The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District has been awarded a $350,000 Count Play Explore Professional Learning and Coaching Grant, which runs through December 2027. The grant supports early math, science, and computer science education; areas considered foundational for early childhood success.
CPE is a statewide early-STEAM initiative led by the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools’ Early Care and Education department. The initiative builds capacity from birth through grade 3 by providing professional learning, coaching, and family-engagement tools. Its emphasis is on joyful, developmentally appropriate learning, positive math mindsets, and culturally responsive practices.
What This Means for MPUSD
Through the grant, MPUSD educators gain access to CPE facilitator resources and coaching supports to strengthen classroom practice and home-school connections. These tools will help align classroom instruction, home learning, and professional learning communities across preschool through grade 3.
Family STEAM Nights
One of the first offerings through the grant is a series of Family STEAM Nights for preschool, transitional kindergarten, and kindergarten families. The first event was held at the end of September 2025 in Marina with evenings in Monterey and Seaside to follow.
These events are designed to:
- Connect classroom learning with fun, hands-on family activities
- Build positive attitudes and confidence in early math and science
- Celebrate creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration
- Honor culture and language through bilingual, relatable activities
Sample activities include sensory builds with sand and rocks, ramps and motion experiments, foam block storytelling for toddlers, magnet tiles, LEGO towers, and more.
Raising a Reader in Kindergarten | STEAM Emphasis
This year, MPUSD is expanding the Raising a Reader program to every kindergarten class, adding a new focus on STEAM. Each RAR rotation will include bilingual STEAM-themed books, activities, and STEM kits that extend playful learning at home and spark math and science conversations with families.
To support this expansion, each school will add a coordinator to manage site-level processes, support parent trainings, and keep the program active and organized. By combining literacy with early STEAM, MPUSD is helping students and families build a strong foundation for curiosity, confidence, and lifelong learning.
Preschool/TK PLC Series | Launching October 1
Beginning October 1, 2025, MPUSD will launch a joint Preschool/TK Professional Learning Community series using CPE facilitator resources. The first session centers on the M5 Early Math Approach, five core practices that strengthen meaningful teacher-child interactions, rich math language, high-quality environments, and multiple hands-on experiences.
Educators leave each session with ready-to-use classroom materials and strategies they can implement immediately, ensuring that professional learning directly benefits students. This collaborative series reinforces MPUSD’s commitment to professional growth, instructional alignment, and high-quality early learning experiences across schools.