Introduction

For the first time, mathematics education standards are being created for very young children. We have the opportunity to create standards that are developmentally appropriate and challenging. There is danger, however, that without coordination among the creators, an incoherent plethora of objectives and activities will be foisted upon some children. Therefore, early communication between, and coordination of efforts by, the relevant people and agencies is critical. We have tried to to support that communication and coordination by conducting a conference of just these parties. The final goal is facilitating the creation of standards and curriculum materials that are consistent and inclusive, rather than incoherent and competing. The conversations at the conference, and the project book (see "Writings on Project") are our main contributions toward that goal. The conference, funded by the National Science Foundation and ExxonMobil Foundation, is described here.