The Early Math Initiative (EMI) is designed to help federal and state-funded preschool programs enhance mathematical development and learning for young children. This grant-funded research project will help early childhood teachers strengthen their support for young children’s readiness for mathematics. Teachers will receive professional development and technical support in the use of instructional practices, classroom and home math activities, and materials. Upon request, training in curriculum coaching can be provided for programs that have their own professional development staff.
When
- 2025-26 school year
How
- Teachers will be randomly assigned to a treatment condition where they will participate in PD and implementation activities during the 2025–26 school year or a control group where they will continue to teach business-as-usual and will engage in PD and implementation activities the in the 2026–27 school year.
- All teachers, regardless of group, will send home parent consent letters at the beginning of the program and will complete a survey at the end.
- Administrators and teachers will coordinate with researchers in setting up time and space for individualized child assessments for pre-test in the fall and post-test in the late spring. Teachers do not assess children, researchers do.
Benefits
- Free Pre-K Mathematics curriculum with top-rated effectiveness.
- Complimentary hands-on materials from Lakeshore.
- Home activities to extend learning.
- Tutoring support for students in need.
Incentives
A teacher honorarium of up to $1,200 for research participation.
Additional Materials
Document
Early Math Tiered Support System
(1.13 MB)
Topics
- Early Childhood Education
- Mathematics
Populations
- Children experiencing poverty, homelessness, or foster care
Grade levels
- Early Childhood (Birth–Pre-K)
Funder
- Federal Agency
Start Date
- Fall 2025
Length of Time
- 12–24 months