Cynthia, you will probably have to use whatever test the school approves, which probably means either the WPPSI-IV or the SBV. Both of them have verbally-laden aspects to them.

The SBV has the advantage of a specifically math-related cluster (Quantitative Reasoning), but it doesn't have a good language-reduced global measure, as even the Nonverbal IQ expects children to have some understanding of English.

The WPPSI does not have the QRI, but it does have a Nonverbal Index, which is probably a better measure for a Limited English Proficient child. This includes subtests from Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning (some overlap with mathematical reasoning), visual Working Memory, and Processing Speed.

If they will accept a different test, the DAS-II also has a Special Nonverbal Composite, which includes only the subtests in the Nonverbal Reasoning (similar to Fluid Reasoning from the other two tests) and the Spatial Composites. This is also a shorter test, for most children, which may be helpful with a little one. Because the Early Years battery has norms to 8-11, some also feel that it may have a better ceiling than the WPPSI-IV, which has norms only to age 7-11. This test was developed with possible administration to non-English speakers in mind, so I've found it (the SNC portion) to be more suited to administering in translation, or with gestural directions, than some other instruments.

The KABC-II is another option that was developed with administration in translation or nonverbal-only in mind. It has a Nonverbal Index, and also allows credit for verbal answers in other languages. (You would need a bilingual examiner in your home language for this.) Many examiners find it to be a preferred measure with culturally/linguistically diverse students. It does have a preschool form that includes age four, which most examiners find to be fairly engaging with little ones.


...pronounced like the long vowel and first letter of the alphabet...