The third edition of the internationally-recognized Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (known as the ECERS-3) focuses on the full range of needs of preschool- and kindergarten-aged children. This comprehensive assessment tool measures environmental factors as well as teacher-child interactions that affect the broad developmental needs of young children. It also emphasizes the role of the teacher in creating an environment conducive to developmental gains. However, this new version of the ECERS is designed to predict child outcomes with greater accuracy and precision. It also provides a stronger means of distinguishing between quality and higher-quality programs.
