North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project

Recent news

Exciting news! New Environment Rating Scales have arrived! As of February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for all assessments. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the revised editions. For more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities click here:

Get ready for the 3s

Interested in learning more? Participate in an Outreach Assessment! Learn more about the benefits and process by visiting the Outreach Assessments page:

Outreach Assessments

Are you a family child care provider, in search of information about the self-study process for your Star Rated License? Click below to see updated information about the FCCERS-3 self-study with resources and videos created to help develop a process that meets individual needs and priorities.

FCCH Self-study

NCRLAP offers contact hour earning online training. Go to ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/ to see our scale related training as well as additional trainings that cover special topics such as language and interactions, outdoor learning environments, and requirements for materials in family child care homes.

During assessments, assessors may take photographs of the indoor/outdoor spaces and materials; however, children will not be photographed.
There are no more COVID-related exemptions in place for assessments and all scale requirements apply. While on site, assessors will follow any health precautions required by child care programs.
To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program or classroom, please check out the Thinking More worksheets; there is one for each subscale of each rating scale. These are a great option for FCCH providers, teachers and, administrators and can be found on our resource list.

This short video breaks down why assessment reports may be longer and scores lower then they were previously. We encourage you to use these reports as an opportunity to guide growth and make decisions that are appropriate for your program. We are here to support you through this journey, so connect with us at anytime.

Quick Reference Guide

Important resources for all assessments

Resources applicable to all rating scales.

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.
About the assessment process (video)
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.
Handwashing and other basic health considerations (video)
This video focuses on how language supports childrens cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving infant and toddlers.
Language for learning: Infants and Toddlers (video)
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.
Requirements for Gross Motor Space and Equipment
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.
Safe space for gross motor play (video)
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
USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Children 1 to 12 years
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.
Using materials with non-mobile infants (video)

This brochure 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.
A Quick Reference to the Rated License Assessment Process (2025 brochure web version)
This brochure 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.
A Quick Reference to the Rated License Assessment Process (2025 folded brochure)
Este folleto explica c�mo se eval�a la calidad, c�mo prepararse para una visita, el proceso de programaci�n, qu� se debe esperar el d�a de la evaluaci�n y qu� sucede despu�s de la evaluaci�n. Est� disponible en Ingl�s y Espa�ol.
A Quick Reference to the Rated License Assessment Process Web (Spanish version) (3s)
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.
A Safe Space for Gross Motor Play (supplement)
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.
About the Assessment Process (supplement)
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.
About the Assessment Process (Supplement)
This document briefly summarizes some of the handwashing and some health requirements for all scales including Rs and 3s
All Scales: General Health Reminders
This document reviews common health practices and reminders for all ERS scales both Revised edition and 3s edition.
All Scales: General Health Reminders (Spanish)
This website provides detailed information about health and safety practices in child care programs and family child care homes.
Caring for Our Children
(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.
Child Care Weather Watch Chart
This presentation provides considerations regarding appropriate images in books and pictures as it applies to assessments completed for NC's Star Rated License and addresses common questions. Information in this presentation applies to all the Environment Rating Scales.
Considering Appropriate Images in Books and Pictures
Link to the DCDEE website, where you can learn about the NC Star Rated License system.
General information regarding the NC Star Rated License system
Link to CPSC website. Provides the CPSC guidelines referenced by rated license assessors.
Handbook for Public Playground Safety
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.
Handwashing and Basic Health Considerations (Video supplement)
This poster is from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center shows the diapering procedure and is referenced in NCRLAP assessment reports.
Healthy child care NC diaper procedure poster
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.
Information for Families About Rated License Assessments in Child Care Centers (3s)
Este documento proporciona informaci�n para las familias sobre el proceso de evaluaci�n y qu� esperar. Se anima a los administradores del programa a publicar este documento en �reas familiares o incluirlo en un bolet�n informativo del programa cuando est� programada la ventana de evaluaci�n. Est� disponible en Ingl�s y Espa�ol.
Information for Families About Rated License Assessments in Child Care Centers (3s) (Spanish Version)
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.
Language for Learning Supplement Guide
This video focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving preschoolers.
Language for learning: Preschoolers (video)
This document illustrates common challenges related to gross motor safety for children 2-12 years old.
Requirements for Gross Motor Space and Equipment (Visual Guide)
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.
Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants (supplement)
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.
Weather Permitting and Outdoor Play
This document gives administrators and staff a better understanding of what will occur during the assessment process and some ideas for simple preparation steps to help the process go smoothly. It is available in English and Spanish.
Your Assessments Are Scheduled, Now What? (3s)
Esta informaci�n les dar� a los administradores y al personal una mejor comprensi�n de lo que ocurrir� durante el Proceso de Evaluaci�n y algunas ideas para pasos de preparaci�n simples que ayudar�n a que el proceso se desarrolle sin problemas. Est� disponible en Ingl�s y Espa�ol.
Your Assessments Are Scheduled, Now What? (Spanish version) (3s)
View all resources

