DRDP and ERS Overview

📘 DRDP – Desired Results Developmental Profile

What it is:
The DRDP is an observation-based assessment tool used in California to assess the development of children from early infancy to kindergarten.

Purpose:
To document children’s developmental progress across various domains:

• Social and Emotional Development
• Language and Literacy
• Cognition (including Math and Science)
• Physical Development
• Approaches to Learning

Who uses it:
Teachers and caregivers in early childhood programs funded by the California Department of Education (CDE).

How it's used:
Educators observe children during regular activities and record their developmental levels twice a year using a structured rubric.

📘 ERS – Environment Rating Scale

What it is:
The ERS is a set of tools used to assess the quality of the learning environment in early childhood programs.

Main ERS Tools:

• ECERS-R – Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (preschool)
• ITERS-R – Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale
• FCCERS-R – Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale
• SACERS-R – School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale

Purpose:
To evaluate:

• Space and furnishings
• Personal care routines
• Language and activities
• Interaction and program structure
• Staff and family relationships

How it's used:
Observers score programs on a scale (usually 1 to 7) to identify strengths and areas for improvement.