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Get ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3)


Exciting news! New Environment Rating Scales have arrived! Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions.

The 3s bring fresh updates and innovative ideas, while still incorporating familiar requirements. Why are they valuable? Because the Environment Rating Scales are rooted in Developmentally Appropriate Practices. Embracing these new assessment tools represents a meaningful shift, especially since we've relied on the revised editions for years in our Star Rated License system. But fear not—we're here to support you in staying ahead of the curve, no matter your role in ensuring outstanding experiences for the children of North Carolina.

If you have any questions about the 3s, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's share knowledge and excitement as we navigate this transition. Your dedication to maintaining high-quality environments for children contributes to the overall excellence of early childhood education in our state!



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We encourage you to dig in and get to know the newer versions. It may feel a little messy, but let's be creative, curious, and think carefully about how these measures will guide good practices and lead to positive changes.


What Can You Do to Prepare Now?

As you prepare to transition to the third editions, consider the following steps:

Read the Scales to Learn More: The ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3 are available for purchase in both English and Spanish. You might also be able to borrow a scale from a local lending library. These scales can be found at most retailers, such as Teachers College Press, Kaplan Early Learning, Red Leaf Press, and Amazon.

  • Become Familiar: Take the time to read through ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and/or FCCERS-3 based on the setting or age group(s) you serve. This will help you understand the items and indicators. The scales include many Notes for Clarification that further explain requirements for each item, so plan to read through them thoroughly over several sessions with breaks in between.
  • Talk with Others: Share your reactions and questions with co-workers or colleagues. Different points may stand out to different people, so these conversations can be very helpful in getting to know the scales. These discussions can happen casually or as part of staff meetings.

Access NCRLAP's Online Resources:

  • Some initial documents are ready now, with more to be added over the coming months.
  • Reviewing existing resources for the revised editions is also beneficial. These resources support good practices and positively impact 3s scores, even if they don't cover new or updated requirements.

Reach Out with Questions: Let NCRLAP know what your needs are. This feedback will help in developing additional resources and training materials.

Participate in an Outreach Assessment Using the 3s: Consider participating in these practice assessments to further build an understanding of the third editions and how they bring value for your programs. For more information, see below. 

Begin to Think About Self-Study: Versions of the Thinking More worksheets are available for each of the scales and can be found in the Resource section of this webpage. Other good options for starting a self-study include:

  • Carefully think about one item at a time, reflecting on whether the requirements are already in place. If the requirements are not in place, consider how these items could be helpful and bring about positive change in the environment. 
  • Think about small steps that can be taken easily to build habits over several weeks or begin to make adjustments to the space, furnishings, display, materials, or the daily schedule and activities.


What’s New About the 3s

The third editions of the Environment Rating Scales (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3) bring exciting updates. Here are some key highlights:

  • Enhanced Content: The third editions incorporate recent research and best practices in early childhood education. 
  • Revised Items: Some items have been modified or reworded to better reflect current quality standards and practices.  
  • Streamlined Administration: The assessment process has been refined to include only a 3-hour observation. There is no longer an interview.

Click on the image of the documents below to learn more about some of the new points in the 3s:

 

 

ECERS-3

Getting to know the ECERS-3

(en Español)

 

ITERS-3

Getting to know the ITERS-3

(en Español)

 

FCCERS-3

Getting to know the FCCERS-3

(en Español)


Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about using the 3s or having an assessment using the 3s? The documents below are designed to answer some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have additional questions, please reach out and we will get your questions answered. 



Gain experience with an Outreach Assessment using the 3s

Outreach Assessments offer valuable insights into a program’s strengths and areas for potential improvement. They are designed to be informative and supportive, aiming to assist in enriching the quality of an early childhood education program.

Participating in these practice assessments will increase knowledge of the assessment process and build familiarity of scale requirements using the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, SACERS-U, or FCCERS-3. These assessments are offered by NCRLAP free of charge and do not impact your license. Check out the documents below for more information about Outreach Assessments. 

Interested in more information? Visit our Outreach Assessments webpage 

Sign up for an Outreach Assessment today! 

Email: ncrlap@uncg.edu

Phone: Toll Free (866)-362-7527

 



Resources 

Below you will find resources related specifically to each of the 3s, organized by scale, and sorted into corresponding columns for easy navigation. Be sure to check back regularly, as new resources are made available.

 

Getting to Know the ECERS-3

NC Additional Notes

Materials List

Thinking More about Space and Furnishings

Thinking More about Personal Care Routines

Thinking More about Language and Literacy

Thinking More about Activities

Thinking More about Interaction

Thinking More about Program Structure

Getting to Know the ITERS-3

NC Additional Notes

Materials List

Thinking More about Space and Furnishings

Thinking More about Personal Care Routines

Thinking More about Language and Books

Thinking More about Activities

Thinking More about Interaction

Thinking More about Program Structure

Getting to Know the FCCERS-3

NC Additional Notes

Materials List

Thinking More about Space and Furnishings

Thinking More about Personal Care Routines

Thinking More about Language and Books

Thinking More about Activities

Thinking More about Interaction

Thinking More about Program Structure


Video Trainings (Earn Contact Hour Credit!) 

This section contains our current online training opportunities which are self-paced and provide you with knowledge about each of the scales, requirements, and helpful examples. Click on the link that will take you to the registration page and don't hesitate to reach out if you are having difficulty accessing the trainings. 

NCRLAP 105: Introduction to the ECERS-3

NCRLAP 106: Introduction to the ITERS-3

NCRLAP 107: Introduction to the FCCERS-3

NCRLAP 211: Language and Interactions for the ECERS-3

NCRLAP 212: Language and Interactions for the ITERS-3

NCRLAP 213: FCCERS-3 Language and Materials with Multi-age Groups: Fine Motor and Music


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