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NCRLAP Resources, Files, and Helpful Links

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NCRLAP Resources

Top 5 Most Requested Resources
  1. 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.   (15373 downloads)
    About the assessment process (video)  View!  
  2. We provide weekly webinars where you can learn about the Environment Rating Scales and other topics.   (13119 downloads)
    Webinar trainings  View!  
  3. 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.   (12623 downloads)
    Handwashing and other basic health considerations (video)  View!  
  4. 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)   (12363 downloads)
    ECERS-R The cozy area (webcast, uses Adobe flash)  View!  
  5. 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.   (12137 downloads)
    Assessment process checklist  View!  
Assessment information
  1. NC PreK Guide   (237 downloads) - 112
    A Guide to the NC Pre-K Assessment Process 2018-19  View  
  2. 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.   (15373 downloads) - 55
    About the assessment process (video)  View  
  3. 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.   (8058 downloads) - 55
    About the assessment process in NC (uncaptioned video)  View  
  4. 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.   (12137 downloads) - 112
    Assessment process checklist  View  
  5. 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.   (9782 downloads) - 112
    Books in poor repair  View  
  6. (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.   (9985 downloads) - 112
    Child Care Weather Watch Chart  View  
  7. 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.   (7705 downloads) - 112
    Considering appropriate images in books & pictures  View  
  8. 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.   (3215 downloads) - 55
    ECERS-R Item 22 Blocks, Indicator 5.1  View  
  9. This report shows statewide and county ECERS-R scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 6/19/2015 to 6/19/2017.   (2360 downloads) - 112
    ECERS-R Statewide and county scores  View  
  10. 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)   (12363 downloads) - 112
    ECERS-R The cozy area (webcast, uses Adobe flash)  View  
  11. This document provides an overview of considerations, questions from FCCH providers, and answers regarding NC's FCCERS-R assessment process.   (1715 downloads) - 112
    FCCERS-R Assessment Process Information  View  
  12. This report shows statewide and county FCCERS-R scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 6/19/2015 to 6/19/2017.   (1442 downloads) - 112
    FCCERS-R Statewide and county scores  View  
  13. Link to the DCD website, where you can learn about the NC Star Rated License system.   (7802 downloads) - 55
    General information regarding the NC Star Rated License system  View  
  14. 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.   (9023 downloads) - 55
    Handwashing and basic health considerations for the assessment process (uncaptioned video)  View  
  15. 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.   (12623 downloads) - 55
    Handwashing and other basic health considerations (video)  View  
  16. This document briefly summarizes some of the handwashing and some health requirements for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and FCCERS-R.   (10556 downloads) - 112
    Health Reminders for the ITERS-R ECERS-R and FCCERS-R  View  
  17. This document briefly summarizes some of the handwashing and health considerations for the SACERS-U.   (6186 downloads) - 112
    Health Reminders for the SACERS-U  View  
  18. This poster from the NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is referenced in NCRLAP facility summary reports.   (7600 downloads) - 55
    Healthy child care NC diaper procedure poster  View  
  19. This report shows statewide and county ITERS-R scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 6/19/2015 to 6/19/2017.   (1694 downloads) - 112
    ITERS-R Statewide and county scores  View  
  20. Focuses on how language supports children’s cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving infant and toddlers.   (8496 downloads) - 55
    Language for learning: Infants and toddlers (uncaptioned video)  View  
  21. Focuses on how language supports children’s cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving infant and toddlers.   (8327 downloads) - 55
    Language for learning: Infants and Toddlers (video)  View  
  22. Focuses on how language supports children’s cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving preschoolers.   (8375 downloads) - 55
    Language for learning: Preschoolers (uncaptioned video)  View  
  23. Focuses on how language supports children's cognitive and social/emotional development in programs serving preschoolers.   (8833 downloads) - 55
    Language for learning: Preschoolers (video)  View  
  24. 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.   (7314 downloads) - 55
    Language for learning: Schoolagers (uncaptioned video)  View  
  25. 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.   (6991 downloads) - 55
    Language for learning: Schoolagers (video)  View  
  26. This document provides an overview of considerations, questions, and answers regarding ECERS-R assessments for public school preschool programs.   (5636 downloads) - 112
    Public school ECERS information sheet  View  
  27. 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.   (135 downloads) - 112
    Requirements for Gross Motor Space and Equipment  View  
  28. Provides examples of some of the required interactions and facilitation of learning for a few items on the Activities sub-scale of the SACERS-U. It illustrates ideas for implementing best practices while staff communicate and interact with school-age children.   (8224 downloads) - 112
