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NCRLAP Resources, Files, and Helpful Links

Explore NCRLAP's collection of resources, tools, and guidance designed to support early childhood professionals in understanding the assessment process, improving program quality, and creating high-quality learning environments for children.

Assessment information
  • 3s in 3: Activities
    Description
    This short video describes the importance of the activities subscale

    1503 downloads

  • 3s In 3: Interaction
    Description
    short 3 minute guide to the interaction subscale in the ERS

    399 downloads

  • 3s in 3: Language and Books
    Description
    This short 3 minute video looks at the Language and Books subscale

    970 downloads

  • 3s In 3: Personal Care Routines
    Description
    A short video describing the importance of the personal care subscale in the Environment Rating Scales.

    1740 downloads

  • 3s in 3: Space and Furnishings
    Description
    Link to web page

    1183 downloads

  • 3s In 3: The Value of Subscales
    Description
    The second video in a series where we talk about why the Environment Rating Scales are good for children.

    2091 downloads

  • 3s In 3: The Value of the Rating Scales
    Description
    First video in series where we talk about why the Environment Rating Scales are good for children

    2842 downloads

  • A Safe Space for Gross Motor Play (supplement)
    Description
    This document is used in conjunction with the corresponding video to further understanding of common questions and scoring issues related to gross motor play spaces and play. Information in this supplement applies to all Environment Rating Scales.

    18799 downloads

  • About the Assessment Process (Supplement)
    Description
    This document is used in conjunction with the corresponding video to further understanding of the assessment process. Information in this supplement applies to all Environment Rating Scales.

    2671 downloads

  • About the assessment process (video)
    Description
    This video describes the steps involved in the assessment process completed by NCRLAP. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale.

    28206 downloads

  • All Scales: General Health Reminders
    Description
    This document briefly summarizes some of the handwashing and some health requirements for all scales including Rs and 3s

    4378 downloads

  • All Scales: General Health Reminders (Spanish)
    Description
    This document reviews common health practices and reminders for all ERS scales both Revised edition and 3s edition.

    2519 downloads

  • Build Your Assessment Toolkit
    Description
    This document provides a quick overview of the various assessment and ERS information offered by NCRLAP. Programs are encouraged to use the types of resources or training that best meets their needs.

    1499 downloads

  • Child Care Weather Watch Chart
    Description
    (2010 version) This chart summarizes safe and healthy outdoor play conditions. It is a guide to use when determining if weather conditions allow for outdoor play.

    19472 downloads

  • ECERS-3: Free play and Access
    Description
    This resource explains the importance of free play and independent access to materials in early childhood settings, as emphasized in ECERS-3. It outlines how child-led play and accessible environments support all areas of development and provides examples of practices that can limit children's opportunities to fully engage.

    4354 downloads

  • ECERS-3: Materials list
    Description
    This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.

    10509 downloads

  • FAQs: Observations Using the 3s
    Description
    This document answers specific frequently asked questions about what observations are like using the Third editions of the ERS

    5279 downloads

  • FAQs: Outdoor Environments and the Third Editions
    Description
    This document answers some commonly asked questions related to using outdoor learning environments and the consideration of materials outside.

    3856 downloads

  • FAQs: The Transition to the 3s
    Description
    No description available

    3585 downloads

  • FCCERS-3 Materials list
    Description
    This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.

    3620 downloads

  • FCCERS-3: Free play and Access
    Description
    This resource explains the importance of free play and independent access to materials in early childhood settings, as emphasized in FCCERS-3. It outlines how child-led play and accessible environments support all areas of development and provides examples of practices that can limit children's opportunities to fully engage.

    2007 downloads

  • General information regarding the NC Star Rated License system
    Description
    Link to the DCDEE website, where you can learn about the NC Star Rated License system.

