
ITERS-3 – Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale
ECERS-3 – Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale
FCCERS-3 – Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale
How is ERS-3 used?
ERS-3 considers only what is observed during a 3 hour time sample to determine scores for Items that address the observed program, including activities, interactions, and language. ERS-3 On-Site Observations will be conducted by trained and reliable observers. This could be a Great Start to Quality Assessor or an Approved Assessor.
ERS-3 will also be used in the Self-Reflection as a Self-Assessment tool. Click here for more information on the Self-Reflection.
Who can use ERS-3?
ERS-3 can be used in any program type except schoolage classrooms and programs, which uses the SEL PQA. Programs with Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program classrooms will only use CLASS for Great Start to Quality.
Threshold Scores
Programs observed using ERS only must score a 5 or above for each group or classroom observation to reach Demonstrating Quality. If other tools are used, all scores must meet threshold scores for each tool.
Training
Training is now available for providers on the ERS-3 suite of tools. All training will be free and in MiRegistry. Information below on dates, times, and registration links. Recorded versions of the training will be added below to watch if you are unable to attend. These recorded versions will not be for training credit.
ECERS-3
Training on the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS-3) for educators in center-based programs was held in January 2022. If you missed the training, you can view a recorded version, without training credit.
ITERS-3
Training on the Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS-3) for educators in center-based programs was held in December 2022. If you missed the training, you can view a recorded version, without training credit.
FCCERS-3
Training on the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scales (FCCERS-3) for home-based providers was held in mid-November 2022. If you missed the training, you can view a recorded version, without training credit.
Resources
Purchase the ERS-3 Scale Books
You can purchase a scale book for the age group you work with and setting. Your local Great Start to Quality Resource Center has ERS-3 scale books available in their lending library as well. Please be sure that you purchase the 3rd edition of the scale book. This is the one that is most current and being used in Great Start to Quality.
Effective February 25, 2024, Michigan has removed the requirement to work with the Office of Child Support to receive help paying for child care. Check to see if you are now eligible!