Early numeracy skills of children from ecuador: Differences between school types

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the early numerical skills of 355 Ecuadorian children at the beginning of kindergarten, considering the type of school they attend. The children solved a test of early numerical skills and one of spontaneous focus on numerosity. The results revealed a low level of early numerical skills and spontaneous focus on numerosity. Children who attend private schools outperformed their counterparts in rural public schools in their early numerical skills, but not in their spontaneous focus on numerosity. These findings are discussed based on the importance of differentiated instructional practices in early mathematics in Ecuadorian kindergartens.