If you're preparing early childhood educators for the critical task of teaching math, this groundbreaking resource is just what you need to plan and implement effective professional development. Translating recommendations from the National Research Council's early mathematics report into clear and actionable goals, this text is your key to improving the way educators teach math to children ages 3-6. You'll get an in-depth guide to what math teachers need to teach; a research-based framework for strengthening professional development; and web-based video clips to enhance training sessions and show teachers the "how' of high-quality math instruction. Use this accessible text to guide both pre- and inservice teacher preparation; and ensure better math teaching and higher student achievement.

Teacher trainers will: understand the classroom challenges of today's early childhood educators; see how children's mathematical minds develop and clarify learning goals for them; build professional development around five essential goals for high-quality math instruction; make the most of innovative professional development methods and technologies; promote better math instruction for culturally diverse children and children with disabilities; and more.