North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project

Recent news

A new Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3), Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ECERS-3), and Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (FCCERS-3) have been released. There are no immediate plans for child care programs completing North Carolina's Environment Rating Scale assessment process to transition to either of these new editions. At this time, the Division of Child Development and Early Education and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project will continue to use the ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and FCCERS-R.

Assessment brochure

Scheduling brochure

Important resources for all assessments

Here are links to resources for all rating scales.

Describes the steps involved in participating in assessments completed by NCRLAP. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
About the assessment process (video)
This form should be completed by program staff and/or home providers prior to the start of their assessment window. One form should be used for each classroom that includes more than one child.
Classroom information form
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, including the SACERS-U.
Handwashing and other basic health considerations (video)
Revised: March 2019 This is a summary of scoring criteria used by NCRLAP assessors during Environment Rating Scale assessments for items that relate to gross motor space and equipment. These standards apply to all gross motor equipment and materials.
Requirements for Gross Motor Space and Equipment
Addresses common questions and scoring issues related to gross motor spaces and play that occur during the assessments completed by NCRLAP.
Safe space for gross motor play (video)
USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Children 1-12 years of age. These updated guidelines are required by October 1, 2017. Source. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks
USDA Meal Guidelines for Children 1 to 12 years
We provide weekly webinars where you can learn about the Environment Rating Scales and other topics.
Webinar trainings

About the assessment process in NC (uncaptioned video). Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
About the assessment process in NC (uncaptioned video)
This checklist is designed to assist child care programs with the assessment process in conjunction with other resources provided by DCDEE and NCRLAP. Programs can use this as a guide while preparing for the assessment process, though it is not required to use it.
Assessment process checklist
This address links to the website for the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education, CFOC3 website page.
Caring for Our Children, 3rd edition
(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 information provides considerations regarding appropriate images in books and pictures as it applies to observations conducted by the NC Rated License Assessment Project for the NC Star Rated License and addresses common questions.
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
Describes many of the health and sanitation practices considered during the assessment process in NC. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Handwashing and basic health considerations for the assessment process (uncaptioned video)
Addresses common questions and scoring issues related to gross motor spaces and play that occur during the North Carolina Rated License Assessments. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Safe space for gross motor play (uncaptioned video)
This is an optional form that programs may choose to complete if their program has special characteristics (e.g., enrolls many children with involved special needs, program is based on a specific philosophy or curriculum, etc.). Based on information provided during the scheduling phone call, this form can be sent with the scheduling packet, as needed.
Special program or classroom information form
This webcast is Stay and Play Outside All Day, Part 1 which is an introduction to enhancing the outdoor learning environment. After this webcast, you may also want to view part 2 that discusses considerations for using natural learning materials as well as parts 3 and 4 that show examples of these materials. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Stay and play outside all day, part 1
This webcast is about Stay and Play Outside All Day, Part 2 which continues the conversation about enhancing the outdoor play environment for children. It promotes teachers scheduling much time for outdoor play while providing children with a variety of gross motor and other learning experiences. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Stay and play outside all day, part 2
This presentation provides examples of outdoor learning areas as well as examples of teacher-made natural learning materials. More examples are provided in Stay and Play Outside All Day, part 4. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Stay and play outside all day, part 3
This webcast provides examples of teacher-made natural learning materials. These ideas come from various programs in North Carolina who wish to expose children to nature and help children develop a sense of wonder and appreciation for the out-of-doors. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Stay and play outside all day, part 4
Use this video supplement to learn more about common questions and scoring issues related to gross motor spaces and play that occur during the NC rated license assessments. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Supplement for A Safe Space for Gross Motor Play (8-2012)
Use this video supplement to learn more about the process of having an assessment completed by the NC Rated License Assessment Project. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Supplement for About the Assessment Process (8-2012)
Use this video supplement to learn more about how providers can ensure that health and sanitation practices are carried out appropriately throughout the day. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Supplement for Handwashing and Basic Health Considerations (8-2012)
This supplement focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in child care settings. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Supplement for Language for Learning (8-2012)
This webcast addresses common questions from child care providers about when it is appropriate to take children outside. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Webcast: Outdoor Play Weather Permitting: Common questions
This webcast discusses the requirements on the Environment Rating Scales regarding outdoor play weather permitting. Information in this resource is appropriate to be used with each Environment Rating Scale, including the SACERS-U.
Webcast: Outdoor Play Weather Permitting: What are the requirements?
View all resources

Below are the most important resources for each rating scale.