    16596 downloads

  • Getting to know the ECERS-3
    Description
    This document provides basic information about how the ECERS-3 builds on but also differs from the ECERS-R. General points and a few details for each subscale are mentioned, along with some ideas to promote reflective thinking.

    6423 downloads

  • Getting to Know the ECERS-3 (Spanish Version)
    Description
    This document provides basic information about how the ECERS-3, builds on but also differs from the ECERS-R. General points, along with a few details for each subscale are mentioned, along with some ideas to promote reflective thinking.

    3492 downloads

  • Getting to know the FCCERS-3
    Description
    This document provides basic information about how the FCCERS-3 builds on but also differs from the FCCERS-R. General points and a few details for each subscale are mentioned, along with some ideas to promote reflective thinking.

    3096 downloads

  • Getting to Know the FCCERS-3 (Spanish Version)
    Description
    This document provides basic information about how the FCCERS-3, builds on but also differs from the FCCERS-R. General points, along with a few details for each subscale are mentioned, along with some ideas to promote reflective thinking. (Spanish Version)

    2375 downloads

  • Getting to know the ITERS-3
    Description
    This document provides basic information about how the ITERS-3 builds on and also differs from the ITERS-R. General points, along with a few details for each subscale are mentioned, along with some ideas to promote reflective thinking.

    4960 downloads

  • Getting to Know the ITERS-3 (Spanish Version)
    Description
    This document provides basic information about how the ITERS-3, builds on but also differs from the ITERS-R. General points, along with a few details for each subscale are mentioned, along with some ideas to promote reflective thinking. (Spanish Version)

    2903 downloads

  • Gross Motor Equipment For Inclement Weather Days
    Description
    This document clarifies the requirements for the scales for days when children cannot play outside.

    2776 downloads

  • Handwashing and Basic Health Considerations (Video supplement)
    Description
    This document is used in conjunction with the corresponding video to further understanding of required health and sanitation practices. Information in this supplement applies to all Environment Rating Scales.

    3098 downloads

  • Handwashing and other basic health considerations (video)
    Description
    This presentation describes many of the health and sanitation practices considered during the assessment process. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale.

    22562 downloads

  • Healthy child care NC diaper procedure poster
    Description
    This poster is from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center shows the diapering procedure and is referenced in NCRLAP assessment reports.

    14895 downloads

  • ITERS-3 Materials list
    Description
    This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.

    6491 downloads

  • ITERS-3: Free play and Access
    Description
    This resource explains the importance of free play and independent access to materials in early childhood settings, as emphasized in ITERS-3. It outlines how child-led play and accessible environments support all areas of development and provides examples of practices that can limit children's opportunities to fully engage.

    2437 downloads

  • Language for Learning Supplement Guide
    Description
    This document is used in conjunction with the corresponding video to further understanding of how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in child care settings. Information in this supplement applies to all Environment Rating Scales.

    2519 downloads

  • Language for learning: Infants and Toddlers (video)
    Description
    This video focuses on how language supports childrens cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving infant and toddlers.

    17119 downloads

  • Language for learning: Preschoolers (video)
    Description
    This video focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving preschoolers.

    17429 downloads

  • Language for learning: Schoolagers (video)
    Description
    This video focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving schoolagers. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale.

    13896 downloads

  • Requirements for Gross Motor Space and Equipment
    Description
    This document summarizes scoring criteria used by NCRLAP assessors during Environment Rating Scale assessments for items that relate to the safety of gross motor space and equipment. These standards apply to all gross motor equipment and materials.

    9609 downloads

  • Requirements for Gross Motor Space and Equipment (Visual Guide)
    Description
    This document illustrates common challenges related to gross motor safety for children 2-12 years old.

