Program Description
Waterford Upstart is an early learning program for children in PreK–2 that delivers daily 15–20 minute online lessons in reading, math, and science. The core instructional component is the Waterford Early Learning (WEL) software, which sequences adaptive lessons, digital books, songs, and practice activities based on each child’s progress. The program is designed to be used consistently throughout the week and adjusts the level of support and difficulty as children demonstrate new skills.
Families play an active role in implementation. They receive weekly progress updates, simple at-home learning tips, and access to a bilingual resource library (English/Spanish) to help reinforce skills offline. Each family is also assigned a coach who provides onboarding, routine-building guidance, and ongoing check-ins throughout the program period.
Program Outcomes
A series of reports by the Evaluation and Training Institute included quasi-experimental analyses of multiple Waterford UPSTART cohorts in Utah. The matched samples included over 1,000 preschool children, the majority of whom were White, with approximately half from low-income households. Using coarsened exact matching (CEM), the studies compared UPSTART participants to similar non-participants on standardized early literacy assessments. Results consistently showed statistically significant, positive effects on early literacy skills measured by the Bader Reading and Language Inventory and the Brigance Inventory of Early Development. Composite effect sizes for the assessments ranged from +0.50 to +0.90, supporting a Promising evidence rating in the Academic Performance domain.
Staffing Requirements
No additional staffing required.
Professional Development/Training
No PD/training required
Technology
Families will need a computer with a mouse or laptop with a trackpad to use the program, or a tablet. Families can communicate with Waterford Upstart staff to track their child’s progress on a phone or tablet. Some families may qualify for a computer and Wi-Fi at no cost.