Agenda Item
b. Division of Student Services ~ Waterford Supplemental Instructional Resource (Not to exceed $130,000) ~ Updated 8.7.2025
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the purchase of the Waterford Platform - Instructional Supplemental Resource in the amount not to exceed $130,000 from the Bright From the Start Pre-K4 Grant and the Pre-K3 General Operating Budget.
Why: Due to the proposed deployment of the Waterford Platform - Instructional Supplemental Resource across all Pre-K4 classrooms throughout the district, the total cost in the amount not to exceed $130,000 from the Bright From the Start Pre-K4 Grant and the
Pre-K3 General Operating Budget. The Waterford supplemental instructional platform is a diagnostic adaptive program for Pre-K scholars that has a strategic focus on the development of early literacy and early numeracy skills while being aligned to the Georgia Early Learning Developmental Standards, (GELDS). The programs’ systematic and explicit approach to learning that supports the gradual release model with target support for remediation and/or acceleration is aligned to each student’s learning pathway that’s highlighted by research based instructional practices. The skills that are developed in partnership with the instructional experience within the classroom setting with the utilization of the Waterford platform helps to enhance the development of early literacy, early numeracy, and foundation of school skills within our Pre-K (3&4) scholars.
Details: The DeKalb County School District, as a local educational agency (LEA) receiving Bright From the Start - (Pre-K4) grant funds, has an obligation to continue to enhance the instructional offering of our young scholars in the areas of early literacy and early numeracy. Services from the preferred vendor will support explicit instruction being delivered as an added value to our young scholar’s instructional experience within their classroom and home settings.
The DeKalb County School District currently serves over 2800 Pre-K (3&4) students within (25) Pre-K3 classes and (128) Pre-K4 classes. Having access to the Waterford Platform - Instructional Supplemental Resource will be an added value to their instructional experience within the early learning arena.
During the 2024-2025 school year, the Waterford platform was piloted across all our Pre-K3 expansion sites and Pre-K4 classes that are designated at the same schools. There was a total of 550 students utilizing the platform within the various Pre-K (3&4) expansion and piloted classrooms. Effective communication with our families is essential with ensuring that the Waterford platform is accessible and utilized at home during the school year to support our students’ instructional journey. The utilization of the platform within their classroom settings is an added value to the instructional offering that they receive form their teachers and paraprofessionals. In accordance with Board Policy DJE, Board approval is being requested for the Waterford - supplemental instructional resource to be deployed across the district within all Pre-K (3&4) classrooms.
Waterford Platform - Pre-K3 Achievement Data
The scores listed below represent the achievement data for the content areas of literacy and numeracy Pre-K3 scholars during the 2024-2025 SY.
Waterford Platform - Pre-K4 Achievement Data
The scores listed below represent the achievement data for the content areas of literacy and numeracy Pre-K4 scholars during the 2024-2025 SY.
According to DJE, Board approval is being requested for the Waterford Platform - Instructional Supplemental Resource and Professional Learning services.
Financial impact: The financial impact to the general funds for Pre-K3 students who will utilize the Waterford platform during the 2025-2025 school year will not exceed the amount of 20,000. The financial impact to the Bright From the Start funds for Pre-K4 students who will utilize the Waterford platform during the 2025-2026 school year will not exceed the amount of $110,000.
Department of Early Learning and Pre-K3 Programs Charge Code:
560.0000.434000.17821.7481.1540.6014.094.2025
Department of Early Learning and Pre-K4 Programs Charge Code:
560.2300.553200.17821.7481.1540.8010.094.2026
560.2210.511600.17821.7640.1540.8010.094.2026
Contact: Dr. Norman C. Sauce III, Chief of Student Services, Division of Student Services
Dr. Zack Phillips, Executive Director of Early Learning and Pre-K Programs, Division of Student Services, 678-676-2048
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Waterford Early Learning:
Supplemental
PreK-2nd Grade Solution
Transforming Early
Learning for Every Student
Supplemental PreK-2nd Grade Solution
Meet Faith!
What does Faith think about
Waterford Early Learning?
“I’m obsessed!”
She started using the program in PreK and
continued into Kindergarten, and her extensive
vocabulary shows the obsession is paying off!
