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An Introduction to the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale®, Third Edition
By Amanda Hazen, Anchor Birth-to-Three Specialist
On February 1, 2025, North Carolina moved away from using the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale®, Revised (ITERS-R) to assess child care classroom quality and replaced the measure with the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale®, Third Edition (ITERS-3). In this blog, we will discuss the differences between ITERS-R and ITERS-3 and where to get more information and resources.
Key Differences:
- In ITERS-3, there is a greater focus on responsive language and interactions as the children use classroom materials.
- There is no longer an interview component to the assessment process; the scores are based on what the assessor observes in a three-hour observation.
- The ITERS-3 has expanded the age range for its use for children up to 36 months old.
- Nap has been added to Personal Care Routines.
- Requirements for soft furnishings and cozy areas are now included in Furnishings and Room Arrangement.
- Books are now included in two items: Staff Use Books with Children and Encouraging Children’s Use of Books.
- Math/Number has been added to the activities subscale.
- Sand and Water is now included in Science/Nature.
- There is no longer a separate item for considering children with disabilities, this is now considered across other items.
The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) is offering free outreach assessments on the ITERS-3 and Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale®, Third Edition (ECERS-3) that will not count against your center, yet will prepare you for the new measure. If you are interested, you can email ncrlap@uncg.edu or call (866)362-7527 to schedule your free observation.
You can find more information on the ITERS-3 and training opportunities on the NCRLAP website: ncrlap.org.
