At the La Trobe University Child Development Unit (CDU), we research the social, emotional, cognitive, and perceptual development of children. This research is important because as we understand more about children’s development we are better able to identify risk factors for atypical development. In fact, some of the studies look specifically at atypical development.

Our research is with infants, toddlers and children who have started school. These children have, for the most part, been recruited through Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Centers. The MCH nurses bring the Child Development Unit to the attention of parents (see CDU flyer), who then volunteer to place their baby’s name on our Registry. This Registry contains the names and addresses of many infants and children of varying ages.

Before a study begins, letters are sent inviting parents of children in the appropriate age group to participate. These studies take place in well-equipped laboratory playrooms, and most are video taped. The researchers make the studies interesting and fun. In some studies children engage in a variety of games. In others, their spontaneous behaviour is observed. The children who take part in these studies enjoy participating and typically wish to come back for more!