Upcoming Trainings

March 2026

One-Day Virtual Conference
Whole Hearts, Whole Children: Empowering Communities During Difficult Times

Date: March 11, 2026
Location: Virtual

May 2026

2026 New Jersey Head Start Association
Annual Conference & Professional Development

Date: May 18-21, 2026
Location: Tropicana, Atlantic City, NJ

ITERS & ECERS Training Overview

The Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) are research-based quality assessment tools widely used in early childhood programs to evaluate and strengthen the everyday environments where infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children learn and grow. These scales help programs examine key aspects of quality — including physical space, materials, routines, and caregiver–child interactions — to ensure environments support children’s developmental needs, health, safety, and positive relationships.

• ITERS (Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale) focuses on quality in care settings for children from birth through approximately age 2 or 3, emphasizing nurturing interactions and developmentally appropriate environments for the youngest learners.
• ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale) is designed for preschool and kindergarten classrooms, assessing how well environments support learning opportunities, play, engagement, and overall program quality for children ages 3–5.

To support ongoing quality improvement and professional growth, NJHSA will offer the following trainings:

• ITERS Initial Training
• ITERS Recalibration Training
• ECERS Initial Training
• ECERS Recalibration Training

Participants and programs interested in these trainings are invited to submit their information via our online form so we can begin planning logistics and scheduling.

Dates: To Be Determined – Spring 2026 – Depends on Interest / Sign Ups
Location: To Be Determined