1. Topic IV: Classroom Environments Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.

2. Important Note! This topic focuses on the ECERS-R and lasts for two weeks: February 28-March 14 Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.

3. What is the ECERS-R? The Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale was first developed in 1980 at the University of North Carolina It was revised in 1998 It’s used internationally It’s designed to measure the quality of preschool classrooms Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.

4. What is the ECERS-R? Evaluates seven key areas:  Space and furnishings  Personal care routines  Language and reasoning  Activities  Interaction  Program structure and  Parent and staff education Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.

5. Why the ECERS-R? It has proven validity and reliability It is used internationally It is strongly supported by early childhood research Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.

6. Now What? Here’s what you do:  Gather the materials you ordered for the ECERS-R  Start with the VIDEO GUIDE and TRAINING WORKBOOK for the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition  Start on Page 1 and do everything it says to do!  You do not have to do Part III – Optional Activiites Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.

7. Now What? By the time you finish the Workbook and CD or video, you should have a thorough understanding of how to assess your classroom using the ECERS-R There are blank scoring sheets for you to use in the back of the actual scale (the yellow booklet) Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.

8. Time to Assess Make copies of the score sheets You have two weeks to become familiar with the scale and assess all seven areas in terms of your own classroom. If you are not a teacher in a classroom, then select a classroom to evaluate Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.

9. ADVICE! This assessment will take time to do so start it as soon as possible It will help you determine your program strengths and identify possible weaknesses Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.

10. What to do: Complete the ECERS-R Complete the follow-up activity (see Learning Activity under Topic 5) Use the Discussion Board to share information or ask for help from the Mano a Mano group…we’re a connected group! Ellen Marshall, Ph.D. & Cathy McAuliffe- Dickerson, Ph.D.