Skip to the content of the web site.
banner

Parents: As of April 2012, we are close to our goal of having 150 families take part in our UW Toddler Language Study to find out more how children's language develops between 2 to 3 years of age. But we still need about 40 famlies to take part.

If your child will be turning 2 between now and August 2012,
we would love to have you take part!

June 28 2011: Read about our study in the local paper!

Thanks for your interest in taking part in the Toddler Language Study!

The UW Toddler Language Study is an exciting new study that we would like to invite you and your 2-year-old child to take part in! On this page you’ll find more information about what the study involves and how to contact us to take part or get more information.

What is the study about?

This study is being carried out by Julie Scott under the direction of Daniela O’Neill, a Professor os Psychology and Director of the UW Centre for Child Studies. In this study we are interested in discovering in more detail how children’s language develops between 2 to 3 years of age. This is an important time of change for children’s language and by taking part in this study with your child you would be helping to make an important contribution to increasing what we know about young children’s language development.

Who can take part?

We are looking for 2-year-old children and their parents to take part. If your child is going to be turning 2 between now and April 2012, and is learning mainly English, we would love to hear from you! If you’re interested in taking part but your child isn't quite old enough, we can take your contact information and get in touch with you to begin the study once your child is 2 years old.

What would be involved if I decide to take part?

First you would come to the UW Centre for Child Studies for a one time only, 1-hour visit when your child first turns 2 years old. During this visit you would fill out a questionnaire about your child’s language development. You and your child would play some games and read a book together and your child would play a game with the researcher. This part of the visit is videotaped and is done to assist in later analyzing the interactions during the play and reading sessions.

Second, every 3 months for the next year after this first visit to the Centre (until your child is 3 years old) we would mail you a 20-minute questionnaire about your child’s language development for you to complete and return to us in a postage paid envelope. To thank you for taking part, your child would receive several small gifts throughout the year.

When can my visit to the centre be scheduled?

Your one-time visit to the Centre can be arranged for a morning, afternoon, or early evening during the week or on a weekend; whatever is most convenient for you. Childcare can also be arranged for any older or younger siblings who come with you while you and your child take part.

How do I get to the Centre for Child Studies at UW?

When you decide to take part we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to find us on the UW campus either by car or by bus. We have free parking just outside our building entrance where we will meet you at your car and escort you to the Centre. We can also arrange for transportation to the Centre if needed.

How can I contact you to take part or to get more information?

Julie
  • Call Julie at the Centre for Child Studies

519-888-4567, ext. 31224.

Has this study received ethics clearance from the University?
Yes. This study has been reviewed by, and received ethics clearance through, the Office of Research Ethics, University of Waterloo.

We look forward to hearing from you!

blocks NEW! Daniela O'Neill, the Centre's Director, is on Twitter! Find out about new research and information pertaining to the development of language and thinking in early childhood by following Daniela O'Neill on twitter!

Our studies attempt to understand general trends in development, not to assess the performance of individual children. Names are not used in publications resulting from our research. Our studies are conducted on a voluntary basis. Parents and children are free to withdraw their participation at any time.

We appreciate your support of the UW Centre for Child Studies!
Each child makes a difference!

 

This page was last updated on April 19, 2012.