How To Participate

If you are interested in participating in any of our current projects please contact the Early Language and Experience Lab at 612-624-8822 or send us an e-mail (elel@umn.edu) with your name, your child's name, date of birth, and telephone number where you can be reached.

How To Get Here

From the South via I-35W: (for people in South Minneapolis, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, and Southern Suburbs)

Drive north on I-35W to the "U of M/3rd Street" exit (17C). Take the ramp towards "U of M East Bank". This will take you on Washington and you will exit onto E River Road/Parkway, which is by the Weisman Art Museum. You will drive around Weisman, stay to the right, and at the stop sign take a right onto E River Road/Parkway.  Stay on E River Road until you reach the second stop sign, take a right onto Pillsbury Drive. You will see the sign for the Institute of Child Development at the first driveway on the right hand side of the street. Turn into our driveway, go past the first two sets of parking spaces, and pull into the angle parking spaces which face the Institute of Child Development (the name is on the building, above the door). Someone will meet you at your car with a parking permit; please stay with your car until then to avoid being ticketed!**

From the West: (for people in St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, and the Western Suburbs)

Drive east on I-394 (toward Minneapolis) to east I-94; then go north on I-35W. Drive north on I-35W to the "3rd Street/U of M" exit (17C). Take the ramp towards "U of M East Bank". This will take you on Washington and you will exit onto E River Road/Parkway, which is by the Weisman Art Museum. You will drive around Weisman, stay to the right, and at the stop sign take a right onto E River Road/Parkway. Stay on E River Road until you reach the second stop sign, take a right on Pillsbury Drive. You will see the sign for the Institute of Child Development at the first driveway on the right hand side of the street. Turn into our driveway, go past the first two sets of parking spaces, and pull into the angle parking spaces which face the Institute of Child Development (the name is on the building, above the door). Someone will meet you at your car with a parking permit; please stay with your car until then to avoid being ticketed!**

From the North via I-35W: (for people in the Northern Suburbs, e.g. Blaine, parts of Roseville)

Drive South on I-35W to the "University Avenue/4th Street" exit. Cross 4th Street (first set of lights) and make a left on University Avenue. Go six blocks to the stoplight at 14th Avenue. Turn right into the University campus. Go one block to the stop sign, turn left onto Pillsbury Drive. You will see the sign for the Institute of Child Development at the first driveway on the right hand side of the street. Turn into our driveway, go past the first two sets of parking spaces, and pull into the angle parking spots which face the Institute of Child Development (the name is on the building, above the door). Someone will meet you at your car with a parking permit; please stay with your car until then to avoid being ticketed!**

** To return to I-35W, take 14th Ave north, and turn left on 5th St. Turn left at 10th Ave. Stay in left lane to get to south I-35W; stay in the right lane to get to north I-35W. Go one block, and turn right onto 4th St. (you can turn right from either the left or right lanes), and follow the signs.
 
From the East via I-94:(for people in St. Paul and eastern suburbs)

Take I-94 west to the "Huron Blvd" exit. At the stoplight, turn left onto Fulton Street. Follow Fulton Street until it comes to a stop sign at a T-intersection. Turn right onto East River Road. Follow East River Road around the outer edge of the campus until you come to the second stop sign (it is fairly far). Turn right onto Pillsbury Drive. You'll see the sign for the Institute of Child Development at the first driveway on the right hand side of the street. Turn into our driveway, go past the first two sets of parking spaces, and pull into the angle parking spaces which face the Institute of Child Development (the name is on the building, above the door). Someone will meet you at your car with a parking permit; please stay with your car until then to avoid being ticketed!

FAQ

What is the time commitment?

Most studies only require a one-time visit.  This visit will last for approximately 30 minutes, with the actual study lasting between 5-10 minutes.

Can I bring my other children along?

Absolutely! We have research assistants who would be happy to play with them during your visit. We only ask that you let us know in advance so that we can have research assistants available.

Is there any separation involved?

With our studies there is no reason for you to be separated from your child. For most studies your child will be seated on you lap or right beside you.

Where do the studies take place?

All of our studies take place in our lab, which is located on the east bank of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus. The address for the lab is: 51 E River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Directions to the lab are listed above.

When are appointments scheduled?

Appointments are scheduled at various times, generally between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday. We will ask for your assistance in choosing a time when you think your child will be most alert (e.g., morning, after nap, etc.).

Is my child's data confidential?

Yes, your child's name will never be used in any report of this research. The videotapes of our studies allow us to keep track of the selections that your child makes, this videotape is kept completely confidential; your child's name will never be associated with it. Unless we have explicit permission, this videotape will be viewed only by the researchers.

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

The Early Language and Experience Lab conducts basic research in the domain of child development. We do not conduct individual evaluations. If you have a concern about your child's development you should contact your pediatrician.