How To Apply for an Early Childhood Program in Onslow County

How To Apply for an Early Childhood Education Program in Onslow County 

Starting in March, One Place offers a one-stop application process in partnership with Onslow County Schools. A one-stop application process creates an easier, more efficient, and more streamlined process for families in our community.

If you have a child under the age of 5 ready for an early childhood education program, follow us on social media for details on the official release of the new application. 

What to Expect:

We offer one universal early childhood education application, accessible from the One Place website or from the Onslow County Schools (OCS) website. The two organizations work together to determine the placement of children into each early childhood education program.

Eligibility for Early Childhood Programs 

We encourage all families, regardless of socioeconomic status, to apply for an early childhood education program. Placement in all early childhood programs is primarily needs-based and determined by several key factors, such as income, identified developmental disability, limited English proficiency, a chronic health condition, or an education need indicated by an approved development screening or existing Individualized Education Plan (IEP). 

Children who are identified to be at greater risk receive higher priority for placement—for example, children who have received no prior early education services outside the home are often deemed a higher priority than children who are currently served in early education settings. 

Because of this mix of factors, we encourage all families to apply regardless of income. Our team will help you determine what programs you may be eligible for and help you with the application process.

Starting Your Application 

Step #1: The first step is to fill out the application via the One Place or the OCS website. As mentioned above, both agencies work together throughout the application and placement process. There is no benefit to applying twice. 

Step #2: Following the submission of the application, a confirmation email will be sent to the primary email listed in the application. The email contains a few important links; a Booking Link, a link for the list of required application documentation, and a link to complete a developmental screening known as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire.

The Booking Link is provided for the family to schedule an intake appointment. During the intake appointment the family will complete a Family Interview through which the information within the application is reviewed and more individualized information about the child and family is gathered. 

A link for the list of required documentation provides a comprehensive list of documentation required to complete the application. Documentation includes verification of age, residency, and family income. 

The developmental screening link provides an ASQ based on your child’s age. The results of the screening will help your child’s teacher provide individualized learning experiences in the early childhood education programs.

Step #3: Once your application is complete, a staff member will utilize the documentation submitted through the Family Interview to verify eligibility for the early childhood education programs. If determined eligible, the child is placed on the waitlist for the preferred sites identified in the application.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How are applications evaluated? 

Applications are accepted year-round and prioritized on a needs-based evaluation.

How long until I’ll hear back about my child’s application? 

It depends—however, in most cases, the application process takes up to 30 days. Please be patient and know that our team is working hard to process applications and find the best opportunities for children in our community. If you haven’t heard anything from a member of our team after 30 days, feel free to follow up and check in on the status of your application.  

If I’ve applied for a program in the past, do I have to apply again? 

Yes, due to differences in funding sources for the early childhood education programs a new application is required for each program year.  If you have previously applied with One Place or OCS, some of the required documentation may be on file. Please speak with the staff member completing the Family Interview about what documentation may already be on file.

If I have multiple children, how do I apply for multiple programs? 

Applications are by family versus child. If applicable, a family can provide each child applicant’s information on one application. 

How long until my child is placed into a program? 

It depends. New vacancies open up year-round so we place children as slots become available. Once you’ve applied for an early childhood program, your child will remain on the waitlist until a spot becomes available during that program year.

If my child is currently enrolled in an early education program, should I give it up? 

If you’re waiting for a space in an early education program—but your child is currently enrolled in an existing program—don’t forfeit your existing spot until you know definitively that your child has been accepted into the new program. 

If my child isn’t accepted into an early education program right away, what should I do? 

Placement is done throughout the program year as new spots become available. We welcome families to inquire about the status of their child’s application at any time. 

For inquiries into an Early Head Start application, please contact Cassie Minerva at cassie.minerva@oneplaceonslow.org.

For inquires into a Three School or NC Pre-K application, please contact Courtney Wandishin at courtney.wandishin@oneplaceonslow.org