No Fear of Numbers: Why Math Belongs in Early Childhood Education

Even young children develop an intuitive understanding of quantities, patterns, and structures. When early childhood educators actively nurture this development, they lay the foundation for educational success, STEM competence, and social inclusion. Math helps children make sense of the world, solve problems, and navigate a complex society.

In preschool settings, mathematical learning can be integrated in playful and meaningful ways – for example, by counting steps, sorting building blocks, or voting with glass beads. The focus is not on early arithmetic, but on fundamental skills such as logical thinking, recognizing structures, and developing reflective abilities. These experiences foster a sense of agency, promote fairness, and contribute to democratic education.

Successful early math education depends on well-trained professionals. They don’t need to master advanced math, but they should be open to everyday learning opportunities and attentive to children’s development. Practice-oriented professional development can support them in reflecting on their own attitudes toward math and gaining new inspiration for their pedagogical work.

To ensure that all children – regardless of background or life circumstances – have equal access to quality education, political support is essential: more educators, better working conditions, more time for individual support, and targeted investment in professional development and the quality of early childhood education. Education doesn’t start in school, and math skills shouldn't be left to chance. Investing in early education means investing in tomorrow’s social participation, capacity for innovation, and social cohesion.

Read the entire analysis: ‘Keine Angst vor Zahlen: Warum Mathe in jede Kita gehört‘ here as a PDF. Please note, to date the analysis is only available in German.