For classrooms serving children 31 months to 5 years: ECERS-R

These are the current NC Additional Notes for the ECERS-R used by NCRLAP assessors.
NC Additional Notes ECERS-R
This report shows statewide and county ECERS-R scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 9/1/2017 to 8/31/2019.
ECERS-R Statewide and county scores
This webcast defines the basic requirements of a cozy area for the ECERS-R rating scale and provides examples of areas that meet this definition and examples of areas that do not. It illustrates important considerations in determining the adequacy of a cozy area by answering common questions on this topic. (4/17/2013)
ECERS-R The cozy area (webcast, uses Adobe flash)
This document provides an overview of considerations, questions, and answers regarding ECERS-R assessments for public school preschool programs.
ECERS-R: Public school information sheet
This document briefly summarizes some of the handwashing and some health requirements for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and FCCERS-R.
Health Reminders for the ITERS-R ECERS-R and FCCERS-R
Este documento resume brevemente algunos de los requisitos del lavado de las manos y algunos requisitos para la salud en el ITERS-R, ECERS-R y FCCERS-R.
Health Reminders for the ITERS-R ECERS-R and FCCERS-R (Spanish version)
Focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving preschoolers.
Language for learning: Preschoolers (video)
This document provides information about the substantial portion of the day requirement in the ECERS-R. It includes information about the definition of the term, how assessors determine the times and make calculations, FAQs, materials indoors and outdoors, and tips.
Substantial portion of the day: Key points for NC's assessment process
Este documento proporciona informaci�n sobre los requerimientos de una parte considerable del d�a en el ECERS-R. Incluye informaci�n sobre la definici�n del t�rmino, c�mo los asesores determinan los tiempos y como hacen sus c�lculos, preguntas frecuentes, materiales en interiores y exteriores, y consejos.
Substantial portion of the day: Key points for NC's assessment process (Spanish version)
This document provides a summary of the lowest scoring items and indicators for the ECERS-R, as used for the assessment portion of the NC Star Rated License.
Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the ECERS-R
Use this worksheet to document the materials and furnishings in a preschool classroom and also to consider specific questions about play times and activities items based on ECERS-R items and indicators. This document should be used while reading the ECERS-R and it may be printed to fill in answers, or a tablet and stylus could be used.
Thinking More About Learning Materials and Play - ECERS-R

This form should be completed by child care program staff prior to the start of their assessment window. One form should be used for each classroom that includes any two-year-old children. If no two-year-olds are enrolled, this form does not need to be completed.
Birthdate list for classrooms with two-year-olds enrolled
This video is intended for participants in North Carolina's ERS Assessment Process. It provides information related to the requirements of the ECERS-R, Item 22 Blocks, Indicator 5.1 and shows examples of block areas and how these relate to the indicator's requirements.
ECERS-R Item 22 Blocks, Indicator 5.1
This poster from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is referenced in NCRLAP facility summary reports.
Healthy child care NC diaper procedure poster
This document explains how to determine whether to use the ECERS-R or ITERS-R in classrooms for two-year-olds when thinking about ongoing classroom planning and self-assessment, and also when preparing for upcoming assessments.
ITERS-R and ECERS-R: Determining Which Scale to Use in Two's Classrooms
Focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving preschoolers.
Language for learning: Preschoolers (uncaptioned video)
Discusses how programs can create a restful environment for children by considering the indicators at the higher levels of quality on the Environment Rating Scales.
Webcast: Rest Well- Considerations for creating a restful naptime
Explains the requirements for the nap/rest item on the Environment Rating Scales regarding healthy provisions, and it addresses common questions and provides some helpful hints.
Webcast: Rest Well- Healthy provisions for naptime
Discusses the supervision of infants and older children during naptime and also considers the physical layout and placement of furnishings to allow for good supervision.
Webcast: Rest well- Supervision considerations for naptime
View all resources

