Delaware Stars for Early Success

Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood

111 Alison West, University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-3239
http://www.dieec.udel.edu

ITERS-R Clarifications
Please read: The following are required to be completed as components of the Delaware Stars
assessments using the Environment Rating Scales. These requirements include information from
Delacare Rules, additional notes that provide added information identified by Delaware Stars to be
included in assessments not already identified by Delacare or the ITERS-R, and explanations from the All
About Book. In cases where Delacare Rules go beyond what the scales or All About Books require,
Delaware Stars will defer to Delacare Rules. If Delaware Stars clarifications and the authors notes differ,
Delaware Stars clarifications shall be followed. Other information and authors notes to the scales can be
found online on the Environment Rating Scales Institute (ERSi) website, (www.ersi.info). Procedures
references are made in bold throughout the document and can be found on the DIEEC website
(http://dieec.udel.edu) under Delaware Stars.
Overall
The Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale- Revised will be used when assessing groups of children
up to 36 months.
The additional notes from ERSi regarding the functions of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting in
General Notes will not be followed. Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions.
The term much of the day is used throughout the scale. To receive credit, the activities must occur
throughout the day, not just very early in the morning at opening and late in the afternoon at closing.
Children who are contained after feedings due to reflux issues will not count against the much of the
day requirements as long as a valid doctors note is provided and the child is contained for no more than
30 consecutive minutes while actively engaged.
The additional notes from ERSi regarding a change to the Explanation of Terms Used Throughout the
Scale for Hand washing will not be followed. Delacare requires hands to be washed with soap and
running water. Refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedures.
#1 Indoor space
3.3
Up to three minor repair problems are permitted for good repair.
5.1

Ample space requires less than 2 crowded areas.

#2 Furniture for routine care and play

1.1, 3.1 There must be enough furniture for the maximum number of children allowed.
3.4

Delacare requires that high chairs have a wide base and a T-shaped strap and that they are used
(Rule # 390).

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Group feeding tables with bucket seats of any kind will not receive credit.
5.5

Delacare states that at least 50% of infant staff have comfortable adult seating (Rule # 391). The
examples provided above in indicator 5.5 are not considered comfortable.

#3 Provision for relaxation and comfort

3.2, 5.3 Soft toys include cloth dolls and puppets and stuffed animals. To count as soft toys, puppets must
be completely soft and be made of plush material, not thin cloth with hard plastic body parts.
Dolls can be completely soft or have soft bodies with plastic heads, arms, and legs. Soft toy
animals can be of all sizes. Also counted are soft stuffed toys in other shapes such as trucks or
boats and soft cloth or vinyl covered blocks.
5.1, 5.2, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 Cozy area must be defined, not flow into other activities and must not be in a traffic
area.
#5 Display for children
5.2
To be considered a hanging object, it must move freely in space and be three-dimensional, not flat
and picture-like.
#7 Meals/snacks
1.2, 3.2 Delacare requires that all food must meet the requirements of the Delaware CACFP Meal
Pattern Requirements and Policies (Rule #345).
If the children are physically and developmentally able to see, access and serve themselves the
food then having it out and available on the table would meet the requirement of served;
otherwise, there would need to be a verbal and/or physical offering/serving on behalf of the
staff.
1.3, 3.3 The additional note from ERSi regarding three important health practices will not be
implemented. Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions and Delaware Stars Hand Washing
Procedure.
1.3, 3.3, 5.3 The additional notes from ERSi regarding a change to the Explanation of Terms Used
Throughout the Scale for hand washing will not be followed. Delacare requires hands to be
washed with soap and running water.
Sanitary conditions include (but are not limited to) knowledge and practice of 1) proper hand
washing and 2) use of proper mixing components for sanitation. Refer to the Delaware Stars
Hand Washing Procedure. Please note that the hand washing procedures are adapted from
Delacare Rules and the ERS, but also include a step identified by Delaware Stars.
The procedures described above are required for adults and children including infants (Rule
#243).

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Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions for additional information.

3.1

Drinking water is required to be offered between feedings to children who are consuming solid
foods. If the children are all physically and developmentally able to see, access and pour water in
their cup then having it out and available would meet the requirement of offered; otherwise,
there would need to be a verbal and/or physical offering on behalf of the staff. Solid food is
any food that is non-liquid. It could include infant food such as mixed cereal, pureed baby food
(vegetables, fruits, meats). Infants are not required to be offered straight water if the infant is
receiving breast milk or receiving infant formula mixed with water.

5.5

The menu must be an accurate reflection of what the children are actually served at meals/snacks;
it cannot differ from what is served.

