Hi Doug, In Spain at least, we use both interchangeably. You can use both forms. Examples: ♦ Mi perrita está aprendiendo a bajar las escaleras. → My puppy is learning to go down the stairs. ♦ No dejes que los niños bajen solos la escalera. → Don't let children down the stairs alone. I really hope this helps you, Doug. Kindest regards.

In Chile is the same too, people use both if them On the other hand we say escala if we are talking about a ladder

Ladder, we call it also "escalera" (always singular) or "escalera de mano".

Hi Doug, in my opinion, 'Escalera' is much more used than 'Escaleras', but the RAE says that both are right :) Greetings!