The Learning Environment, which includes both the physical environment and the child's interactions with materials, their teachers and other children, must address three basic needs:

• Protection of their health and safety
• Warm and responsive interactions with teachers, and help learning to get along with other children
• A variety of active learning experiences.

The Learning Environment is evaluated with a nationally used tool: the Environment Rating Scales. A distinct Scale is used for infants-toddlers, for preschoolers and for family child care programs.

Click here for information about the Environment Rating Scales.

The Environment Rating Scale has the following "subscales" or sections:

1. Space and furnishings – the physical space indoors and out, includes furniture and equipment
2. Personal care routines – practices that promote children's health and safety
3. Language-reasoning – activities and methods that encourage language acquisition and a love for books
4. Activities – a variety of equipment and materials used to stimulate learning
5. Interactions – ways to guide children's behavior and help them get along well with others
6. Program structure – organization of the daily schedule to support learning

Each subscale includes several items that fully describe best practices in each component area. The ratings are on a 7-point scale:

1 = Inadequate
3 = Minimal
5 = Good
7 = Excellent

The Star level for Learning Environment is determined by using the following overall average point ranges: