About
Count Play Explore celebrates every child's curiosity and motivation to learn about the world around them. Backed by research, and developed by a team of leading experts, Count Play Explore empowers families and educators to shape children's learning by encouraging joyful exploration of math, science, and computer science (CS).
Our Vision
Children from birth through third grade develop strong math, science, and computer science skills which provide a foundation for academic success and career access. Every child from birth through third grade — of any background, race, culture, ethnicity, language, gender, ability, or socioeconomic status — and every family, caregiver, and educator experiences math, science, and computer science with confidence, joy, and belonging.
Our Mission
Count Play Explore provides culturally affirming capacity building, professional learning, resources, and messaging to support equitable math, science, and computer science learning and outcomes for every child from birth through third grade.
To learn more, see our page
Core Partners
CPE is a multi-agency effort across California. We’re proud to work alongside dedicated organizations and experts who share our commitment to early math, science, and computer science education.
Read more about our partners.
Count Play Explore (CPE) Over the Years
CPE Identified Need
Data and research points to the need to focus on early math, specifically:
- 50% of CA students are not achieving state math standards
- Early math predicts later achievement in both math & reading.
Launch of California Statewide Early Math Initiative (CAEMI)
The Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools’ Early Care and Education (FCSS-ECE) receives funding to launch CAEMI, which provided early math professional development, communications, and resources for those who provide training and coaching; educators and parents – including a web-based application.
Expansion of CAEMI
FCSS-ECE receives additional funding to expand early math efforts.
Inclusion of Early Science*
FCSS-ECE receives additional funding to expand early math efforts, and extend to include early science and computer science.
CAEMI Rebrand Launch
CAEMI changes name to Count Play Explore.
*In 2022, new state funding helped Count Play Explore grow and do even more! Assembly Bill 185, expanded our work to offer professional learning and coaching for educators working with children from birth through third grade in math, science, and computer science. It also allows us to create resources that help educators and families bring California’s early learning and academic standards to life — and to partner with other statewide programs to strengthen early math and science education together.
Discover how CPE has impacted professional learning providers and educators across California since 2019 through our Research and Evaluation Reports conducted by our independent evaluator, WestEd.