    SACERS-U Facilitating activities  View  
  29. This report shows statewide and county SACERS-U scores for NC Star Rated License assessments during 6/19/2015 to 6/19/2017.   (1492 downloads) - 112
    SACERS-U Statewide and county scores  View  
  30. 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.   (7186 downloads) - 112
    SACERS-U: Language Activity: Understanding the requirement for item 29  View  
  31. 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.   (7277 downloads) - 55
    Safe space for gross motor play (uncaptioned video)  View  
  32. Addresses common questions and scoring issues related to gross motor spaces and play that occur during the assessments completed by NCRLAP.   (8571 downloads) - 55
    Safe space for gross motor play (video)  View  
  33. 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.   (7385 downloads) - 54
    Stay and play outside all day, part 1  View  
  34. 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.   (5860 downloads) - 54
    Stay and play outside all day, part 2  View  
  35. 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.   (5709 downloads) - 54
    Stay and play outside all day, part 3  View  
  36. 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.   (8225 downloads) - 54
    Stay and play outside all day, part 4  View  
  37. 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.   (2752 downloads) - 112
    Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the ECERS-R  View  
  38. 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.   (1604 downloads) - 112
    Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the FCCERS-R  View  
  39. 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.   (2475 downloads) - 112
    Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the ITERS-R  View  
  40. 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.   (1861 downloads) - 112
    Summary of Lowest Scoring Items and Indicators for the SACERS-U  View  
  41. 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.   (8575 downloads) - 112
    Supplement for A Safe Space for Gross Motor Play (8-2012)  View  
  42. 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.   (6378 downloads) - 112
    Supplement for About the Assessment Process (8-2012)  View  
  43. 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.   (8840 downloads) - 112
    Supplement for Handwashing and Basic Health Considerations (8-2012)  View  
  44. 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.   (7117 downloads) - 112
    Supplement for Language for Learning (8-2012)  View  
  45. 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.   (7989 downloads) - 112
    Supplement for Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants (8-2012)  View  
  46. Use this worksheet while reading the appropriate Environment Rating Scale to document the materials and furnishings in your classroom while considering the items and indicators of the activities sub-scale.   (8671 downloads) - 112
    Thinking More about Learning Materials-ECERS-R  View  
  47. Use this worksheet while reading the appropriate Environment Rating Scale to document the materials and furnishings in your family childcare home while considering the items and indicators of the activities sub-scale.   (5565 downloads) - 112
    Thinking More about Learning Materials-FCCERS-R  View  
  48. Use this worksheet while reading the appropriate Environment Rating Scale to document the materials and furnishings in your classroom while considering the items and indicators of the activities sub-scale.   (7773 downloads) - 112
    Thinking More about Learning Materials-ITERS-R  View  
  49. Use this worksheet while reading the appropriate Environment Rating Scale to document the materials and furnishings in your classroom while considering the items and indicators of the activities sub-scale.   (7583 downloads) - 112
    Thinking More about Learning Materials-SACERS-U  View  
  50. 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   (1963 downloads) - 112
    USDA Meal Guidelines for Children 1 to 12 years  View  
  51. 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   (1581 downloads) - 112
    USDA Meal Guidelines for Infants  View  
  52. 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.   (7592 downloads) - 55
    Using materials with non-mobile infants (uncaptioned)  View  
  53. 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.   (7910 downloads) - 55
    Using materials with non-mobile infants (video)  View  
  54. 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.   (7589 downloads) - 54
    Webcast: Outdoor Play Weather Permitting: Common questions  View  
  55. 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.   (7053 downloads) - 54
    Webcast: Outdoor Play Weather Permitting: What are the requirements?  View  
  56. 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.   (7264 downloads) - 54
    Webcast: Rest Well- Considerations for creating a restful naptime  View  
  57. 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.   (6950 downloads) - 54
    Webcast: Rest Well- Healthy provisions for naptime  View  
  58. 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.   (7073 downloads) - 54
    Webcast: Rest well- Supervision considerations for naptime  View  
Forms
  1. 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.   (648 downloads) - 112
    Birthdate list for classrooms with two-year-olds enrolled  View  
  2. 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.   (1193 downloads) - 112
    Classroom information form (8-21-18)  View  
  3. This form is to be completed for NCRLAP data requests. It helps identify which filters and variables to include and provides other information related to the nature and scope of the data request.   (1781 downloads) - 112