    2835 downloads

  • Rest Well: Sanitation considerations for naptime
    Description
    This presentation explains the requirements for the nap/rest items in the Environment Rating Scales regarding healthy provisions. It addresses common questions and provides some helpful hints. This resource was updated on 2/13/25

    5671 downloads

  • Rest Well: Supervision considerations for naptime and creating a restful environment
    Description
    This presentation discusses the supervision of children during naptime and considers the physical layout and placement of furnishings to allow for good supervision. It also discusses how programs can create a restful environment for children by considering the indicators at the various levels of quality in the Environment Rating Scales.

    4486 downloads

  • SACERS U: Policies and Procedures
    Description
    This document includes information about SACERS-U policies and procedures important for school-age staff.

    2104 downloads

  • SACERS-U materials list
    Description
    This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.

    5985 downloads

  • SACERS-U Promoting Engagement
    Description
    This document includes details and reminders for items related to various learning materials, areas, and activities included in the SACERS-U.

    6478 downloads

  • SACERS-U Statewide and county scores
    Description
    This report shows statewide and county SACERS-U scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 9/1/2017 to 8/31/2019.

    5498 downloads

  • Safe space for gross motor play (video)
    Description
    This video addressed common questions and scoring issues related to gross motor spaces and play that occurs during North Carolina Rated License Assessments. Information in this video applies to all Environment Rating Scales.

    16558 downloads

  • Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the ECERS-3
    Description
    This document provides a summary of the lowest scoring items and indicators for the ECERS-3, as used for the assessment portion of the NC Star Rated License.

    3695 downloads

  • Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the ITERS-3
    Description
    This document provides a summary of the lowest scoring items and indicators for the ITERS-3, as used for the assessment portion of the NC Star Rated License.

    2498 downloads

  • Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the SACERS-U
    Description
    This document provides a summary of the lowest scoring items and indicators for the SACERS-U, as used for the assessment portion of the NC Star Rated License.

    1589 downloads

  • Thinking About Your Assessment Report (video)
    Description
    This short video talks to providers about their assessment reports from the third versions of the ERS.

    1180 downloads

  • Thinking Ahead and Being Prepared: 3s
    Description
    This document provides information that may increase understanding of the assessment process. It can also be used to support an on-going process to develop and maintain quality care for children in your program. It is available in English and Spanish. (updated August 2026)

    196 downloads

  • Thinking Ahead and Being Prepared: 3s (Spanish)
    Description
    Este documento proporciona información que puede ayudar a comprender mejor el proceso de evaluación. También puede utilizarse para apoyar el proceso continuo de desarrollo y mantenimiento de una atención de calidad para los niños de su programa. Está disponible en inglés y español.

    157 downloads

  • USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Children 1 to 12 years
    Description
    USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Children 1-12 years of age. These were updated on October 1, 2017. Source. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks and redesigned by NCRLAP

    8785 downloads

  • USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Infants
    Description
    USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Infants less than 12 months old. These were updated on October 1, 2017. Source. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks and redesigned by NCRLAP.

    5010 downloads

  • Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants (supplement)
    Description
    This document is used in conjunction with the corresponding video to further understanding of the ways providers can ensure that infants, particularly non-mobile infants, have a variety of play and learning experiences with appropriate materials and furnishings throughout the course of the caregiving day. Information in this supplement applies to all programs providing infant care.

    16969 downloads

  • Using materials with non-mobile infants (video)
    Description
    This video illustrates ways providers can ensure that infants, particularly non-mobile infants, have a variety of play and learning experiences with appropriate materials and furnishings throughout the course of the caregiving day.

    15445 downloads

  • Weather Permitting and Outdoor Play
    Description
    This presentation addresses requirements and common questions regarding outdoor play, weather permitting. It provides an introduction to ways to enhance the outdoor learning environment. Information in this resource applies to all of the Environment Rating Scales and has been updated to reflect changes to the 3rd editions.

    6079 downloads

  • Your ERS Assessments Are Scheduled, Now What?
    Description
    This document gives administrators and staff a better understanding of what will occur during ERS assessment process and some ideas for simple preparation steps to help the process go smoothly. It is available in English and Spanish.

