✅ ECERS-3 Materials Checklist
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This checklist is designed for preschool classrooms (ages 3–5) based on the ECERS-3 quality rating system. Use it to guide classroom setup, materials selection, and readiness for assessments or licensing visits.
1. 🪑 Space and Furnishings
- ❒ Child-sized tables and chairs
- ❒ Cozy area with soft furnishings (pillows, rug, beanbags)
- ❒ Individual cubbies or bins for personal belongings
- ❒ Shelving with clearly labeled, accessible materials
- ❒ Clean, well-lit space with mirrors at child height
- ❒ Displays of children’s artwork and projects
2. 🧼 Personal Care Routines
- ❒ Soap, paper towels, and water for handwashing
- ❒ Covered trash cans
- ❒ Cots/mats with individual bedding
- ❒ Child-accessible toilets and sinks
- ❒ Diapering supplies (if needed)
- ❒ Cleaning and disinfecting materials (stored safely)
3. 📚 Language and Literacy
- ❒ At least 20 books in good condition
- ❒ Books reflecting diverse cultures and abilities
- ❒ Puppets, flannel boards, and storytelling props
- ❒ Writing materials: crayons, markers, pencils, paper
- ❒ Alphabet toys and magnetic letters
- ❒ Environmental print and labeled classroom areas
4. 🎨 Learning Activities
a) Fine Motor
- ❒ Lacing cards, stringing beads
- ❒ Pegboards, interlocking blocks (e.g., LEGO)
- ❒ Puzzles with varying difficulty
b) Art
- ❒ Crayons, markers, colored pencils
- ❒ Glue sticks, safety scissors, tape
- ❒ Paint, brushes, easel
- ❒ Collage and open-ended craft materials
c) Blocks
- ❒ Variety of block types (unit, cardboard, foam)
- ❒ Accessories: vehicles, people, animals
- ❒ Designated block play area or rug
d) Dramatic Play
- ❒ Dress-up clothes (culturally inclusive)
- ❒ Play kitchen, utensils, and pretend food
- ❒ Dolls of different races and abilities
- ❒ Thematic props (phones, doctor kits, bags)
e) Science/Nature
- ❒ Natural items (leaves, rocks, pinecones)
- ❒ Magnifying glasses, magnets, scales
- ❒ Living things (plants, fish, caterpillars)
- ❒ Observation tools: droppers, containers, tweezers
f) Math/Numbers
- ❒ Counting toys and number puzzles
- ❒ Shape sorters and measuring tools
- ❒ Calendar, pattern games, clocks
5. 🤝 Interactions
- ❒ Emotion charts or books about feelings
- ❒ Soft, quiet spaces for calm moments
- ❒ Positive behavior visuals or posters
6. ⏱️ Program Structure
- ❒ Visual daily routine posted at child eye level
- ❒ Tools for transitions (songs, visual timers)
- ❒ Materials for both small and large group play
- ❒ Opportunities for indoor and outdoor gross motor play
7. 🧒 Staff-Child Interaction Support
- ❒ Photos of children and their families on display
- ❒ Meaningful conversation prompts or cards
- ❒ Positive reinforcement tools and praise visuals
📝 Use this checklist to guide classroom organization and ensure compliance with ECERS-3 standards while creating a nurturing, engaging learning environment for all children.