    NCRLAP data request application (3-6-2015)  View  
  4. No description available   (2329 downloads) - 112
    Teacher Information Form  View  
General information
  1. This brochure covers how quality is assessed, how to prepare for a visit, what to expect on the day of the assessment, and what happens after the assessment.   (7921 downloads) - 112
    Brochure: A Quick Reference Guide to the Rated License Assessment Process (2014)  View  
  2. This brochure explains scheduling procedures for rated license process assessments.   (6866 downloads) - 112
    Brochure: Scheduling Your Rated License Assessment (2014)  View  
  3. This address links to the website for the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education, CFOC3 website page.   (6825 downloads) - 55
    Caring for Our Children, 3rd edition  View  
  4. Link to CPSC website. Provides the CPSC guidelines referenced by rated license assessors.   (6837 downloads) - 55
    Handbook for Public Playground Safety  View  
  5. Links 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.   (2811 downloads) - 55
    NC Child Care Resource and Referral Offices (by county)  View  
  6. Links to the DCDEE website search engine. You can search for facilities using a variety of filters (e.g., star rating, county, zip code).   (3970 downloads) - 55
    Search for a child care program in North Carolina  View  
Presentations and research papers
  1. Provides a summary of measurement tools used for NCRLAP's research study. Scales include: ECERS-E, OST, CLASS, ITERS-R, ECERS-R, SACERS.   (3381 downloads) - 112
    A Comparison of Quality Assessment Tools (SRCD 2011 Handout)  View  
  2. This is the actual poster displayed at SRCD on March 31, 2011, titled ''Comparison among quality measures in child care settings: Indicators of quality in relation to child outcomes.''   (3770 downloads) - 112
    A Comparison of Quality Assessment Tools (SRCD 2011 Overall DCD Results poster)  View  
  3. This is the actual poster displayed at SRCD on March 31, 2011, titled ''Unique contribution of outdoor environmental quality to children's cognitive and emotional experiences: A comparison of measures''   (4153 downloads) - 112
    A Comparison of Quality Assessment Tools (SRCD 2011 POEMS poster)  View  
  4. This document contains general information on the observation measures piloted in the Comparison of Quality Assessment Tools research project. It includes details about scoring, administration, and the psychometrics for each measure.   (2981 downloads) - 112
    A Comparison of Quality Assessment Tools: Information on Observation Measures  View  
  5. A Comparison of Quality Assessment Tools: Preliminary Results. Uploaded to the VFC on 1/13/2011 10:59:25 AM.   (2983 downloads) - 112
    A Comparison of Quality Assessment Tools: Overall Results by Age Group  View  
  6. Provides an overview of the Comparison of Quality Assessment Tools research project.   (3523 downloads) - 112
    A Comparison of Quality Assessment Tools: Overview of Project and Procedures  View  
  7. Provides a summary of a recent study by Hatfield et all (2014) that examined the inequities in access to quality early care and education. The purpose of the study was to examine program and community level characteristics related to total licensing points earned by early care and education programs in North Carolina's Tiered Quality Rating Improvement System (TQRIS).   (1966 downloads) - 112
    NCRLAP research brief: Inequities in access to quality early care and education  View  
  8. 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)   (6414 downloads) - 112
    NCRLAP research brief: Ratios and group sizes are linked to ITERS-R scores  View  
  9. UNCG has recently completely two important studies regarding child care quality and child outcomes. This document shares the results with you in a way that will provide talking points and support for conversations that child care providers might have with policy makers or investors. Please feel free to share this information with other colleagues who are also interested in working towards higher quality care for all young children.   (3609 downloads) - 112
    Quality Fact Sheet  View  
  10. Powerpoint slides from NCRLAP session 119 ''Understanding Classroom Quality.'' This resource was uploaded to the VFC on 5/4/2011 4:23:06 PM by Lia Rucker.   (3127 downloads) - 112
    Smart Start Session119: Understanding Classroom Quality (5-4-11)  View  
NC Additional Notes
  1. These are the current NC Additional Notes for the ECERS-R used by NCRLAP assessors.   (214 downloads) - 112
    ~NC Additional Notes ECERS-R  View  
  2. These are the current NC Additional Notes for the SACERS-U used by NCRLAP assessors.   (130 downloads) - 112
    ~NC Additional Notes SACERS-U  View  
  3. These are the current NC Additional Notes for the FCCERS-R used by NCRLAP assessors.   (98 downloads) - 112
    ~NC Additional Notes: FCCERS-R  View  
  4. These are the current NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R used by NCRLAP assessors.   (149 downloads) - 112
    ~NC Additional Notes: ITERS-R  View  
Grievance and score change documents
  1. This document outlines the steps that child care operators may follow if they have questions or concerns about their assessment report(s).   (1140 downloads) - 112
    Information for Providers about the NCRLAP Grievance Process  View  
Outreach training
  1. Attendees or participants in recently NCRLAP outreach event can complete this survey, which asks for opinions about the training event.   (1003 downloads) - 55
    Outreach participant evaluation (online survey)  View  
  2. We provide weekly webinars where you can learn about the Environment Rating Scales and other topics.   (13119 downloads) - 55
    Webinar trainings  View  
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