When programs reach Star Level 2, they may begin actively working toward the next Star Level. Under the section of the standards for Learning Environment and Curriculum, Delaware Stars uses the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) to conduct observations of the learning environment. The ERS are observational tools used to assess the quality of early care and education programs in the following age groups:

• Infant-Toddler Environment Rating Scale Revised (ITERS-R) – children 6 weeks to 30 months.
• Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Revised (ECERS-R) – children 30 months through 60 months.
• School Age Care Environment Rating Scale Updated (SACERS U) – school-age children from Kindergarten through 12 years.
• Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale Revised (FCCERS-R) – family child care and large family child care programs.

Programs must complete the ERS assessments of their program and meet the minimum ERS scores for the designated Star Level.