The study examined psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Early Evaluation and Programming System (CEEPS), a criterion-referenced instrument designed for handicapped children birth to 3 years old. The instrument was intended to provide specific information to develop program objectives across a range of developmental areas and to assess program effectiveness. Reliability, validity, and utility of the CEEPS were examined using 22 handicapped children between the ages of 24 and 40 months. Among reliability findings are that there is a high degree of score consistency across CEEPS domains and a high degree of score consistency or stability over time across CEEPS domains. Specific reliability results are reported for item analysis, and domains of fine motor, gross motor, self care, cognitive, social, and communication skills. Validity data suggested strong relationships between performance scores obtained on the Gesell and the CEEPS and between results of CEEPS performance scores and parent rating form scores and interviews. Utility findings suggested that the measure provides appropriate and useful information for designing educational programs for young handicapped children. Four pages of references are included; the Parent Rating Form, Gesell Protocal Forms, CEEPS Evaluation Form, and other materials are appended. (CL)