Research
Research on child development and early childhood education is a core part of our mission. Faculty and graduate students from the Institute of Child Development and other University of Minnesota departments conduct around four to six studies at CDLS every year. Not all classrooms participate in every study. Most children participate in at least one study each school year. A bulletin board in the hall outside the research rooms has information on current studies at CDLS.
Contact us
Are you a member of the early childhood education or research community? Are you interested in observing our classrooms or doing research at CDLS? We’d love to work with you! Get in touch with Director of Teaching and Research Marie Lister at list0019@umn.edu to discuss your needs.
Information for families
At the beginning of the school year, families sign a consent form allowing their child to participate in research at CDLS. By enrolling at the Child Development Laboratory School, families understand that their child(ren) will be part of observations by University students, faculty, researchers, and staff, which don’t include interacting with a researcher. When a research team is approved to conduct a non-observational study at CDLS, families in participating classrooms will receive information about it. They will be asked to participate or they can opt out.
Observation booths
Observation booths are located adjacent to the demonstration classrooms at CDLS, located in the south wing. University students and faculty use these booths regularly. Families and community members can use them, too! CDLS encourages family members to stop by and observe the classrooms in action. Anyone using the observation booth should sign in on the provided forms.
Background checks
Anyone—teachers, students, faculty, or researchers—who has direct contact with children at CDLS completes a criminal background check and a confidentiality statement. Background checks are conducted by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). CDLS volunteers or visitors who have not undergone a background check will be supervised at all times and not left alone with children.
Information for researchers
Are you a University of Minnesota student or faculty member or student interested in observing or conducting research at CDLS? Here is how to get started.
Research procedures
Step one: pre-review by CDLS
- Read the Research Consent Form. This form describes studies that are covered by the general consent that families give at the start of the school year. If your study fits the description, you will not need to obtain individual written consent from parents/guardians. Otherwise, individual consent will be required. Our pre-review will determine whether your study will require individual consent.
- Complete the Request for Research Population (RFRP) form.
- If your study will involve observations, review our Observations information.
- Return the completed RFRP form to Director of Teaching and Research Marie Lister at list0019@umn.edu. We will contact you with a decision within two weeks. If your RFRP is approved, you can proceed to the next step.
Step two: IRB application
Complete your IRB application, including the following:
- Letter of approval from CDLS indicating the level of consent required
- Description of research procedures at CDLS
- Copy of Research Consent form
Step three: coordination with CLDS
- Submit your IRB approval letter to Marie.
- Meet with Marie to review the research protocol and get any help needed to ensure children will want to participate in the study.
- Review Steps for Conducting Research at CDLS.
- Contact Director of Operations Sarah McKee at eydam001@umn.edu to arrange DCYF background checks for each member of the research team that will be in classrooms or in direct contact with children. This does not include people who will only be in observation booths. Please note, background checks must be requested at least 10 days prior to contact with children. You are responsible for the cost of background checks. Payment can be made by credit or debit card, including P Cards. Note that ICD seed funds may cover these costs for ICD student researchers.
- Each member of the research team who will be in classrooms or in direct contact with children must complete free mandated reporter training. This training takes around 45 minutes. Send your certificate of completion to Marie.
- Work with Marie to send the approved RFRP and a letter introducing your study to all families whose children may be part of the research pool.
- Create a digital, 8.5” x 11” poster with names and photos of the principal investigator or sponsoring faculty member, as well as any research team members who will be collecting data at CDLS. Send the poster to Marie; she will display it on the research bulletin board along with a copy of the approved RFRP.
Step four: progress reports and study completion
- You must report to us any adverse events occurring as part of the project and supply us with any information sent to or from the IRB regarding the event(s).
- You must inform us when data collection is complete.
- You must share a copy of the completed Research Summary Form with families. We may also use this information in our reports to the IRB and in our newsletters.
- If the only participants in your study are CDLS children, send CDLS a copy of your annual report to the IRB. If CDLS children are a subset of participants, send your annual report and additional information on CDLS participation.
- You are strongly encouraged to meet with CDLS families and staff to share your results.
Questions? Please contact Marie.
Observations
Learn about our classrooms, schedules, and the age ranges we serve.
Observation booths
Observation booths are located adjacent to the three part-day classrooms and the gym.
- A directory of children with their ages and an approximate daily schedule is posted in each booth.
You must sign in on the provided form. - Staff and currently enrolled students who are observing more than once during a semester can request pre-approval to gain entry using a U Card. Please contact Lily Bray at sahl0032@umn.edu at least one week in advance of your visit.
- If you have questions for a teacher or student teacher, please speak with them before or after class.
- Booths are to be used only when children are in the classroom; staff use the time before and after class for confidential discussions.
Playground
When observing on a playground, stand along the sides near the fence or building. Please do not initiate contact with a child. If a child asks you a question, answer briefly and do not continue the conversation.
We welcome your questions and feedback! For part-day classrooms, please contact Director of Teaching and Research Marie Lister at list0019@umn.edu or 612-624-9543. For full-day classrooms, please contact Director of Operations Sarah McKee at eydam001@umn.edu or 612-625-2273.
FAQ
My study has been approved by CDLS and the IRB. What do I do now?
At least one week before you plan to visit a classroom for the first time, email the lead teacher. Plan to visit a classroom at least twice to establish rapport before asking children to participate in research “games.” Always let the lead teacher know when you plan to visit the classroom or run subjects. Be sure there are no special events or conflicts with classroom activities.
How do I reserve a testing room for research?
Stop by the front desk or call 612-625-2273 to reserve a testing room.
How should I follow up with families?
After returning a child to their classroom, give a copy of the research participation letter[link to document], addressed to the parent/guardian, to the lead teacher. The teacher will give the letter to the parent/guardian at the end of the school day.
I am done with my study (or done for the academic year). What do I do now?
Complete the Research Summary Form and email it to Marie. This is required for our annual report to the IRB.