Below are the most important resources for each rating scale.

ECERS-3: For children 3 years through 5 years old

This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.
ECERS-3 Materials list
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.
Getting to know the ECERS-3
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.
Getting to Know the ECERS-3 (Spanish Version)
These are the current NC Additional Notes for the ECERS-3 used by NCRLAP assessors.
NC Additional Notes ECERS-3 (updated 11-5-24)
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Activities ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about positive practices for interactions based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Interaction ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about language for learning, as well as, the use of books and other literacy-related details based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Language and Literacy ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about personal care routines, health, and safety based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Personal Care Routines ECERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about program structure including transitions, free play and group times based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Program Structure ECERS-3
This worksheet can be used to answer questions and document information about space and furnishings based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Space and Furnishings ECERS-3

This document answers specific frequently asked questions about what observations are like using the Third editions of the ERS
FAQs: Observations Using the 3s
This document answers some commonly asked questions related to using outdoor learning environments and the consideration of materials outside.
FAQs: Outdoor Environments and the Third Editions
No description available
FAQs: The Transition to the 3s
This document references procedures around assessments for NC Pre-K facilities and has been updated to reflect use of the ECERS-3.
NCRLAP Guide for NC Pre-K ECERS-3
No description available
NCRLAP Guide NC PreK ECERS3 (Spanish Version)
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
Rest Well: Sanitation considerations for naptime
Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre actividades de aprendizaje y juego basadas en elementos e indicadores de ECERS-3. (Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on ECERS-3 items and indicators.)
Thinking More about Activities ECERS-3 (Spanish)
Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre pr�cticas positivas para interacciones basadas en elementos e indicadores del ECERS-3.
Thinking More About Interaction ECERS-3 (Spanish)
Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre el lenguaje para el aprendizaje, as� como el uso de libros y otros detalles relacionados con la alfabetizaci�n basados en los elementos e indicadores del ECERS-3.
Thinking More About Language and Literacy ECERS-3 (Spanish)
Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre rutinas de cuidado personal, salud y seguridad seg�n los elementos e indicadores de ECERS-3.
Thinking More about Personal Care Routines ECERS-3 (Spanish)
Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre la estructura del programa, incluidos aspectos del horario diario, juegos libres y tiempos de grupo, y disposiciones para ni�os con discapacidades seg�n los elementos e indicadores de ECERS-3.
Thinking More About Program Structure ECERS-3 (Spanish)
Esta hoja de trabajo se puede utilizar para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre el espacio y el mobiliario en funci�n de los elementos e indicadores de ECERS-3.
Thinking More about Space and Furnishings ECERS-3 (Spanish)
View all resources

ITERS-3: For children birth to 3 years old

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.
Getting to know the ITERS-3
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)
Getting to Know the ITERS-3 (Spanish Version)
This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.
ITERS-3 Materials list
These are the current NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-3 used by NCRLAP assessors.
NC Additional Notes ITERS-3 (updated 11-5-25)
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Activities ITERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about positive practices for interactions based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Interaction ITERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about various types of language, as well as, the use of books based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Language and Books ITERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about personal care routines, health, and safety based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Personal Care Routines ITERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about program structure including transitions, free play, and group activities based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Program Structure ITERS-3
This worksheet can be used to answer questions and document information about space and furnishings based on ITERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Space and Furnishings ITERS-3

