Mission:
At the Watertown City School District, it is our mission to be committed to building a caring culture that fosters lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
Watertown City School District has developed a depth of connection with our families and our community, demonstrating our role as an integral partner and resource for the families of our community.
Our Purpose:
Life-Long Learning Begins Here at Watertown City School District UPK!
At Watertown City School District, we have cultivated deep connections with our families and the broader community, solidifying our role as an essential partner and resource for our community's families.
Prekindergarten is more than just an entry point into a child’s formal education—it’s a foundation for lifelong success. Research consistently shows that high-quality prekindergarten programs significantly enhance a child’s prospects for success both in school and beyond.
Our prekindergarten programming is designed to be developmentally appropriate, honoring the unique needs and stages of each child. Grounded in evidence-based practices and current research in early childhood education, our curriculum fosters cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth through intentional, play-based learning experiences. We emphasize active engagement, language-rich interactions, and supportive relationships to cultivate a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
We live by the Guiding Principles of NYS Early Learning Guidelines.
"The 38 research-based objectives are at the heart of Creative Curriculum. The path teachers take with children in their classroom is defined, informing every aspect of teaching, includes predictors of school success. The curriculum is aligned with NY Prekindergarten early learning standards and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework."
https://teachingstrategies.com/product/the-creative-curriculum-for-preschool/
In Action A Day Using Creative Curriculum in the Preschool Classroom - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zbihoU8rFg&t=6s
Assessment & Progress Monitoring:
We utilize Teaching Strategies Gold.
Second Steps/Social Emotional Curriculum:
"A holistic approach to building supportive communities for every child through social-emotional learning."
https://www.secondstep.org/early-learning-curriculum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BOzLVa6rNo
Assessment & Progress Monitoring:
We utilize Ages and Stages Questionnaire & Teacher-Child Rating Scale
Our early literacy framework is grounded in the Science of Reading, Science of Learning, and New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards. It draws from respected sources including:
Equipped for Reading Success – Kilpatrick
Road to the Code – Blachman et al.
Releasing Writers – Zehler
UFLI Foundations
The Reading League Professional Development
LETRS Professional Development
Assessment & Progress Monitoring for Reading:
We utilize PELI (Preschool Early Literacy Indicators) as our universal screener and progress monitoring tool. It provides actionable data across:
Alphabet knowledge
Phonological awareness
Vocabulary and oral language
Comprehension
As research evolves and our understanding deepens, this curriculum remains responsive—shaped by both data and the lived experiences of children in our classrooms.
ABCs
Daily group singing and individual reinforcement using ABC charts to support phonemic awareness and letter recognition.
Poetry & Song
Repeated readings build fluency and rhythm, supporting retrieval and oral expression.
One-Minute Phonological Awareness Activities
Quick daily practice from Equipped for Reading Success to build foundational skills in rhyme, syllables, and sounds.
Oral Vocabulary
Intentional word introduction with gestures, visuals, and content integration.
Say It and Move It
Multisensory segmentation and blending from Road to the Code.
Oral Language Development
Scaffolded conversations, sentence modeling, and vocabulary-rich dialogue.
Letter Recognition in Context
Alphabet exploration in children’s names, classroom labels, and books.
Sound Recognition Practice
Daily letter-sound repetition tied to familiar vocabulary and objects.
Writing Names and Letters
Daily practice supporting phonics and fine motor skills using scaffolding strategies.
Repeated Read-Alouds with Daily Focus
Day 1: Gist
Day 2: Vocabulary
Day 3: Comprehension
Day 4: Text Evidence
Day 5: Writing or Extension
Supports gradual release and deep comprehension.
Purposeful Play:
District Initiative Pre-Kindergarten -3rd Grade
The Work of Play-YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12xjfMTdUHw
Processed Art:
Creative Art with Young Children
Lisa Murphy explains the importance of processed art. She was also our WCSD Keynote Speaker during our September Staff Development Day!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNsYYAWiDPc&t=1s
Processed Art Ideas from Our Very Own Pre-K Staff
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NXq4LloFsjlj8V2jiv5HcsCJ0R3o6TTfN614UTZ4XHk/edit?usp=sharing