GDO-R Examiner

Level 1 Examiners have trained in basic administration and analysis of results of the GDO-R assessment, but Gesell has not assessed their aptitude as an examiner.

● Satisfactory completion of The Gesell Developmental Observation-Revised Fundamentals: 2½-6-Year-Old Child Workshop

● Up to date with renewal requirements

6-9-Year-Old Examiner (optional add on)

● Satisfactory completion of the GDO-R 2 1/2 -6 Examiner criteria

● Satisfactory completion of a GDO 6-9 Administration and Results online training

● Up to date with renewal requirements

Experienced GDO-R Examiner

Level 2 Experienced Examiners have a more comprehensive understanding of the Gesell Assessment System, and more experience as an assessor. However, their aptitude as an assessor has not been reviewed by Gesell.

● Satisfactory completion of all GDO-R Examiner Level 1 criteria

● A total of at least 75 2 1/2-6 and/or 6-9-year-old assessments have been completed

● Satisfactory completion of the following webinars:
     ● Beyond Admissions and Placement: How to use the GDO-R for Curriculum Planning and Individualized Instruction
     ●  Gesell Early Screener (GES) Administration and Scoring Online Training

 ● Up to date with renewal requirements

Apply by submitting a Candidate Application Form and upon approval, Gesell will identify you as a Level 2 Examiner.

Qualified GDO-R Examiner

Level 3 Qualified Examiners are highly experienced examiners with a demonstrated understanding of the Gesell Assessment System, However, their reliability as an assessor has not been reviewed by Gesell.

Prerequisites for application: (does not confirm Qualified Examiner status)
● Satisfactory completion of all GDO-R Experienced Examiner Level 2 criteria

● A total of at least 150 2 1/2-6 and/or 6-9-year-old assessments have been completed

● 2 approved completed 2.5 - 6 Year Old CRF's

 ● Up to date with renewal requirements


To apply, please begin by submitting an updated Candidate Application Form along with 2 completed 2.5-6-Year-Old CRF's. Upon approval, Gesell will identify you as a Level 3 Examiner.

Expert GDO-R Examiner
Level 4 Expert GDO-R Examiners must demonstrate an exceptionally high level of understanding of the GDO-R. Their reliability as an assessor is reviewed by Gesell and as such they are the only examiners approved to offer assessments through the Gesell Program in Early Childhood directly. Additionally they may be hired to administer the GDO-R or GES by a school or other institution. However, they are not sanctioned to offer GDO-R trainings or other Gesell content independently. 

Prerequisites for application: (does not confirm Expert Examiner status)
● Prior acceptance as a GDO-R Qualified Examiner Level 3 in the last 5 years

● Satisfactory completion of two 2 1/2 - 6 Year Old GDO-R Workshops led by 2 different trainers in the past 5 years. This includes submission of all work required to complete the workshop at a level reflecting a Level 4 mastery of the GDO-R.

● Video of candidate satisfactorily administering the 2.5 - 6 Year Old GDO-R

 ● Up to date with renewal requirements


To apply, please begin by submitting an updated Candidate Application Form. Upon approval, Gesell will identify you as a Level 4 Examiner.

National Lecture Staff
Only Level 4 Expert GDO-R Examiners are eligible to apply to the Gesell National Lecture Staff. However, completion of Level 4 requirements does not ensure admission to the NLS. Acceptance into the NLS requires not only satisfactory completion of the following steps but also acceptance by the Gesell Executive Director. 

Ultimately, to be considered for the NLS applicants will need to complete the following:

● Submit a video of candidate satisfactorily teaching someone, as in a workshop format, how to administer any one of the following tasks (live review can be scheduled at candidate's request and expense):
          ● Cubes
          ● Copy Forms
          ● Incomplete Person

Mastery of content, teaching skills and the dynamic nature of the presentation will all be assessed. NLS must be well versed in current adult learning principles and use best practice in their video submission. If approved, candidate will be invited to initiate the next step.

● Satisfactory completion of a co-presentation of a GDO-R Workshop in partnership with an assigned NLS mentor. Again mastery of content, teaching skills and the dynamic nature of the presentation will be assessed. Additionally candidate must demonstrate proficiency in technology and online learning platforms necessary to lead a GDO-R workshop. No support can be needed.

If invited following co-presentation, an interview with Gesell Executive Director may follow. Upon completion, NLS Level 4 status may be conferred at the discretion of the Gesell Executive Director. 

Once accepted as NLS Level 4, in order to maintain NLS status, examiners must:

       ● Annually submit a new signed Policies and Procedures Handbook and letter of agreement.
       ● Annually, lead one or more GDO-R workshop. All facilitated workshops must be completed at a satisfactory level of competence.
       ● Demonstrate a high level of understanding of GDO-R theory and practice, and the evolving science of child development.
       ● Receive consistently high evaluations from training participants.
       ● Reflect on feedback and incorporate suggested improvements into their own training protocol,              as requested by Gesell leadership.
       ● Annually, participate in one GDO-R training led by a fellow NLS and offer feedback.

To apply, please email gesell@yale.edu.

See here a full description of the NLS role and qualifications.