Numeracy Learning in Early Childhood

Global recognition of the impact of early learning and development on long-term learning trajectories and their associated individual, community, [Page 1149]societal, and global implications has led to increased attention on the years prior to school and transitions into formal education. Individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions for academic and other success have enhanced abilities to contribute to their communities and function effectively in society. Accordingly, education in the early years is increasingly focused on the acquisition of skills such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity as well as the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) abilities.

This entry focuses on the importance of supporting child acquisition of mathematics skills and language in early learning: the M in STEM. A child rights ...