DERS

Lisa Mulliken

At the start of each workday, the first thing I do is refer to the “to-do” list that sits on my desk. The list gives me a visual picture of what I need to accomplish each day and crossing things off the list gives me a feeling of accomplishment. I recently had to get my driver’s license renewed. As I entered, I took a number, sat down, and watched the screen telling me which number they were currently helping, and which number was up next. I hate waiting so having a countdown of sorts helped me wait and know that I would be helped soon and able to get on with my day. As I drove home, I followed the visual traffic signals that let me know when to stop and go and where to turn. When I’m at the gym, I refer to my watch to see how much longer I need to exercise to meet my goal. All these things are examples of visual supports. Visual supports are pictures, images, or signs that communicate expectations or information.

Erin DelRegno Evans

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” Fred Rogers

 Who doesn’t remember playing when they were young? Coming up with your own games, playing outside almost every day whether sunny, snowy, or rainy. We were free to explore, try new things, make our own decisions, and it wasn’t directed by our parents. Sadly, children don’t have as much freedom to play as we once did.

The Program Quality Assessment (PQA) Team is available to support you in the Internal Assessment Process (IAP) by completing an on-site assessment in your program. In addition to the Environment Rating Scales® (ERS) and Classroom Observation Scoring System® (CLASS®) this opportunity is available for all Program Observation Instruments (POIs) listed in the Keystone STARS Standards.

By Regina Wright

I may be confessing my age, but let’s let our imaginations wander. Think about the time in your life when you were a child. What made your free time fun time? When I imagine, I think about long summer days and how I spent endless hours jumping rope. I had so much fun. Just one simple object, and of course friends, made my summers the best summers ever.

By Lisa Mulliken

E-books are electronic books in digital form that can be read on a phone, tablet, computer or any other hand-held device. As e-books become more popular in classrooms and homes, there are many questions, and opinions, about using e-books instead of print books with children.

By Kitty Syster

What is the DERS?

The Developmental Environment Rating Scale, DERS, is a program observation instrument to evaluate your classroom environment. The DERS is based on Montessori philosophy which measures qualities such as patience and persistence in children, precision and clarity in lessons, and order in the environment, which support the development of executive functions, literacy, and social-emotional learning.