Young children’s learning depends on a wide range of experiences that support their holistic development. While many different curricular frameworks are used around the world, there is increasing agreement that the emerging academic skills of language and literacy, mathematics, and science should be supported by a playful pedagogy in the early years. The Early Childhood Quality Rating Scale—Emergent Curriculum (ECQRS-EC) is designed to measure quality in these key areas within preschool settings. In addition to three content-area subscales, this evidence-based tool includes a subscale dedicated to diversity and inclusion to help educators support gender and cultural differences in children 3–6 years old who are developing at different rates. Because it recognizes the important role of the adult in providing children with high-quality interactions, this new quality rating scale can be used for research, teacher self-evaluation, and program improvement, audit, and regulation.

“Research that has worldwide significance is rare, but the authors have strong credentials from decades of work on projects that have global relevance for early years research, policy, and practice.”

—From the Foreword by W. Steven Barnett and Ellen C. Frede, co-directors, National Institute for Early Education Research, Rutgers

“This indispensable tool guides policymakers, researchers, and early childhood educators in how to achieve high quality learning situations.”

—Sonja Sheridan, University of Gothenborg, Sweden

“The research-informed ECQRS-EC enables a much-needed objective assessment of pedagogy and learning environments . . . an indispensable resource.”

—Nirmala Rao, The University of Hong Kong

“The ECQRS-EC is a gift for anyone dedicated to providing high-quality early education and care.”

—Tara McLaughlin, Massey University, New Zealand