Research shows that children who start kindergarten behind in math often stay behind. But when math is introduced early, and playfully, children gain a running start. According to the nonprofit Bedtime Math Foundation, even children of math-anxious parents showed significant improvement when math was part of their nightly routine.
Math anxiety can start as early as preschool. Many parents unintentionally pass on their own discomfort with numbers, creating a cycle of avoidance. This is especially true in underserved communities where access to high-quality early learning is limited.
Collaborative for Children addresses this challenge head-on through our Centers of Excellence, which offer certified child care environments with STEAM-based curriculum, including math exploration through play. But we also know learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door.
Bedtime math is about storytelling, curiosity, and connection. Apps like MiniMath, designed for children ages 2–5, offer playful prompts such as “Look, See, Do” questions that encourage children to explore shapes, sizes, and numbers with their parents.
Collaborative for Children encourages families to adopt similar practices at home:
– Count together while brushing teeth or putting on pajamas.
– Compare sizes of bedtime toys, stuffed animals, or books.
– Ask questions like “How many stars are on your blanket?” or “Can you find something shaped like a triangle?”
At our certified Centers of Excellence, educators use STEAM-based curriculum to integrate math into daily routines. For example, during story time, children might count characters or measure ingredients during snack prep. These activities mirror what families can do at home, creating continuity between school and home environments.
This aligns with findings from the University of Chicago, which showed that children who engaged in bedtime math improved their achievement by up to three months, and even more for children of math-anxious parents.
– Certified ECE training and curriculum for educators and child care providers
– STEAM-based learning in all Centers of Excellence
– Parent engagement resources to bring learning home
– Differentiation from drop-in daycare through structured, developmental programming
We believe every child in Greater Houston deserves access to high-quality early education—at school and at home.
Start with simple counting games, shape hunts, or size comparisons using toys, books, or bedtime routines. Keep it playful and consistent.
You don’t need to be a math expert. Just asking questions and exploring together builds confidence for both you and your child.
Yes. Our Centers of Excellence are certified environments offering structured, STEAM-based curriculum and trained educators focused on early childhood development.
