How To Apply for an Early Childhood Program in Onslow County (New App Process!) 

 One Place now offers a one-stop application process in partnership with Onslow County Schools. This is an exciting step forward in creating 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 we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the updated process and how to submit an application for your child for an early childhood education program this year. 

What’s New with the Application Process 

Our new application process will create an easier, faster, and more streamlined process for families in Onslow County. Here’s what you can expect: 

One universal application. 

We now offer one universal early childhood education application, accessible from the One Place website or from the Onslow County Schools (OCS) website. The two organizations will work closely together to determine what children will be placed in which programs. This joint placement process will create a better experience for children and families, reducing the amount of time and energy you’ll have to spend on the application and interview process. 

One application for all programs. 

Our updated application now includes one application for all early childhood education programs. If your child is under the age of 5, they may be eligible for: 

• Early Head Start 
• Head Start 
• North Carolina Pre-K
• 3 School 
• Title I Services 

One application for all children. 

If you have multiple children under the age of 5, we now offer one easy application for your entire family. Instead of applying for multiple programs for multiple children, you can now use the same application with one streamlined application process. 

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 joint application via the One Place or the OCS website. As mentioned above, both applications are identical and we will be performing a joint placement for all early childhood program applicants. There is no benefit to applying twice. 

Step #2: In addition to the application itself, you will be asked to submit a number of required documents. Refer to our website for the most up-to-date list of documents. 

Step #3: Once your application has been received, a staff member will contact you within 30 days to complete a Family Interview. 

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? 

No! If you have previously applied with One Place or OCS, you will not need to apply again. Instead, please call the organization you originally applied with (either One Place or OCS) and we’ll schedule an interview appointment for you. 

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

Applications are by family versus child. If you have ever applied for an early childhood program with One Place or OCS, you will already be in our system. Just call the organization you originally applied with to set up the interview and start the process. 

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. 

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? 

If you didn’t make the initial cut, don’t worry. We place children throughout the entire year as new spots become available. Just because your child didn’t get a spot in the first round, we’ll continue to consider your child for future spots. 

Click here to apply online today!

Click here for more information on Preschool Programs

Click here for more information on Early Head Start

If you have any questions about the application process or eligibility, please reach out to us:

Early Head Start: caron.schienle@oneplaceonslow.org or 910-938-2967

3 School/NC Pre-K: courtney.wandishin@oneplaceonslow.org or 910-968-2722