The 69th Legislative Assembly has identified funds to provide early childhood learning opportunities through the Waterford Upstart program to families in communities that lack access to high-quality early childhood education. The Waterford program provides school readiness skills through an in-home, online program, with equipment provided to qualifying families at no cost.
Waterford Upstart FAQ
What is Waterford Upstart?
Waterford Upstart is an interactive learning program that helps children in PreK-2nd grade build strong skills in reading, math, and science. The activities adapt to the child’s skill level to provide stories, games, and learning at just the right pace. Each family receives support from a Waterford coach to ensure their child is engaging in the proper amount of time to achieve results. To learn more, visit Waterford Upstart.
Who is this program for?
Families with children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2026 and reside in communities that have been identified based on a formula considering access to quality early childhood education and third-grade reading proficiency scores.
Check the Waterford ND Eligible Communities list to see if your community is eligible.
What if my community is not included? If your community is not on the list, you can apply anyway and be added to a wait list. You will then be contacted if additional funds become available. Complete the Application at Waterford Upstart.
Is there a cost?
No. Families in qualifying communities will be enrolled in the program at no cost. Additionally, if needed, families who qualify will receive a computer and Wi-Fi access. There is a limited number of registrations available, so register as soon as possible.
How do we register?
Visit the Waterford Upstart website and use the Apply button.
Contact Information
- NDDPI: Brenda Ehrmantraut (701) 328-1809
- NDDHHS: I’m working on getting this information
- North Dakota’s Waterford Representative: Becky Eberhardt (701) 261-8888