#8 Nap
The additional notes from ERSi regarding cribs with sides that drop down will not be enforced. (will be
implemented in 2013)
1.1, 3.2 The additional notes from ERSi regarding swaddling will not be followed as it is allowed by
Delacare. The additional notes from ERSi regarding SIDS will not be enforced. However, if a
child appears to be in danger while in a crib, the provisions will be considered inappropriate and
noted as a safety hazard. The additional notes from ERSI requiring 3 ft. of space with the solid
barrier for cribs will not be followed. However, according to Delacare, 18 of space is required
between cribs, even with a solid barrier, when a child is in them (Rule #224, 228).
Inappropriate nap provisions include cribs/playpens with mesh sides or slats that are more than 2
3/8 inches apart due to entrapment.
Pack n plays will not be counted as an appropriate substitution for cribs or cots/mats.
Children sleeping on cots or mats must sleep head-to-foot so that they alternate body positions as
a health precaution identified by Delacare (Rule #228).
3.2

Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions for additional information.

1.2, 3.3 Adequate supervision defined by Delacare must include someone present at all times during nap
and appropriate ratios are maintained (Rule #191).
#9 Diapering/toileting
The ERSi additional note regarding changes to the diapering procedures will not be followed. Refer to
the Diapering Procedure for Center and Toilet Training Procedure for Centers issued by Delaware
Stars.
The ERSi additional note regarding the Pull-up procedure will not be followed. Refer to the Toilet
Training Procedure for Centers issued by Delaware Stars.

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1.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1 Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions for additional information.
Refer to the Diapering Procedure for Centers and the Toilet Training Procedure for Centers
issued by Delaware Stars. The score sheet incorrectly reverses the order of wiping hands. Follow
the above procedures. These procedures include the steps outlined in Delacare and are further
informed by the ERS. Additionally, refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure.
Please note that the hand washing procedures are adapted from Delacare Rules and the ERS, but
also include a step identified by Delaware Stars.
The procedures described above are required for adults and children including infants (Rule
#243).
1.3, 3.3 The additional notes from ERSi regarding a change to the Explanation of Terms Used
Throughout the Scale for Hand washing will not be followed. Delacare requires hands to be
washed with soap and running water. Refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure.
#10 Health practices
1.1, 3.2, 5.2 The additional note from ERSi regarding a change to the Explanation of Terms Used
Throughout the Scale for hand washing will not be followed. Delacare requires hands to be
washed with soap and running water. Refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure.
Refer to Maintaining Sanitary Conditions for additional information.
Additionally, refer to the Delaware Stars Hand Washing Procedure. Please note that the hand
washing procedures are adapted from Delacare Rules and the ERS, but also include a step
identified by Delaware Stars.
The procedures described above are required for adults and children including infants (Rule
#243).
1.1, 3.1 Children must not share pacifiers and teethers, and, if contaminated, they are washed with soap
and water (not just rinsed) before being returned to the child.
3.4

In addition to what is required by the scale for proper administration of medication, Delacare
requires that medication be administered by a certified staff member (Rule # 327) and is in a
container with the childs name on it (Rule # 331). Additionally, a log of the administration of
medication to each child will be kept (Rule # 336).

#11 Safety practices

The additional notes from ERSi regarding cribs with sides that drop down will not be enforced. (will be
implemented in 2013)
1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 5.1 Refer to Common Safety Hazards for additional information.

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Items labeled, Keep out of reach of children (KOR) that are not locked away, will be counted
based on location. For example, multiple KOR items located on one shelving unit or in one
cabinet will count as one major safety hazard, regardless if they are different types of items.
3.1

In addition, no more than 6 minor hazards permitted indoors and outdoors, combined.

3.2

Supervision and ratios must be maintained at all times to be considered adequate.

#12 Helping children understand language

1.2
Ongoing noise interferes with childrens ability to hear language by making it difficult to separate
what staff members are saying to them from the general sound overload. If staff generally need
to raise their voices to be heard or if children seem to be unable to hear staff or be heard by them,
then the noise is interfering.
3.2

Reasonably quiet means that the sound level in the room allows children to hear what the staff
and other children are saying and that the noise level is low enough so that communications in a
normal tone of voice can be heard almost all of the time.

7.2

At least two instances of verbal play should be observed during the observation.

#13 Helping children use language

5.2
This indicator requires that staff describe the actions they are taking as they care for children but
can also include a verbal commentary for play about the actions staff and children do.
#14 Using books
1.1, 3.1, 5.1 Appropriate books for infants/toddlers include books that are sturdy and have pages that do
not tear easily. The pictures should be simple and clear, the content of the story of a suitable
level of difficulty for the children. Do not count books or magazines meant for use by older
children or adults, or for other activities, such as magazines or equipment catalogs being saved to
be cut for an art project.
5.2

A wide selection is defined as 1 or more in each category.

7.2

Several instances are defined as three or more times throughout the observation.

#15 Fine motor

5.1
To count as varied, at least 5 skills and/or characteristics must be evident in the use of the
materials.
#16 Active physical play
Refer to the Playground Guidelines published by the Environment Rating Scales Institute for
use with the ERS.

