Eileen Escarce, PhD, MA, MSN
Clinical Developmental Psychologist
License PSY 18819
Why test for gifted abilities?
Early identification of talented students is important.
Children with exceptional academic abilities are significantly different from most of their classmates in their pace of learning
and intellectual interests. If educational intervention does not take place at an early age, the child is missing out on valuable
years of exciting learning. Furthermore, the recognition and rewarding of academic talent in a child helps to build confidence,
self-esteem, and a positive attitude toward learning.
An accurate assessment of specific strengths facilitates the development
of an appropriate educational program that is matched to the child’s level of ability to learn. Achieving a good match
may necessitate flexible pacing, independent study, accelerated learning classes, or cross-grade grouping for instruction
in specific subjects.
Gifted Children be Identified?
The single best method available for the identification of children with superior cognitive abilities is
a standardized, individually
administered test of intelligence,
such as the Wechsler series,
or the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fifth Edition. A specific IQ level is currently the most adequate
index of giftedness. For example, a Full Scale IQ score of 133 or above, on the WPPSI-IV for 4 to 7 year old children, is on or
above the 99th percentile for age. In addition to an individual test of intelligence, achievement tests may be important
to determine children’s abilities in mathematics or language arts.
children may have a diverse range of exceptional abilities, such as leadership, creativity, and task commitment which are
not easily measured. In addition, art and music skills need different identification procedures from cognitive testing.
The most effective means of identification of giftedness combines the results from several procedures, such as standardized
IQ and achievement tests, parent and teacher reports, observation of a child’s behavior, and review of a child’s
Federal Definition of Gifted and Talented Students
The United States federal definition of gifted and talented students: The term 'gifted and talented' when used in respect
to students, children, or youth means [those who show] evidence of high performance capability, in areas such as intellectual,
creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who require services or activities not ordinarily
provided by the school, in order to fully develop such capabilities.
– P.L. 103–382, Title XIV, p. 388
About the Examiner
Ph.D., M.A., M.S.N., is a licensed clinical developmental psychologist (PSY 18819), school psychologist and pediatric nurse
practitioner. Her education was completed at Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (PhD, MA), University
of Miami Medical School's Mailman Center for Child Development (APA Clinical Child/Pediatric Intern), Yale University (MSN),
and Stanford University (Special Studies in Psychology and Spanish).
Dr. Escarce began testing children’s cognitive abilities for
local public and private elementary schools admissions and gifted programs during graduate school. As a certified school psychologist
at the Episcopal Academy of Merion, Pennsylvania (1991-1993), she provided admission IQ tests and classroom consultations for
Pre-K to grade 3 students. After
moving to Los Angeles, Eileen continued to assess children with contracts from the Community Child Health Programs of Cedars
Sinai Pediatrics in West Hollywood Elementary schools (2000-2001), St. John’s Child and Family Development Center’s
Birth to Five Assessment and Treatment Programs (2001-2003), Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center (assessing infants, preschoolers
and school-aged children with suspected developmental delays, autism, and other disabilities (2005-2009), LA County Department
of Mental Health AB3632 Unit (assessing school-aged children with severe emotional disorders (2004-2006), and the UCLA Family
Commons (2010-11). She has been a mental health consultant for Family Services of Santa Monica for SMMUSD's
Head Start and State Preschools (2009-2012), and the Growing Place Infant and Child Care settings (2010-present). As
a community volunteer, Eileen is a member of the Advisory Council to FSSM Early Childhood Wellbeing Project, and chaired the
LA County Psychological Association's Child and Adolescent Special Interest Group from 2006 to 2013.
In private practice, Eileen provides psycho-educational and developmental assessments and
consultation for children of different ages, including highly gifted applicants to the Mirman School, Stanford's EPGY and
Online High School, Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Mensa, and the Davidson Young Scholars program. She also provides
preschool and school consultations, individual and family therapy and parent coaching for children who struggle in school.
Gifted Assessment OptionsWechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence
(for 2 year 6 months through 7 years 7 months)
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
(for 6 to 17 years )
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales: Fifth Edition
Preparing Your Child for Testing
Gifted testing is offered as an enjoyable and interesting learning experience with a supportive, engaging
and encouraging examiner. Tell your child he or she will play some word, puzzle, and block games with an adult professional.
The information from the session will provide parents with an understanding of the child's learning style and may help to
determine the best school program for the child. The goal is to see how the child works with easy, challenging, and
How to Schedule Testing
send an email to email@example.com
your name, your child's name and date of birth and the date and time you wish to schedule a testing. I will contact you via
email with a confirmation.
1137 Second Street, Suite 204, Santa Monica, CA 90403
What to Bring
The child will have an opportunity for a snack
break with parent in the middle of the testing period (after 45-60 minutes). Parents should bring a bottle of water
and child's choice of fruit or granola bar.
Results Feedback for Parents
Parents will be given oral feedback of the scores and interpretation on the same day of testing, either in person
or by phone.
Parents have options on the type of report: 1) a brief summary report of scores only, or 2) a full narrative
report, including developmental history and observations of your child's unique approach and style, interpretation of scores,
and recommendations. The report (pdf) is emailed (or mailed, if preferred) to the home for parents’ review. Parents’
written consent is needed to send the report to the school (s). Reports are completed within 24-48 hours.
Children with Learning Differences (aka Twice Exceptional)
Assessment, Intervention, School Consultation, and Family Coaching
Psycho-educational assessments are also provided to gifted children with learning differences
(e.g., ADHD, weak Working Memory, weak Processing Speed, weak Executive Functions, Reading difficulties, or Math difficulties).
These assessments may include school observations, consultations, and recommendations for child and family interventions.
Family coaching regarding managing weak executive functioning skills is also offered.