“She embraces the idea of
sounding things out and spelling
them herself. I see the results of
Waterford. It makes a difference.”
-Mary Williams, Faith’s Grandmother
Investing in
high-quality early
learning pays off
From improving attendance to reducing
future remediation costs, research estimates
a return to society of $7 to $12 for every $1
invested in early childhood programs*. $
1 = $
7-$12
*Heckman, J. J., Moon, S. H., Pinto, R., Savelyev, P. A., & Yavitz, A. (2010). The Rate of Return to the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program. Journal of Public Economics, 94(1-2), 114–128.
Waterford Early Learning lncludes:
Supplemental Supplemental SmartStart: Integrated Reading
PreK Reading, Mentor App
Reading Math & Science Benchmark
Math, and Science for Families
Curriculum Curriculum Curriculum Assessments
“
Why Choose Waterford?
Waterford is a smart investment—proven to boost early It's important to start the work
literacy and math outcomes, especially for children early on a consistent program
who need it most.
that helps our students get a
Backed by decades of research, the program consistently strong start. I've seen what
shows long-term results, with children continuing to meet a year on Waterford can do for
key learning milestones through 3rd grade and beyond. our students, and the data
speaks for itself.
Based in the Science of Reading
Aligned With State Standards and Dr. Lisa Mitchell, Executive
”
Core Curriculum Director, Fresno County Schools
Fun and Engaging Lessons
Fits Into Classroom and Family Routines
Includes Family Resources and Learning
Tips in English and Spanish
Backed by Research
Research shows children using Waterford programs
advance a full year or more beyond expected growth.
By closing learning gaps early, a strong foundation is
created for long-term success and academic gains
continue over time.
Discover how Waterford Early Learning can make
a difference in your schools and community.
Contact us today to get started.
Waterford Early Learning:
Early Reading
Supplemental Curriculum
Confident Readers
by Grade 3
Reading by third grade is one of the
strongest predictors of lifelong learning
and success—yet 67% of children aren’t
meeting this critical milestone.
A Strong Start in Reading
“
Waterford Early Learning’s reading curriculum
provides research-backed instruction for PreK–2nd
grade children that’s: Waterford is that reliable piece
• Explicit and easy to follow we can count on to fill in the gaps...
• Tailored to each child it helps level the playing field.
• Engaging and developmentally appropriate Nicole Couri-Malson,
”
• Proven to work Peoria Public Schools
Supercharge Your Literacy Block with:
• Visual dashboards
• Students identified for small group instruction
• A library of print & digital resources
• Standards reporting for targeted support
Proven Instructional Design: Why it Matters
• An adaptive learning path guides students through Research shows children using
a gradual “I do, we do, you do” model.
Waterford programs advance a full year
• Step-by-step skill building—starting with print concepts
through confident, expressive reading. or more beyond expected growth.
Expanisve Family Resources: By closing learning
• Progress updates & learning tips gaps early:
• Library of books and activities in English and Spanish. • A strong foundation is created for
long-term success
• Gains continue over time
Discover how Waterford Early Learning can
make a difference in your schools and
Learn more at
Waterford.org/schools
community. Contact us today to get started.
Waterford Early Learning:
Early Math and Science
Supplemental Curriculum
Build a Strong
STEM Foundation
Early math skills are one of the strongest
predictors of later academic success, even
more than reading and attention skills.
The path to STEM success starts in early
childhood—with the right tools.
“
A Strong Start in Early
Math and Science The earlier children are
mastering numeric skills, the more
Waterford Early Learning’s supplemental curriculum includes:
successful they're going to be in life.
• Tailored Digital Lessons that adapt to each child’s
learning needs. Trent North, Superintendent,
”
Douglas County School System
• Interactive Tools, including counting chips, base 10 blocks,
and tangrams that bring abstract concepts to life.
• Structured Learning Progression builds from simple to
complex concepts, supporting lasting understanding.
• Gradual Release Model’s “I do, we do, you do” format builds
confidence and independence.
• Relatable Stories & Hands-On Strategies help children see
how math and science connect to their world.
• Family Support in English and Spanish keeps families
Why it Matters
engaged through print and digital resources, progress Research shows children using
updates, and tips. Waterford programs advance a full year
or more beyond expected growth.
