The Early Childhood Learning and Development Lab
The Learning and Child Development Lab at Bar-Ilan University, headed by Esther Adi-Japha, is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of cognitive, motor, and sensory-motor development from infancy through adolescence, with a focus on early childhood. Our research examines the processes that shape learning and development within diverse cultural and educational contexts.
We combine experimental, longitudinal, and applied research approaches in typically developing children and in those with developmental delays to investigate how children learn. Our work integrates developmental psychology, education, and cognitive science to bridge theory and real-world application.
The lab conducts empirical research projects focusing on key developmental domains, including (a) skill learning, (b) thinking skills and creativity, and (c) early childhood education and care (ECEC), with a particular emphasis on how children acquire and refine skills, particularly motor skills, in relation to other domains, including language, mathematics, creativity, as well as ECEC quality. One of the lab’s unique strengths is its integration of longitudinal studies with experimental designs, allowing researchers to track developmental changes over time while also testing targeted interventions.
Our achievements include:
Motor skill learning
- Revealing developmental differences in skill learning, including an advantage for adults in the initial phase of skill acquisition and for young children in the time needed to consolidate a skill and consequently in susceptibility to interference.
- Specific patterns of motor skill learning delays in late talkers, children with developmental language disorder, children with developmental coordination disorder, and individuals with ADHD.
- Skill learning as the basis of literacy acquisition.
Creativity
- Evidence from children’s drawings of cognitive flexibility in bilingual children
- The “Math and Arts” programs, which teach mathematics using technology and the arts involving music or plastic arts, while emphasizing creativity in both math and the arts.
Early Childhood Education
- Understanding how childcare affects child development
The lab actively contributes to advancing evidence-based practices in education and child development.
We collaborate with schools, early childhood centers, and community organizations to translate research findings into practical tools and interventions.
Our community engagement includes:
- Participation in early childhood education activities for the general public and for professionals (e.g., conferences, talks, podcasts)
- Professional development programs for early childhood professionals
- Outreach activities aimed at promoting child well-being and effective learning environments
We are committed to making research accessible and beneficial to families and communities.
The lab maintains collaborations with researchers and institutions worldwide.
Our international engagement includes:
- Joint research projects with international partners (e.g., USA and Europe)
- Participation in global research networks
- Presentations at international conferences
- Academic exchange and collaborative publications
These collaborations enrich our research perspectives and promote cross-cultural understanding of child development.
Our research contributes to theoretical advancement in developmental science and informs educational practices and policy.
- We wrote the national birth-50 months curriculum
- We take part in the Ministry of Education research aimed at emphasizing the importance of professional development for early childhood educators for policy
- We set standards for effective motor skill practice (fine and gross motor activities)
Through research, training, and outreach, we strive to create lasting positive impact on children, families, and educational systems.
The Learning and Child Development Lab led by Esther Adi-Japha includes graduate students, doctoral candidates, research assistants, and undergraduate trainees, and includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, special education teachers, and early childhood educational professionals
Our team fosters a collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment where students develop research skills, critical thinking, and academic leadership.
Learning and Child Development Lab
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat Gan, Israel
For inquiries regarding research collaboration, student opportunities, or community programs, please contact:
Esther Adi-Japha
Esther.Adi-Japha@biu.ac.il
Last Updated Date : 24/02/2026
