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Environment Rating Scales are Coming to Spark!
One of the exciting additions coming to Spark is the inclusion of the Environment Rating Scales (ERS). The ERS will serve as evidence for how some Spark standards are being met, as well as provide information to guide quality improvement efforts. The ERS are comprised of a variety of “indicators,” which are research based best practices in early childhood care and education. The ERS focus on three basic needs of children:
Protection of health and safety – “Children thrive when their health and safety needs are met and healthful habits are established for a lifetime.”
Supporting and guiding social/emotional development -- “Children develop good feelings about themselves and strong social skills from adults who are nurturing and use positive methods of guidance.”
Opportunities for intellectual and language stimulation and appropriate learning activities-- “Meaningful learning occurs when children have plenty of time to choose from a variety of activities with a teacher who brings learning out of play.” (Teachers College Press, 2018).
The authors highlight the importance of this wholistic approach. “No one component is more or less important than the others, nor can one substitute for another. It takes all three to create quality and education” (Teachers College Press, 2018).
