Numbers Work! supports children at high risk for academic failure. With major leadership and funding support from the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, the Numbers Work! program takes a proactive approach to closing the state’s achievement gap by preparing preschoolers for math education in grade school and beyond.

Studies of early math show that children are naturals when it comes to the basics. However, educators sometimes fail to build upon that framework. Based on the National Research Council’s report on early mathematics, Numbers Work! focuses on building comprehension in five key areas: patterns, shape and spatial understanding, measurement, numbers and operations, and charts and graphs.

Research also shows that a majority of preschool teachers feel uncomfortable with math instruction. Numbers Work! tackles that anxiety by providing teachers with professional development, math coaches and educational tools. The program also seeks to improve parent-teacher communication, which helps to ensure that math instruction continues in the home. Take-home math kits and family fun events are also part of that effort.

Numbers Work! creates math-rich classrooms in partnership with Head Start programs, community child-care centers, charter schools and public schools.

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