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3.1

The ERSi additional notes regarding changing the time limit to 15 minutes will not be followed.
The time limit to be restrained will remain as 20 minutes.

3.2, 5.1 In addition to the weather permitting guidelines specified in the scale, dangerous weather
conditions that could potentially be harmful to children will also be acceptable reasons for not
going outside, such as threat of severe weather (ex. hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder storms).
7.1

The term surface generally means the covering on the ground outdoors where children can carry
out their active physical play. In order to give credit for 2 or more types of surfacing, the spaces
must enable children to participate successfully in different types of active play. Additionally, the
surface must be large enough to permit a type of play without much interruption from other
activities. Each must be experienced daily.

#18 Music and movement

1.1, 3.1 5.1, 7.1 Food used to create musical instruments is not an appropriate substitute because it is
unsanitary, confusing to children, and poses a conflict regarding use and waste of food. No credit
will be given for musical instruments that contain food.
1.2

Loud music interferes with ongoing activities when the children and staff have a difficult time
hearing one another and also may prevent children from being calm. If people in the classroom
are forced to speak loudly to be heard, or if music seems to be adding to a chaotic atmosphere in
the room, then the loud music interferes with ongoing activities.

3.2 & 5.3 These will be scored based on observation only and cannot be reported.
#19 Blocks
Any materials depicting violence/frightening images will not receive credit.
3.2, 5.2 For young toddlers who like to fill containers with blocks and dump them, containers are also
considered accessories.
#20 Dramatic play
Any materials depicting violence/frightening images will not receive credit.
1.1, 3.1, 5.1 Dolls for infants may include cloth, plastic, vinyl, wood; large or small, but of a size that
children can handle; dressed or without clothes; with or without realistic hair, anatomically
correct or generic, with identifiable faces; realistic or fantasy, but in human form, representing
adults, children or babies. They must be intact to count as a doll. For toddlers, all of the
variations listed above are considered as examples as well as: baby dolls, dolls representing adults
or older children, and dolls showing racial diversity.
7.2

Dramatic play props for use outdoors or in a large uncrowded space indoors, must be accessible
daily

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#21 Sand and water play

Food is not an appropriate substitute for sand or water play because it is unsanitary, confusing to children,
and poses a conflict regarding use and waste of food. No credit will be given for sand/water activities
when food is used.
5.2

A variety is defined as two (2) or more examples per child observed playing (or maximum
allowed if not observed) and at least 3 skills evident in the use of the materials (for example,
scooping, sifting, and pouring).

#24 Promoting acceptance of diversity

Any materials depicting violence/frightening images will not receive credit.
1.1, 3.1, 5.2 Dolls for infants may include cloth, plastic, vinyl, wood; large or small, but of a size that
children can handle; dressed or without clothes; with or without realistic hair, anatomically
correct or generic, with identifiable faces; realistic or fantasy, but in human form, representing
adults, children or babies. They must be intact to count as a doll. For toddlers, all of the
variations listed above are considered as examples as well as baby dolls, dolls representing adults
or older children, wooden people figures to use with blocks, and dolls showing racial diversity.
3.1, 5.1 The examples of diversity must be obvious to the children and in the room used most of the time
by them. Examples must show a contrast. For instance, one poster showing children of many
races is counted as one example; two dishes from different cultures such as a wok and a pot also
count as one example, because they represent one contrast.
Music from various cultures will receive credit as a material if children have this experience
daily.
5.1

For many items to be diverse, there must be at least three or more examples of each of the
following: books, pictures, and materials showing diversity (10 or more total) with at least 4 of
the 5 categories of diversity represented.

#25 Supervision of play and learning

1.1, 3.1 Supervision and ratios must be maintained at all times.
#28 Discipline
7.3
In most cases other professionals means someone from outside the program that specializes in
the area of concern. The early childhood professionals (teachers, director, etc.) who work in the
classrooms and center can benefit from an outsiders perspective of a child who is experiencing
difficulties. In a few cases, however, a program staff member can count as the other
professional if the person has a specialization in the area of concern and can give an unbiased
perspective.

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#29 Schedule
5.2
In addition to the weather permitting guidelines specified in the scale, dangerous weather
conditions that could potentially be harmful to children will also be acceptable reasons for not
going outside, such as threat of severe weather (ex. hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder storms).
#30 Free Play
3.1, 5.1 In addition to the weather permitting guidelines specified in the scale, dangerous weather
conditions that could potentially be harmful to children will also be acceptable reasons for not
going outside, such as threat of severe weather (ex. hurricanes, tornadoes, thunder storms).
The following items will not be included in assessments:
#33 Provisions for parents
#34 Provisions for personal needs of staff
#35 Provisions for professional needs of staff
#36 Staff interaction and cooperation
#37 Staff continuity
#38 Supervision and evaluation of staff
#39 Opportunities for professional growth

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