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ERIC Number: ED583760
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0885-2006
EISSN: N/A
Factor Structure and Validity of the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Third Edition (ECERS-3)
Early, Diane M.; Sideris, John; Neitzel, Jennifer; LaForett, Doré R.; Nehler, Chelsea G.
Grantee Submission, Early Childhood Research Quarterly v44 p242-256 2018
The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Third Edition (ECERS-3) is the latest version of one of the most widely used observational tools for assessing the quality of classrooms serving preschool-aged children. This study was the first assessment of its factor structure and validity, an important step given its widespread use. An ECERS-3 observation was conducted in 1063 preschool classrooms in three states. In a subset of those classrooms (n = 119), Classroom Assessment Scoring System-Pre-K (CLASS Pre-K) and child assessment data were also collected. Analyses of the ECERS-3 suggested that a single factor does not adequately capture item variability. Of the solutions tested, the four-factor (Learning Opportunities, Gross Motor, Teacher Interactions, and Math Supports) provided the best combination of statistical support and theoretical utility. In general, the ECERS-3 Total Score and the four factors were moderately correlated with the three domains of the CLASS Pre-K. ECERS-3 Total Score, Learning Opportunities, and Teacher Interactions were positively related to growth in executive function, as were all three domains of the CLASS Pre-K. However, all significant associations were small, and most tested associations between ECERS-3 scores and children's growth, and between CLASS Pre-K and children's growth, were not significant. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for measuring preschool quality.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Georgia; Pennsylvania; Washington
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A150109