Welcome to the Early Development Lab at UVA
We are one of four Child Development Laboratories affiliated with the Department of Psychology.
We study how children process information and learn about the world around them. Recent studies in our laboratory have concerned the impact of Montessori education on cognitive achievement and social development, the effect of television viewing on children's executive functions, and a variety of issues concerning pretend play, such as how and when young children discriminate pretend from real behaviors.
Most of our studies involve children from infancy to the age of 8. The lab is conveniently located near The Corner on UVA grounds in Charlottesville, and most studies involve a fun, one-time visit lasting about one hour. Parents may be with their children throughout the visit if desired.
We are always looking for children and families willing to be involved in our studies!
Parents interested in having their children participate can register and find further information about our research at the Child Development Laboratories website.
Upcoming:
March 2021: Dr. Lillard will be speaking at Spark Series 2021. Her talk is titled, "Maria Montessori: Why Now (& What Next)?"
Dr. Lillard will be speaking in The Policy Lab at Brown University.
October 2021: Dr. Lillard will be speaking in Rome, Italy at the Montessori 150 Years Celebration.
Recent Publications
- An alternative to “no excuses”: Considering Montessori as culturally responsive pedagogy
- Montessori as an Alternative Early Childhood Education
- Math Achievement Outcomes Associated with Montessori Education
- Media Use and Development of Executive Function
- Pretend Play and Fantasy: What if Montessori Was Right?
- 4th-year baccalaureate nursing students' perceptions of inclusive pedagogical strategies