Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • July 14, 2010 Mahwah Children, parent volunteers needed for development lab Ramapo College of New Jersey’s School of Social Science and Human Services is seeking volunteers to participate in studies at its new Child Development Lab. Through the lab, faculty and students conduct research that explores how children solve problems, perceive actions, coordinate motor skills, interact with caregivers, and use objects, which furthers the understanding of children’s cognitive, perceptual, and motor skill development. The lab opened in late 2009 and had approximately 70 participants. It is funded by the SSHS, the Ramapo College Foundation, a Teaching, Learning and Technology Roundtable grant from the Office of the Provost. Currently, the lab is examining how children cope with “fitting tasks” to help understand the exploratory behaviors children perform in fitting objects through small and large openings. Fitting is a multi-step process involving prospective planning, decision-making, and linking several small routines into a unified action. In a typical study session, children are presented with table-top games that require reaching, grasping, and fitting. Children’s decisions are observed and compared to actual possibilities for action. Other methods such as parental reports, psychophysics, and questionnaires are used to give researchers an in-depth understanding of what information children know and use to make decisions, and how caregivers can have a role in how children make decisions. SSHS is currently conducting the studies with infants and children between one and eight years of age. Studies last between 45 and 60 minutes and can be scheduled for day, evening, or weekend sessions. Both children and parents enjoy the experience and receive a small gift for participation. Any information collected is kept strictly confidential. Individuals who are interested in participating with their children may contact Assistant Professor of Psychology Shaziela Ishak at sishak@ramapo.edu or call (201) 684-7418 to set up an appointment. Ramapo College of New Jersey is located at 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah. Year-end celebration The Mahwah Branch of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary recently closed out a successful year with a luncheon in Ridgewood. The branch is always looking for new members. Anyone interested in learning more about the organization is invited to contact Jane at (201) 684-1230. LARRY ROGERS PLUMBING & HEATING COMPANY Complete Plumbing and Heating Repairs and Installations No Job Too Small SENIOR DISCOUNT Lic. #6980 30 years exp. 201-847-1737 4 Out of 5 Ain’t Bad! One of my SAT Verbal-Writing tutorial students got into four out of five colleges he applied to…including his target school. College counseling too… 201-445-1343 • $60 per hour. 7-14-10 pat/janine LRogers2x2(7-14-10) 2 x 2” Rev1 Break the Highway Trend! ...not your community’s back. Local businesses are the backbone of your community and the trend to shop the big guys on the highway hurts us all.Your local businesses have what you want... at the right price... and close to home. So, why hassle with the highways? Save Time! Save Gas! Save Money! SAVE YOUR COMMUNITY! We Need You SHOP LOCALLY. IT’S SMART. ...and besides, it’s so convenient!