Release Notes 07.08.2026
Waterford.org will release an automatic software update on July 8, 2026.
The July 8, 2026, release includes improvements that make learning more engaging, simplify classroom management, and provide families with better visibility into student progress. As always, if you have questions, visit our Help Center for support.
Current iOS and Android App Version 2.17.0
Affects: 
Waterford Early Learning
To get the best experience, we recommend using the latest version of the Waterford app: 2.17.0. Updates are applied automatically whenever possible to keep things running smoothly.
New Features
Strengthen Literacy Skills with New Cumulative Review Activities
Affects: Young Learners |
All Waterford Programs
Students in the Basic and Fluent reading sequences will now encounter cumulative review activities designed to strengthen long-term retention of foundational literacy skills. These activities revisit previously learned concepts, including phonics, high-frequency words, and language mechanics, at strategic points throughout the curriculum. If a student needs additional support, the review helps identify those skills and guides the student back to targeted instruction before they continue learning.
Enjoy a More Consistent Learning Experience with the New Activity Player
Affects: 
Educators | Young Learners |
Waterford Early Learning
The new activity player creates a more consistent learning experience across activities and gives more space for students to engage with them. The updated player expands the playable area on screens of different sizes, allowing learning content to utilize the full screen for a clearer, more immersive experience.
Know When Students Complete SmartStart
Affects: Educators | Young Learners |
Waterford Early Learning
Students who complete SmartStart will now see an end-of-program screen instead of automatically restarting the curriculum. This new screen notifies educators when a student has completed the program, allowing them to review the student's progress before determining next steps. This update is the first phase of an enhanced SmartStart experience, with additional placement options planned for a future release.
Stay Connected with Your Child's Learning Through the Family Mobile App
Affects: Caregivers |
All Waterford Programs
Families using the Waterford Family Mobile App will experience a simpler sign-in process along with a new progress dashboard that provides greater visibility into their child's learning journey. Caregivers can more easily monitor progress, celebrate milestones, and stay engaged as their child works through the curriculum.
Visuals shown may not represent the final design.
Enhanced Features
Help Students Build Stronger Math Problem-Solving Skills
Affects: Young Learners |
All Waterford Programs
Updated multiplication and division story-problem activities provide students with guided, step-by-step support as they work through each problem. Instead of simply entering an answer, learners are encouraged to represent their thinking throughout the problem-solving process. This approach helps build mathematical reasoning, reinforces classroom strategies, and strengthens students' confidence when solving word problems independently.
Simplify Getting Started with Waterford Upstart
Affects: Caregivers |
All Waterford Programs
Families beginning the Waterford Upstart program will now receive clearer guidance during the getting-started process. If the required orientation video hasn't been completed, helpful reminders explain the next steps before lessons become available. This makes it easier for families to successfully complete setup and helps students begin learning as soon as their program starts.
Visuals shown may not represent the final design.
Updated Reports With an Improved Experience
Affects: Educators | Waterford Early Learning
Several educator reports have been updated as part of Waterford's new reporting platform. In addition to a refreshed layout that's easier to navigate, these improvements lay the foundation for future historical reporting capabilities, allowing districts to access reporting data across school years without relying on manual report exports. Some reports also include direct links to supporting instructional resources, making it easier to take action on student data.
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Find Resources Faster with Quick Filters
Affects: Educators | Caregivers |
Waterford Early Learning
Finding instructional resources is now faster and more intuitive. The Resources & Activities page now features quick-filter tiles that organize thousands of resources into meaningful categories, helping users quickly locate commonly used materials. Search and advanced filtering options remain available, making it easy to further narrow results and find exactly what you need.
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Save Time Managing WACS Benchmark Assessments
Affects: Educators | Waterford Early Learning
Educators and administrators can now reset the most recent Waterford Assessment of Core Skills (WACS) benchmark for multiple students or entire classes at once. This enhancement streamlines assessment management by reducing repetitive tasks and making it easier to prepare groups of students for new benchmark assessments. Bulk reset options help save time while supporting efficient classroom and school-wide assessment workflows.
