In this first module, Cate discusses current NYCDOH laws and regulations regarding requirements for Early Intervention evaluations. She explains that, according to current regulations, evaluators are not required to use norm- and criterion-based tests in all EI evaluations. She talks about what is “significant enough” to require early intervention in New York City, and introduces the importance of using detailed clinical observations and informed clinical opinion in determining a child’s eligibility for services.


This is a module series based on a series of trainings given in March and April of 2016 for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Health Bureau of Early Intervention by Catherine J. Crowley, J.D., Ph.D., a professor of Practice at Teachers College, Columbia University. The purpose of the trainings was to provide information about the NYCDOH Bureau of Early Intervention’s standards for culturally and linguistically appropriate evaluations to EIODs, agency coordinators, and evaluators in New York City.

Find resources here: 

Module 1 Handout

The Critical Questions for Early Intervention in English

The Critical Questions for Early Intervention in Spanish

 The Critical Questions for Early Intervention in Brazilian Portuguese

Find the playlist and each of the individual modules here: 

Early Intervention Evaluations (Playlist)

Module 2a- Standardized Test Misuse

Module 2b- Standardized Test Misuse

Module 3- Case Study

Module 4- The Critical Questions

Module 5- Informed Clinical Opinion

Module 6- Bilingual Evaluations

Module 7- Apraxia, Diagnosis and Treatment

Other LEADERSproject module series referred in this video:

Grammar Fundamentals for a Pluralistic Society

http://www.leadersproject.org/2014/09/02/playlist-grammar-fundamentals-for-a-pluralistic-society/

Differential Diagnosis in a Preschool Evaluation

http://www.leadersproject.org/2015/04/07/playlist-differential-diagnosis-in-preschool-evaluations-a-case-study/

Difference, Disorder, or Gap? A School-Age Disability Evaluation

http://www.leadersproject.org/2016/01/02/difference-disorder-or-gap-a-school-age-disability-evaluation-ddog-playlist/