Family Engagement & Parenting Support
Since 1950, Gesell has been a leader in parenting education. The goal of our parenting resources is to acknowledge that parenting can be hard, but it can be a lot easier when you’re armed with some knowledge about how things usually go in a child's development. In short, we can help even the odds a bit and help you anticipate what to expect.
The historic Gesell "Your X Year Old" books though seeming "old fashioned" are still filled with useful child development information relevant to today's parenting challenges.
Our updated and ever popular Ages and Stages Pamphlets provide a snapshot of child development at each age of a young child's life, and are available in English and in Spanish. Additionally, we offer short reference booklets to assist with specific topics in child development.
How can I set up a private administration of the GDO-R for my child?
Families may contract with an expert Gesell examiner and set up a private administration by following the instructions here. Fees apply.
Is your child being assessed using the Gesell Assessment System? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What should we expect?
For the GDO-R, plan an hour for the full assessment. For the GES, 30 minutes is likely sufficient. Both assessments ask children to complete a set of tasks such as an interview, drawing, as well as counting and language activities. Through a few enjoyable exercises we can gather much information about a child's overall development.
How do I prepare my child for a Gesell Assessment?
A good night sleep along with some time to play and a healthy snack beforehand is plenty preparation. There is no way to “practice” or “get better” at the tasks administered. Children will always show us their authentic developmental stage through the assessment, regardless.
How do we prepare for a virtual Gesell assessment?
Under the best circumstances, Gesell assessments are administered live, one-on-one, with the child. When needed we do find it is possible for an experience examiner to accomplish a virtual administration with validity. It does, however, require the assistance of an adult alongside the child to serve as proxy for the assessor. This will include handing the child the right material at the right time, for example. To be properly prepared to serve as proxy the examiner should provide you with a set of instructions and an explanatory video to watch in advance. Additionally, you will need to gather a few items, like 2 pencils and 20 pennies, all also explained in the preparatory material provided to you.