    211 downloads

  • Your ERS Assessments Are Scheduled, Now What? (Spanish version)
    Description
    Esta información les dará a los administradores y al personal una mejor comprensión de lo que ocurrirá durante el Proceso de Evaluación con los ERS y algunas ideas para pasos de preparación simples que ayudarán a que el proceso se desarrolle sin problemas. Está disponible en Inglés y Español.

    179 downloads

Forms
  • Birthdate Form Twos and Threes: ITERS-3 and ECERS-3
    Description
    This form should be completed by child care program staff and given to the assessor on the day of the assessment. One form should be used for each classroom that includes two and three-year-old children.

    49 downloads

  • Classroom Information Form
    Description
    This form should be completed by program staff and/or home providers before the assessment and given to assessors on the day of the assessment. One form should be used for each classroom or group.

    1162 downloads

  • Special Characteristics Information Form
    Description
    This optional form may be used to document special program or classroom characteristics (e.g., enrolls many children with complex special needs, program is based on a specific philosophy or curriculum, etc.). Based on information provided during the scheduling phone call, this form may be included with the scheduling packet.

    58 downloads

  • Teacher Information Form
    Description
    This form is completed by program staff and is ready to give to the assessor on the day of the assessment.

    1195 downloads

General information
  • A Quick Reference to the Rated License Assessment Process
    Description
    This document explains how quality is assessed, how to prepare for a visit, the scheduling process, what to expect on the day of the assessment, and what happens after the assessment. It is available in English and Spanish.

    421 downloads

  • A Quick Reference to the Rated License Assessment Process
    Description
    This document explains how quality is assessed, how to prepare for a visit, the scheduling process, what to expect on the day of the assessment, and what happens after the assessment. It is available in English and Spanish.

    399 downloads

  • A Quick Reference to the Rated License Assessment Process (Spanish version)
    Description
    Este folleto explica cómo se evalúa la calidad, cómo prepararse para una visita, el proceso de programación, qué se debe esperar el día de la evaluación y qué sucede después de la evaluación. Está disponible en Inglés y Español.

    359 downloads

  • A Quick Reference to the Rated License Assessment Process (Spanish version)
    Description
    Este folleto explica cómo se evalúa la calidad, cómo prepararse para una visita, el proceso de programación, qué se debe esperar el día de la evaluación y qué sucede después de la evaluación. Está disponible en Inglés y Español.

    339 downloads

  • Caring for Our Children
    Description
    This website provides detailed information about health and safety practices in child care programs and family child care homes. Click on the Caring For Our Children Box on the left to search for the various standards.

    17454 downloads

  • Exploring the Updated Assessment Report for Providers
    Description
    This short video will assist providers when reviewing the Facility Summary Reports and Assessment Reports. The Facility Summary Report is outlined page by page and detailed examples are provided to better understand the structure and content of the Assessment Report.

    932 downloads

  • Handbook for Public Playground Safety
    Description
    Link to CPSC website. Provides the CPSC guidelines referenced by rated license assessors.

    13827 downloads

  • Information for Families About Rated License Assessments FCCH (3s)
    Description
    This document provides information for families about the assessment process and what to expect. FCCH providers are encouraged to post this document in family areas or include with a program newsletter when the assessment window is scheduled. It is available in English and Spanish.

    2015 downloads

  • Information for Families About Rated License Assessments FCCH (3s) (Spanish Version)
    Description
    Este documento proporciona información para las familias sobre el proceso de evaluación y qué esperar. Se alienta a los proveedores de FCCH a publicar este documento en áreas familiares o incluirlo en un boletín del programa cuando se programe la ventana de evaluación. Está disponible en inglés y español.

    2654 downloads

  • Information for Families About Rated License Assessments in Child Care Centers
    Description
    This document provides information for families about the assessment process and what to expect. Program administrators are encouraged to post this document in family areas or include with a program newsletter when the assessment window is scheduled. It is available in English and Spanish.

