This five-hour course will provide you with an introduction to the Environment Rating Scales, referred to as ERS tools. The ERS tools provide an overall picture of the environment that has been created for the children and adults who share an early childhood setting. There are four Environment Rating Scales used in the different segments of the early childhood field, this course will introduce you to each scale, providing an overview of how and when to use each scale to assess program quality. This online training will enable participants to work closely with a YoungStar Technical Consultant, explore the scales, ask questions, add additional notes for clarification, and highlight required interactions.  Participants are encouraged to take one or more of Exploring courses after completion of this course, for a comprehensive look at the individual scales.