EPSI Toys

The toys below are considered “standard” play toys for the EPSI, some of which were used in its initial development.

Form Toy Set A
Stacked Cups (Square)	Pop-ups (Pets)	Pound-a-Ball
Form Toy Set B
Stacked Cups (Round)	Pop-ups (Dinosaurs)	Gumball Machine

Toys were screened and selected based on the fact that each has a final endpoint with steps involved in reaching the endpoint. Additionally, toys were selected with the ability to engage children’s interest and evoke play. Other important criteria for selecting these toys included safety, common availability in child care settings, availability through common vendors, and suitability for use by children in the age range (6 months to 4 years). Additionally, we rejected any toys that met these criteria, but too often evoked gross movement rather then sitting and exploration.

Pop-up toys, Gumball Machine, Pound-a-Ball, and Stacking Cups (Round or Square) are used in each administration as the “standard” play toys recommended for use in the EPSI. These and/or similar toys were used for the normative sample. The toys above represent examples of the toys recommended for each toy set. Although similar toys may be used, ensure that any variant has the following characteristics:

Stacking cups should be round or square.
Pop-up toys should have four pop-ups: one with a push button, one with a slide lever, one with a "rocking" lever, and one with a twist lever.
The gumball machine should have four balls that go into the top of the toy and require a lever or button press to release the ball(s). Remove the batteries or turn the sound switch to the OFF position.
The Pound-a-Ball should have at least 4 balls, and the balls should be easily accessible to the child after they've been 'pounded' into the hole (e.g., they roll or fall into a place where the child can quickly grab them).
All toys should be labeled as appropriate for children 6-12 months and older

Each of these three toy classes has two variations (e.g., round versus square) that is assigned to Form A and B. Each toy within a form is presented to the child for 2 minutes for a total of 6 minutes in all.

See the EPSI administration instructions for additional information, including recommendations on how to use the toys during an observation, and how to modify the toys for children with sensory impairments.