Salt Lake City— As we slowly begin to return to a sense of normalcy, the effects of Covid on early education are emerging. Research shows unfinished learning has impacted children nationwide, especially our youngest learners who are just beginning to read. In an effort to keep these children on track, the state is not only providing the Waterford Upstart program to PreK-aged children but also those entering kindergarten this year. 

“Regardless of where PreK or kindergarteners live or their economic background, Waterford Upstart is preparing them for school,” says Senate President J. Stuart Adams. “The state-created early education solution is successfully reaching all children across Utah. Due to the positive results, we have expanded access to even more children. Whether they are in PreK or kindergarten, at home with a parent or in daycare, children can use Upstart to get a cognitive boost.”

Waterford Upstart is an at-home, PreK learning program created by the state legislature and local nonprofit Waterford.org back in 2009 with a goal of reaching rural children who were without access to early learning. It gives families the tools they need to become their child’s first and most influential teacher. Caregivers receive personalized software, coaching, a computer, and internet access all at no cost. 

“My youngest daughters are proud Waterford Upstart graduates who really enjoyed using the program,” says State Senator Luz Escamilla. “With very different strengths and needs, Waterford Upstart helped each one of them in a personalized way prepare for kindergarten, and my husband and I got to be involved in what our daughters were learning. I strongly believe all families could benefit from using the program with their children.”

Over the years, third-party research trials have shown the program to be highly effective, prompting leaders to expand access across the state. Now, any family who wants to use the program can, and Waterford.org is dedicated to not turning away a single eligible child.

“Our state leaders recognize we must do something to help our children stay on track, and that help must come early,” says Kim Fischer, the national spokesperson and SVP of communication for Waterford.org. “Waterford Upstart is a great solution because it gets families involved and it can be done in conjunction with traditional education.”

Independent research shows that the average Waterford Upstart graduate enters kindergarten reading at nearly a first-grade level and maintains those gains through fourth grade. 

Families with children entering kindergarten in the fall or in 2023 can enroll their children by visiting waterford.org/upstart or by calling 888-982-9898.