MATHEMATICS EDUCATION IN NATURAL LEARNING SITUATIONS: EVALUATION OF A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

Early mathematical competencies are powerful predictors for further mathematical learning. To provide children with sound basic mathematical competencies present early childhood educators with considerable challenges. To support them in this important task, a professional development program was designed. This was part of a larger project, aiming at improving the quality in early childhood education and in school. The effectiveness of the professional development program was evaluated. Statistical analyses indicate that children whose educators were able to support children in their individual development due to a sound knowledge of early mathematical development, and of ways of engaging young children in mathematics, improved their mathematical abilities compared to children belonging to a control group.