Teaching Tools Include:
Visual dashboards Gains continue over time:
Students identified for small group instruction • Closing learning gaps
Library of print & digital resources • Establishing a strong foundation
for long-term success
Discover how Waterford Early Learning can
make a difference in your schools and
Learn more at
Waterford.org/schools
community. Contact us today to get started.
Waterford Early Learning:
SmartStart (PreK Reading,
Math, and Science)
Start Strong,
Stay Curious
Investing in high-quality early learning pays
off in ways that matter—from improving
attendance to reducing future remediation
costs. And it’s not just about learning the
alphabet. When young children explore
reading, math, and science in age-appropriate,
“
engaging ways, they build confidence and
curiosity that can carry them through
kindergarten and beyond. Waterford has definitely made a
difference for all of our students—
Created Just especially in literacy, language, and
math. Our dual language learners
for PreK Learners are showing the greatest gains.
SmartStart is a developmentally appropriate program Evelyn McFadden,
that combines fun, research-backed instruction in Hillsborough County Public
”
reading, math, and science—designed with young Schools Head Start Supervisor
children in mind.
Purposeful Learning That’s Fun
• Catchy songs, colorful characters, and interactive stories
• Early reading and math activities built for growing minds Why it Matters
• Mindset skill building like focus, empathy, and confidence Research shows children who use the
program with fidelity develop the skills
Easy-to-Use Teacher Tools Include:
needed to be ready for kindergarten.
A library of print & digital resources
Digital playlists for group instruction or
Gains continue over time:
targeted intervention
Progress reports that track growth • Closing learning gaps
• Establishing a strong foundation
for long-term success
See SmartStart in Action
Want to learn how SmartStart can support Learn more at
your PreK classroom? Contact us today to Waterford.org/schools
schedule a demo.
Waterford Early Learning:
Waterford Assessment of
Core Skills (WACS)
A Better Way
to Assess Early
Readers
Assessing young learners can be
time-consuming and stressful—for both
teachers and students. But it doesn’t
have to be.
“
Why Educators Choose WACS
WACS is a developmentally appropriate literacy assessment It was just great to have all of
for PreK through 2nd grade that gives educators clear, accurate that right there at your fingertips.
insights without taking valuable time away from teaching. Because what's most important for any
school is to understand and meet the
Quick, Precise Results students where they need to be met.
Pinpoint where each child is in their reading journey
Kristy Castallenos, Director of
with accurate results that tailor instruction right away.
Elementary Education and
Designed for Young Learners School Improvement at Volusia
”
County Schools
Children meet Wyatt, a friendly, animated guide who
makes the assessment feel like a fun adventure—not a test.
Built on the Science of Reading
From print concepts to reading comprehension, WACS
measures the skills that matter most for early literacy.
Supports Instructional Decisions
Get meaningful data in less time to guide instruction,
Why it Matters
When you have the right information
track growth, and identify needs early.
at the right time, you can help
children stay on track to read with
confidence by third grade. And that
changes everything.
See WACS in Action
Ready to assess early literacy in a way Learn more at
that’s engaging for children and useful for Waterford.org/schools
educators? Contact us today to get started.
Waterford Early Learning:
Mentor App for Families
Where Families
and Educators
Partner in Learning
Families want to support their children’s
learning—clear guidance on what to
do and how to do it is key!
“
How the Mentor App Works
Waterford Mentor is an app for families (available in Before Waterford, a lot of
English and Spanish) that allows them to stay connected, parents would say, ‘Well, what
celebrate progress, and build learning routines at home. can I do to help them? I don't
know what to do.’ Waterford has
Stay in the Loop become my go-to resource.
Families get automatic updates about their child’s
Jennie Gregoire,
progress in the Waterford program. 1st-grade teacher, Iberia
”
Parish School District, LA
Support at Home
Simple learning tips and fun, no-cost activity ideas make
it easy to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Celebrate Success
Families can see and celebrate their child’s achievements.
Build a Culture of Learning
Why it Matters
Access to digital books and at-home resources encourages Students do better when
daily learning habits.
families are involved.
Engaged families encourage children
to build confidence, stay motivated,
and develop strong learning
habits—right from the start.
Discover how Waterford Early Learning
can make a difference in your schools and
Learn more at
Waterford.org/schools
community. Contact us today to get started.