The phrase refers to the action of acquiring a digital version of the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition, at no cost. This typically involves searching the internet for a downloadable file in Portable Document Format (PDF) that contains the complete ECERS-3 assessment instrument.
Access to the ECERS-3, particularly without incurring expenses, can be crucial for early childhood educators and researchers. It enables them to evaluate the quality of early childhood programs, identify areas for improvement, and conduct research on early childhood environments. Historically, obtaining evaluation tools often involved purchase, creating a potential barrier for those with limited resources. The possibility of free access offers wider adoption and application of the ECERS-3 standards.