Let’s count: Strengthening early numeracy and supporting school readiness

A free, evidence-based mathematics program is helping early childhood educators build children’s numeracy confidence and support school readiness through everyday learning experiences.

Let’s Count, developed by The Smith Family in collaboration with early childhood experts, is a professional development program designed for early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals working with children aged three to five. The program is funded by the Australian Government and aims to improve early numeracy outcomes by embedding mathematical thinking into children’s daily routines and play.

From counting toys during pack-up time to comparing quantities at snack time, Let’s Count helps educators notice, explore and talk about maths in meaningful, engaging ways. This practical approach not only strengthens numeracy but also supports key aspects of school readiness.

Numeracy is one of the core developmental domains identified as critical for a successful transition to school. By building strong early math foundations, children develop skills such as pattern recognition, spatial awareness, problem-solving and logical thinking all essential for navigating the structured learning environments of school.

Let’s Count is closely aligned with Belonging, Being & Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia V2.0 (EYLF V2.0), supporting Outcome 4 ‘Children are confident and involved learners’ and Outcome 5 ‘Children are effective communicators’. It also encourages collaborative partnerships with families and communities, reinforcing the understanding that numeracy development happens in many environments, not just formal educational settings.

The program includes:

• Three self-paced online learning modules
• A four- to six-week period to apply learnings in practice
• A two-hour facilitated online forum to reflect and share with peers

Designed with flexibility in mind, Let’s Count enables educators to integrate numeracy into their existing programs and curriculum, regardless of service setting or context. Participation in the program supports continuous quality improvement and can be used as evidence of professional learning during assessment and rating processes.

As expectations around school readiness continue to grow, Let’s Count offers a valuable, practical tool to help services deliver quality early learning experiences that prepare children for a confident start to school.

To learn more about Let’s Count or to register for the free program, visit here.