For classrooms serving children birth through 30 months: ITERS-R

These are the current NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R used by NCRLAP assessors.
NC Additional Notes: ITERS-R
This webcast explains the definition of books in poor repair as it applies to the ITERS-R and FCCERS-R as well as provides examples of common repair issues and other important considerations.
Books in poor repair
This document briefly summarizes some of the handwashing and some health requirements for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and FCCERS-R.
Health Reminders for the ITERS-R ECERS-R and FCCERS-R
Este documento resume brevemente algunos de los requisitos del lavado de las manos y algunos requisitos para la salud en el ITERS-R, ECERS-R y FCCERS-R.
Health Reminders for the ITERS-R ECERS-R and FCCERS-R (Spanish version)
This report shows statewide and county ITERS-R scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 9/1/2017 to 8/31/2019.
ITERS-R Statewide and county scores
Focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving infant and toddlers.
Language for learning: Infants and Toddlers (video)
Recent findings from the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) provide compelling evidence for the importance of low ratios and group sizes for infants and toddlers in center-based care. For more information or questions, please contact Dr. Deborah Cassidy (djcassidy@uncg.edu)
NCRLAP research brief: Ratios and group sizes are linked to ITERS-R scores
This document provides a summary of the lowest scoring items and indicators for the ITERS-R, as used for the assessment portion of the NC Star Rated License.
Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the ITERS-R
USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Infants less than 12 months old. These updated guidelines are required by October 1, 2017. Source. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks
USDA Meal Guidelines for Infants
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 form should be completed by child care program staff prior to the start of their assessment window. One form should be used for each classroom that includes any two-year-old children. If no two-year-olds are enrolled, this form does not need to be completed.
Birthdate list for classrooms with two-year-olds enrolled
This poster from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is referenced in NCRLAP facility summary reports.
Healthy child care NC diaper procedure poster
This document explains how to determine whether to use the ECERS-R or ITERS-R in classrooms for two-year-olds when thinking about ongoing classroom planning and self-assessment, and also when preparing for upcoming assessments.
ITERS-R and ECERS-R: Determining Which Scale to Use in Two's Classrooms
Focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving infant and toddlers.
Language for learning: Infants and toddlers (uncaptioned video)
This video supplement 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.
Supplement for Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants (8-2012)
Use this worksheet to document the materials and furnishings in infant and toddler classrooms and also to consider specific questions about play times and activities items based on ITERS-R items and indicators. This document should be used while reading the ITERS-R and it may be printed to fill in answers, or a tablet and stylus could be used.
Thinking More About Learning Materials and Play - ITERS-R
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 (uncaptioned)
Discusses how programs can create a restful environment for children by considering the indicators at the higher levels of quality on the Environment Rating Scales.
Webcast: Rest Well- Considerations for creating a restful naptime
Explains the requirements for the nap/rest item on the Environment Rating Scales regarding healthy provisions, and it addresses common questions and provides some helpful hints.
Webcast: Rest Well- Healthy provisions for naptime
Discusses the supervision of infants and older children during naptime and also considers the physical layout and placement of furnishings to allow for good supervision.
Webcast: Rest well- Supervision considerations for naptime
View all resources

For classrooms serving children 5 to 12 years: SACERS-Updated

These are the current NC Additional Notes for the SACERS-U used by NCRLAP assessors.
NC Additional Notes SACERS-U
This document briefly summarizes some of the handwashing and health considerations for the SACERS-U.
Health Reminders for the SACERS-U
Este documento resume brevemente algunos de los requisitos del lavado de las manos y algunos requisitos para la salud en el SACERS-U.
Health Reminders for the SACERS-U (Spanish version)
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, including the SACERS-U.
Language for learning: Schoolagers (video)
This document includes information about policy and procedures questions that are important for school-age staff to be familiar with.
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
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 resource provides examples of the types of language and questioning techniques that specifically meet the expectations for item 29, Staff-child communication, indicator 5.4. It also illustrates best practices for language when staff ask children probing questions that encourage children to give more involved responses.
SACERS-U: Language Activity: Understanding the requirement for item 29
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 this worksheet to document the materials and furnishings in a school-age program and also to consider specific questions about play times and activities items based on SACERS-U items and indicators. This document should be used while reading the SACERS-U and it may be printed to fill in answers, or a tablet and stylus could be used.
Thinking More About Learning Materials and Play - SACERS-U