SACERS-U: For children 5 years through 12 years old

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.
Language for learning: Schoolagers (video)
These are the current NC Additional Notes for the SACERS-U used by NCRLAP assessors.
NC Additional Notes SACERS-U (updated 4-11-25)
This document includes information about SACERS-U policies and procedures important for school-age staff.
SACERS-U Important Program Policies and Procedures
This document includes details and reminders for items related to various learning materials, areas, and activities included in the SACERS-U.
SACERS-U Promoting Engagement
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on SACERS-U items and indicators.
Thinking More About Activities SACERS-U
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about personal care routines, health, and safety based on SACERS-U items and indicators.
Thinking More About Health and Safety SACERS-U
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about language for learning and positive interactions based on SACERS-U items and indicators.
Thinking More About Language and Interactions SACERS-U
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about program structure including aspects of the daily schedule, free play and group times, and provisions for children with disabilities based on SACERS-U items and indicators.
Thinking More About Program Structure SACERS-U
This worksheet can be used to answer questions and document information about space and furnishings based on SACERS-U items and indicators.
Thinking More About Space and Furnishings SACERS-U

Este documento proporciona informaci�n para las familias sobre el proceso de evaluaci�n y qu� esperar. Se anima a los administradores del programa a publicar este documento en �reas familiares o incluirlo en un bolet�n informativo del programa cuando est� programada la ventana de evaluaci�n. Est� disponible en Ingl�s y Espa�ol.
Information for Families About Rated License Assessments (Spanish version)
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.
Information for Families About Rated License Assessments in Child Care Centers
This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.
SACERS-U materials list
This report shows statewide and county SACERS-U scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 9/1/2017 to 8/31/2019.
SACERS-U Statewide and county scores
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.
Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the SACERS-U
Use esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre actividades para aprender y jugar basadas en elementos e indicadores de SACERS-U.(Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on SACERS-U items and indicators.)
Thinking More About Activities SACERS-U (Spanish)
Use esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre rutinas de cuidado personal, salud y seguridad con base en los �tems e indicadores de SACERS-U.
Thinking More About Health and Safety SACERS-U (Spanish)
Use esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre el lenguaje para el aprendizaje y las interacciones positivas basadas en elementos e indicadores de SACERS-U.
Thinking More About Language and Interactions SACERS-U (Spanish)
Utilice esta hoja de trabajo para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre la estructura del programa, incluidos los aspectos del horario diario, el juego libre y los tiempos de grupo, y las disposiciones para ni�os con discapacidades seg�n los elementos e indicadores de SACERS-U.
Thinking More About Program Structure SACERS-U (Spanish)
Esta hoja de trabajo se puede utilizar para responder preguntas y documentar informaci�n sobre el espacio y el mobiliario en funci�n de los elementos e indicadores de SACERS-U.
Thinking More About Space and Furnishings SACERS-U (Spanish)
View all resources

FCCERS-3: Multi-age care for children birth through 12 years old,
located in a Family Child Care Home or Center Located in a Residence

This includes materials and furnishings needed for specific items and indicators.
FCCERS-3 Materials list
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.
Getting to know the FCCERS-3
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)
Getting to Know the FCCERS-3 (Spanish Version)
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.
Language for learning: Schoolagers (video)
These are the current NC Additional Notes for the FCCERS-3 used by NCRLAP assessors.
NC Additional Notes FCCERS-3 (updated 4-11-25)
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about activities for learning and play based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Activities FCCERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about positive practices for interactions based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Interaction FCCERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about various types of language, as well as, the use of books based on FCCERS-R items and indicators.
Thinking More about Language and Books FCCERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about personal care routines, health, and safety based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Personal Care Routines FCCERS-3
Use this worksheet to answer questions and document information about program structure including transitions, free play and group times based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Program Structure FCCERS-3
This worksheet can be used to answer questions and document information about space and furnishings based on FCCERS-3 items and indicators.
Thinking More about Space and Furnishings FCCERS-3