Frequently Asked Questions

When are appointments scheduled?

At your convenience, and generally between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. When scheduling, we ask for your assistance in choosing a time when you think your child will be most alert (e.g., after nap-time).

Do you have weekend appointments available?

Yes! We are happy to arrange for appointments on weekends..

Where is the lab located?

In the summer of 2005, the Child Language & Learning Lab moved to an off-grounds location in "The Cottage" at 1023 Millmont Street, right behind Barracks Road Shopping Center.

How do I get to "The Cottage"?

Please see our How to Find Us section, which includes driving directions and a map.

Will my child's data be kept confidential?

Your child's data will be kept completely confidential. Your child's name will never be used in any report of this research. We videotape our studies to allow us to keep track of which objects your child selects, and also to write down any comments made during the study. This videotape is kept completely confidential; your child’s name will never be associated with it. Furthermore, unless we have your explicit permission, this videotape will be viewed only by the researchers. The photographs on this web site are used with parents’ permission.

Who makes sure that the studies are ethically appropriate?

All studies taking place in the Child Language and Learning Lab have been through a rigorous review process by the University of Virginia's Institutional Review Board (IRB), which consists of a panel of University and community members. This panel carefully evaluates proposed studies involving human participants before they begin (and at least once per year after initial approval) to ensure that the research is ethical, and handles any comments or complaints about the research.

Can I bring along my other children?

Absolutely! If you bring along other children, another trained research assistant will be happy to look after them during your visit. We ask only that you let us know beforehand, if possible, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Will I be with my child at all points during the visit?

Yes. You will be with your child at all times; no separation of any kind is involved. In all our studies, the parent is seated next to the child, or (for older children only) watches the study through a one-way mirror in an adjacent room.

Are you affiliated with the Child Study Center or the Early Development Laboratory at UVa?

Yes, the CSC, the Early Development Laboratory, and the Child Language and Learning Lab all have studies going on with children between 0 and 5 (and up). We share the same database of interested families. If you register with one of these laboratories, you are automatically registered with the others. Please note that while the Child Language & Learning Lab and the Early Development Lab have moved to the off-grounds location at 1023 Millmont, the Child Study Center remains on-grounds in Gilmer Hall. Together, the three labs make up the Child Development Laboratories at UVa.

I have already been called and/or participated in studies in developmental psychology at UVa. Do I need to register here too?

If you have participated at the Child Study Center or the Early Development Laboratory, chances are you are already entered into our database. If you want to confirm this, please give us a call, send an email, or you may submit the registration form again.

How many times will I be asked to bring my child?

Most studies involve a one-time visit, lasting about 30 minutes. However, many families participate in numerous studies in various labs, whenever their schedules allow. If you are interested, you may be contacted more than once.

We have changed addresses or phone numbers.

Please give us a call, or send us an email to help us keep our records up-to-date.

Where can I find more details about your studies?

Feel free to contact us, or the Information on Research section of our web site has more detailed information about some of our studies. In addition, we publish an occasional newsletter to keep families informed of what’s going on in the lab. You can obtain a .pdf copy of the most recent newsletter by clicking here.

I registered my child several months ago, but have not yet been called to participate. Why?

We recruit from ages 0 to 5 years so that we have a pool of interested families from which to draw. However, most of our studies involve particular age ranges—for example, 23- to 25-month-olds, or 3-year-olds. Your child may not fit into one of the age ranges that we are using at the moment. If you ever would like information about what ages are currently being used, feel free to call or email.

I have friends with young children who may be interested. Can I refer them to you?

Absolutely! We very much appreciate all referrals. Please send them to our web site, or give them our contact information.

I have a concern about my child’s development. Can you help?

The Child Language and Learning Laboratory conducts basic research in child development, and we do not offer individual evaluations. If you have a particular concern about your child’s development, please contact your pediatrician.

Where can I find general information about child development?

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families http://www.zerotothree.org/

U.S. Department of Education, site for parents http://www.ed.gov/parents/

These links are provided for informational purposes only, and are not affiliated with the laboratory or UVa.