For family child care homes serving children birth - 12 years: FCCERS-R

These are the current NC Additional Notes for the FCCERS-R used by NCRLAP assessors.
NC Additional Notes: FCCERS-R
This webcast explains the definition of books in poor repair as it applies to the ITERS-R and FCCERS-R as well as provides examples of common repair issues and other important considerations.
Books in poor repair
This document provides an overview of considerations, questions from FCCH providers, and answers regarding NC's FCCERS-R assessment process.
FCCERS-R Assessment Process Information
Este documento proporciona una descripcion general de las consideraciones, preguntas de los proveedores de FCCH y respuestas sobre el proceso de evaluacion de FCCERS-R de NC.
FCCERS-R Assessment Process Information (Spanish version)
This resource is the first in a series of recorded PowerPoint presentations for family childcare providers. It examines the requirements of different indicators in the Fine Motor item in the FCCERS-R and provides a variety of examples.
FCCERS-R Item 16 Using Fine Motor Materials with Different Age Groups in Family Child Care Homes
This resource is the third in a series of recorded PowerPoint presentations for family childcare providers. It examines the requirements of different indicators in the Art item in the FCCERS-R and provides a variety of examples.
FCCERS-R Item 17 Using Art Materials with Different Age Groups in Family Child Care Home
This is the sixth in a series of recorded PowerPoint presentations for family childcare providers. It examines the requirements of different indicators in the Block item in the FCCERS-R and provides a variety of examples.
FCCERS-R Item 19 Using Blocks with Different Age Groups in Family Child Care Homes
This resource is the fourth in a series of recorded PowerPoint presentations for family childcare providers. It examines the requirements of different indicators in the Dramatic play item in the FCCERS-R and provides a variety of examples.
FCCERS-R Item 20 Using Dramatic Play Materials with Different Age Groups in Family Child Care Homes
This resource is the second in a series of recorded PowerPoint presentations for family childcare providers. It examines the requirements of different indicators in the Math item in the FCCERS-R and provides a variety of examples.
FCCERS-R Item 21 Using Math Materials with Different Age Groups in Family Child Care Homes
This resource is the fifth in a series of recorded PowerPoint presentations for family childcare providers. It examines the requirements of different indicators in the Nature/science item in the FCCERS-R and provides a variety of examples.
FCCERS-R Item 22 Using Nature Science Materials with Different Age Groups in Family Child Care Homes
This resource is the seventh in a series of recorded PowerPoint presentations for family childcare providers. It examines the requirements of different indicators in the Promoting acceptance of diversity item in the FCCERS-R and provides a variety of examples.
FCCERS-R Item 24 Promoting Acceptance and Diversity in Family Child Care Homes
This report shows statewide and county FCCERS-R scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 9/1/2017 to 8/31/2019.
FCCERS-R Statewide and county scores
This document briefly summarizes some of the handwashing and some health requirements for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and FCCERS-R.
Health Reminders for the ITERS-R ECERS-R and FCCERS-R
Este documento resume brevemente algunos de los requisitos del lavado de las manos y algunos requisitos para la salud en el ITERS-R, ECERS-R y FCCERS-R.
Health Reminders for the ITERS-R ECERS-R and FCCERS-R (Spanish version)
Focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving infant and toddlers.
Language for learning: Infants and Toddlers (video)
Focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving preschoolers.
Language for learning: Preschoolers (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, including the SACERS-U.
Language for learning: Schoolagers (video)
This document provides a summary of the lowest scoring items and indicators for the FCCERS-R, as used for the assessment portion of the NC Star Rated License.
Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the FCCERS-R
Use this worksheet to document the materials and furnishings in a family child care home and also to consider specific questions about play times and activities items based on FCCERS-R items and indicators. This document should be used while reading the FCCERS-R and it may be printed to fill in answers, or a tablet and stylus could be used.
Thinking More About Learning Materials and Play - FCCERS-R
USDA Meal Pattern Guidelines for Infants less than 12 months old. These updated guidelines are required by October 1, 2017. Source. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/meals-and-snacks
USDA Meal Guidelines for Infants
https://vimeo.com/434376931
Using Blocks with Different Age Groups in Family Child Care Homes
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 resource is the second in a series of recorded PowerPoint presentations for family childcare providers. It examines the requirements of different indicators in the Math item in the FCCERS-R and provides a variety of examples.
Using Math Materials with Different Age Groups in Family Child Care Homes

This document provides information about the purpose of the self-study process as part of NC's Star Rated License.
FCCH Self Study: General Information
This document provides important reminders about requirements for the self-study process as part of NC's Star Rated License and offers some ideas and questions to consider when getting started with a self-study.
FCCH Self Study: Key Points and Ideas for Getting Started
Examples of two forms are included. These are not required, but may be helpful in generating ideas or reflection as part of a self-study.
FCCH Self Study: Planning and Self Reflection Form Examples
This poster from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is referenced in NCRLAP facility summary reports.
Healthy child care NC diaper procedure poster
Focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving infant and toddlers.
Language for learning: Infants and toddlers (uncaptioned video)
Focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving preschoolers.
Language for learning: Preschoolers (uncaptioned 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, including the SACERS-U.
Language for learning: Schoolagers (uncaptioned video)
This video supplement 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.
Supplement for Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants (8-2012)
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 (uncaptioned)
Discusses how programs can create a restful environment for children by considering the indicators at the higher levels of quality on the Environment Rating Scales.
Webcast: Rest Well- Considerations for creating a restful naptime
Explains the requirements for the nap/rest item on the Environment Rating Scales regarding healthy provisions, and it addresses common questions and provides some helpful hints.
Webcast: Rest Well- Healthy provisions for naptime
Discusses the supervision of infants and older children during naptime and also considers the physical layout and placement of furnishings to allow for good supervision.
Webcast: Rest well- Supervision considerations for naptime
View all resources