Thousands more Australian preschoolers will have access to The Smith Family’s early maths program, Let’s Count, thanks to a $4 million funding announcement by the Commonwealth Government.

At the same time, the government also committed $4 million to the national roll out of the Froebel Foundations Little Scientist initiative.

Dr Lisa O’Brien, CEO of The Smith Family welcomed the investment, which she said will “help build the early maths skills of Australian children”.

“Over the past five years, nearly 13,000 preschoolers from disadvantaged communities have benefited from our Let’s Count program which has boosted their maths skills and learning dispositions,” O’Brien said. “[This] funding commitment not only recognises the success of Let’s Count, but is recognition of a successful and innovative partnership between a not-for-profit organisation working with families, educators and its university, philanthropic and corporate partners.

“Now this substantial show of support from the Commonwealth Government, will help us set up more children for long-term success in maths – a discipline that will drive our country’s economy and future success.”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Science and Innovation Christopher Pyne visited the Frobel Foundation’s Mother Teresa Early Learning Centre on Tuesday to spruik the investments.

Froebels Foundation said the organisation was “proud and grateful for the investment” from the federal government as part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda.