The Child Study Lab brings child development research into the preschool classroom. Research guides how teachers support children, while studies at the lab deepen our understanding of early learning and development.
Research shapes the school day
Teachers draw on decades of developmental psychology research, including work on self-regulation and effective ways to teach young children.
Children learn to name and manage emotions, communicate what they need and work through problems with others. Teachers support these skills through positive redirection, clear choices and age-appropriate guidance.
The classroom supports new research
Children and families may be invited to participate in studies conducted in the familiar setting of the Child Study Lab. Activities may include observations, conversations, games or other age-appropriate tasks.
Participation is always voluntary. Studies must receive university and Child Study Lab approval, and families decide whether their child participates.
What we learn reaches beyond the lab
Early childhood professionals from across Maricopa County visit the Child Study Lab to observe research-backed teaching practices. They bring these approaches back to their own classrooms and programs, extending the lab’s impact to thousands of children across Arizona.
Opportunities to collaborate
Work with the Child Study Lab
Faculty, research teams, early childhood professionals and community organizations can contact the Child Study Lab to discuss research, professional visits and other opportunities to work together.