1st Edition
Early Childhood Quality Rating Scale – Emergent Curriculum (ECQRS–EC)
Introduction to the Early Childhood Quality Rating Scale-Emergent Curriculum (ECQRS-EC)
The underlying principles of the ECQRS-EC
Rationale for the development of new items and indicators in the ECQRS-EC
Content of the ECQRS-EC
Preparing to use the ECQRS-EC
Conducting the observation
Scoring the scales
ECQRS-EC and the ‘spirit of the scales’
Making judgements
Use of supplementary (non-observation) evidence
Score sheet, joint observations sheets, and profile
Content of the scales
Subscale 1: Language and Emergent Literacy
Items
1 Environmental Print: Letters and words
2 Book and literacy areas
3 Adults reading with children
4 Sounds in words
5 Emergent writing/mark making
6 Talking and listening
7 Words and sentences
Subscale 2: Emergent Mathematics
Items
8 Counting and the application of counting
9 Understanding and representing number
10 Maths talk and thinking mathematically
11a Mathematical Activities: Shape
11b Mathematical Activities: Sorting, matching, and comparing
11c Mathematical Activities: Subitising
Subscale 3: Emergent Science
Items
12 Natural materials
13 Areas featuring science/science resources
14 Developing scientific thinking and the scientific process
15a Science Activities: Non-living
15b Science Activities: Living processes
15c Science Activities: Food preparation
Subscale 4: Supporting Diversity and Inclusion
Items
16 Planning for and supporting individual learning needs
17 Gender equality and awareness
18 Race equality and awareness
The ECQRS-EC information sheet
Rough plan of indoor and outdoor areas being observed
Score sheets
Joint observation/inter-rater reliability for the ECQRS-EC
ECQRS-EC Profile
References
Biography
Kathy Sylva is Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Oxford.
Iram Siraj is Professor of Child Development and Education at the University of Oxford, UK and Research Professor at the Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education at the University of Maynooth, Ireland.
Brenda Taggart is Honorary Senior Research Associate at University College London, Institute of Education.
Denise Kingston is a senior researcher at the University Oxford and Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Sussex.
“Using the ECQRS–EC as a teacher self-assessment tool would be extremely effective for ensuring that teachers understand the intentional pedagogical strategies that enhance learning... Large-scale use in state and other continuous improvement systems can help to provide all children with the early childhood education each needs to thrive.”
– W. Steven Barnett and Ellen C. Frede, co-directors, National Institute for Early Education Research, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
“An indispensable tool for enhancing preschool quality. This outstanding quality rating scale focuses on intentional pedagogy, pinpointing the core qualities in emergent academic skills, thus guiding policymakers, researchers, and early childhood educators in how to achieve high quality learning situations. It clearly describes distinct levels of quality in language and emergent literacy, mathematics, science, and planning for diversity and inclusion in preschool settings.”
– Sonja Sheridan, professor emerita, University of Gothenborg, Sweden
“The research-informed ECQRS–EC enables a much-needed objective assessment of pedagogy and learning environments. It identifies areas for improvement which is the critical first step towards targeted strategies to enhance quality. The scale is an indispensable resource.”
– Nirmala Rao, Serena H.C. Yang Professor in Early Childhood Development and Education, The University of Hong Kong
“The ECQRS–EC is part of a comprehensive set of tools that highlight the crucial role of the educator in children’s learning. Its clear guidance on the actions of educators and their planning, assessment, and teaching supports for children’s learning is a gift for anyone dedicated to providing high-quality early education and care.”
– Tara McLaughlin, associate professor, Massey University, New Zealand
