Maryland has identified the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) as quality improvement tools for child care programs participating in MD EXCELS. Learn how the ERS can be used to evaluate the child care environment, identify strengths and areas needing improvement, and increase your program's quality. This course is designed to help you get your program aligned with Maryland EXCELS as well as help you reach higher Maryland Child Care Credential levels. Credential Boosters are classes that are identified by the Maryland State Department of Education in the Staff Credential modifications for levels 2, 3 and 4. Maryland State Education Core of Knowledge: 3 hours Professionalism. Aligns with MD EXCELS Program Accreditation standard-quality rating levels 3-5.