    177 downloads

  • Information for Families About Rated License Assessments In Child Care Centers (Spanish Version)
    Description
    Este documento proporciona información para las familias sobre el proceso de evaluación y qué esperar. Se anima a los administradores del programa a publicar este documento en áreas familiares o incluirlo en un boletín informativo del programa cuando esté programada la ventana de evaluación. Está disponible en Inglés y Español.

    169 downloads

  • NC Child Care Resource and Referral Offices (by county)
    Description
    Link to the DCDEE website where you may look up a variety of important agencies, such as Resource and Referral offices. This helpful website allows you to select by county.

    6657 downloads

  • NCRLAP Guide for NC Pre-K ECERS-3
    Description
    This document provides information about NC Pre-K ECERS-3 assessments.

    123 downloads

  • NCRLAP Guide for NC Pre-K ECERS-3 (Spanish)
    Description
    Este documento proporciona información sobre las evaluaciones NC Pre-K ECERS-3. This document provides information about NC Pre-K ECERS-3 assessments.

    53 downloads

  • Reflections on Mindset video by Adam Holland
    Description
    This video, subtitled ''How Mindset Influences the Ways You Receive and Use Assessment Related Feedback'' was developed for and presented to NCRLAP by Adam Holland. It can be used as a staff meeting activity and includes questions for consideration.

    2817 downloads

  • Search for a child care program in North Carolina
    Description
    Links to the DCDEE website search engine. You can search for facilities using a variety of filters (e.g., star rating, county, zip code).

    9282 downloads

  • Survey to gather provider feedback on Facility Summary Report
    Description
    This link points to a Qualtrics survey, where providers can share their thoughts about the Facility Summary Report

    1944 downloads

Presentations and research
  • Child Care Stars - UNCG Magazine
    Description
    FOR NEARLY 25 YEARS, A UNCG-LED CHILD CARE ASSESSMENT INITIATIVE HAS MADE ITS MARK IN 50,000 CLASSROOMS – AND COUNTING From UNCG's Magazine: https://magazine.uncg.edu/featured/child-care-stars/

    1723 downloads

  • SACERS-U and SAPQA Crosswalk
    Description
    This crosswalk was developed to provide a comparison between the SACERS-U and SAPQA with Supplemental Scales and explore their associations with each other.

    265 downloads

Outreach training
NC Additional Notes
Grievance and score change documents
Outreach Assessments using the 3s
School-Age Program Quality Assessment (SAPQA)
  • Frequently Asked Questions for SAPQA
    Description
    This document answers frequently asked questions related to the School-Age Program Quality Assessment.

    391 downloads

  • Getting to Know the School Age Program Quality Assessment Tool
    Description
    This document serves as an initial guide to understanding the SAPQA tool and it's use for North Carolina's assessment process.

    446 downloads

  • SAPQA: Quick Comparison Guide
    Description
    This quick guide demonstrates some similarities, but discusses conceptual differences found between the SACERS-U and SAPQA.

    425 downloads

  • Thinking More About The SAPQA
    Description
    Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about domains, scales, and items found within the School-Age Program Quality Assessment tool. This worksheet can be used to guide self-study.

    245 downloads

  • Your SAPQA Assessments Are Scheduled, Now What?
    Description
    This document gives administrators and staff a better understanding of what will occur during an SAPQA assessment process and some ideas for simple preparation steps to help the process go smoothly. It is available in English and Spanish.

    187 downloads

  • Your SAPQA Assessments are Scheduled, Now What? (Spanish Version)
    Description
    Este documento ofrece a los administradores y al personal una mejor comprensión de lo que sucederá durante el proceso de evaluación SAPQA, así como algunas ideas sobre pasos sencillos de preparación para facilitar el buen desarrollo del proceso. Está disponible en inglés y español.

    157 downloads

Tools for Self-Study