Observation Training Guide
Find the right observation training to support your path to quality early care and education.
Choose your observation tool
Step Up to Quality helps Nebraska child care providers improve the quality of their care through our 5 Steps, which include learning, training, and observation.
The first step in selecting the right observation training is deciding which observation tool best fits your program’s goals and needs. Programs enrolled in Step Up to Quality choose one of two observation tools: the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) or the Classroom Assessment Scoring System™ (CLASS). Once a tool is selected, programs complete the required training associated with that observation tool.
Find the right training for your program.
Step Up to Quality coordinates observation tool training for all program types.
Programs can find and register for observation tool trainings through the NECPRS training calendar. This page outlines the observation trainings for each stage of the quality journey based on program type and includes convenient registration links for each training opportunity.
Step 2 observation training
Completing an introductory ERS or CLASS training will fulfill a program’s Step 2 requirement for observation training.
Family child care programs
ERS training (4 hours)
Introduction to the Environment Rating Scale: Family Child Care (FCCERS-3) training date(s):
November 10 & 11, 2026
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM CT each day
Virtual
Register
Online training option
The Environment Rating Scales Institute (ERSI) offers an online introductory training on the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-3) in English and Spanish.
CLASS training (4 hours)
Introduction to the Toddler CLASS training date(s):
November 12, 2026
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM CT
Virtual
Register
Online training option
Teachstone offers a CLASS Primer for Teachers. Family child care providers should select the infant/toddler course. Available in English and Spanish.
Center-based programs
ERS training (4 hours)
Introduction to the Environment Rating Scales: ITERS-3/ECERS-3 training date(s):
November 18, 2026
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM CT
Virtual
Register
Online training options
The Environment Rating Scales Institute (ERSI) offers online introductory trainings on Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS-3) and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS-3) in English and Spanish.
CLASS training (4 hours)
Introduction to the Infant CLASS training date(s):
October 9, 2026
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM CT
Virtual
Register
Introduction to the Toddler CLASS training date(s):
November 12, 2026
12:30 PM – 4:30 PM CT
Virtual
Register
Introduction to the PreK CLASS training date(s):
September 11, 2026
9 AM – 1 PM CT
Virtual
Register
December 2, 2026
9 AM – 1 PM CT
Virtual
Register
Online training options
Teachstone offers a CLASS Primer for Teachers in English and Spanish.
Observation training for Steps 3-5
Deepen your understanding of quality assessments as you prepare for onsite observations in Steps 3-5. The trainings below fulfill the observation training requirements for indicators found in Quality Standard 5 of the Program Guide.
Family child care programs
ERS training (6 hours)
A Closer Look at the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-3) training date(s):
October 24, 2026
9 AM – 4 PM CT
Virtual
Register
CLASS training (15 hours)
Toddler CLASS Observation (Reliability) training date(s):
October 27 & 28, 2026
8:30 AM – 5 PM CT each day
Virtual
Register
Center-based programs
ERS training (6 hours)
A Closer Look at the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS-3) training date(s):
September 30, 2026
9 AM – 4 PM CT
Virtual
Register
December 4, 2026
9 AM – 4 PM CT
Virtual
Register
A Closer Look at the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS-3) training date(s):
September 11, 2026
9 AM – 4 PM CT
Virtual
Register
December 15, 2026
9 AM – 4 PM CT
Virtual
Register
CLASS training (15-18 hours)
Toddler CLASS Observation (Reliability) training date(s):
October 27 & 28, 2026
8:30 AM – 5 PM CT each day
Virtual
Register
PreK-3rd CLASS Observer Certification Training date(s):
December 8, 9, & 10, 2026
9 AM – 4 PM CT each day
Virtual
Register
ERS item analysis and practice using
Additional ERS training can be completed to gain in-depth understanding of each item in the FCCERS-3, ITERS-3, and ECERS-3.
Family child care programs (7 hours)
Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale (FCCERS-3) Item Analysis training date(s):
December 5, 2026
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM CT
Virtual
Register
Center based programs (7 hours)
Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS-3) Item Analysis training date(s):
October 21, 2026
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM CT
Virtual
Register
Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS-3) Item Analysis training date(s):
January 13, 2027
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM CT
Virtual
Register
Practice Using the ERS
If you are interested in attending a Practice Using the ERS training, please complete our request form below.
