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One Place administers three no-cost early education programs serving more than 700 children each year — from birth to five years of age. Giving children a strong educational foundation today sets them up for a lifetime of success.
Applications are open for 2026-27 — spots are limited and fill quickly. Apply today.
children served through our preschool programs each year
Through planned activities and play, children engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork in a warm, safe, and culturally aware environment. Teachers partner with parents to support each child’s individual development and encourage social-emotional development and school readiness.
One Place collaborates with Onslow County Schools (OCS) to ensure a smooth transition into kindergarten. All three programs are provided at no cost to eligible families.
One Place and OCS utilize a joint application for Head Start, NC Pre-Kindergarten, Three School, and Title 1 Services. It is not necessary to apply through more than one platform — One Place and OCS work collaboratively for the selection of eligible children.
NC Pre-K is a state-funded, community-based pre-kindergarten program designed to provide 4-year-old children with a valuable educational experience who may not otherwise be served. Classes are held in 4 and 5-star rated child care centers and through Onslow County Schools at participating elementary schools.
Degreed, state-licensed teachers with Early Childhood Education credentials
Small class sizes with state-approved curricula and structured daily schedules
All five developmental domains: Health & Physical, Social-Emotional, Language, Cognition, and Approaches to Learning
Health assessment, dental, vision, and developmental screening upon enrollment
Family support including health, nutrition, developmental resources, and community referrals
Kindergarten transition coordination with Onslow County Schools
Children with identified disabilities, documented risk factors, and military families are encouraged to apply
Operates on the public school calendar
The Three School Program provides high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for children who may not otherwise be served. Parents with a 3-year-old child who meet TANF income eligibility may apply if they are currently working or enrolled in school.
High-quality child care centers with degreed teachers
State-approved curricula focused on school readiness
Small class sizes with warm, culturally aware environments
Social-emotional development and critical thinking through play
Family support services and community resource connections
Parents must be working or enrolled in an education program
For the current 2025-26 school year, contact Courtney Wandishin at
A parent is a child’s first and most important teacher. By partnering with Early Head Start during the first three years of a child’s life, parents and caregivers can nurture a child’s development and create stronger family bonds.
EHS provides comprehensive early childhood education to income-eligible children and families from birth to age 3, at no cost. The program is also available to expectant mothers during pregnancy.
Comprehensive services: education, health, social-emotional wellness, and disability services
Parent involvement and education — parents as first teachers
Pregnancy services including home visits using Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum
Social-emotional competence as a foundation for lifelong learning
Families experiencing homelessness, foster care, SNAP, SSI, and TANF qualify automatically
Children with identified disabilities may also be eligible
In partnership with Excel Learning Center #9, Abundance of Love and Learning Center, and New River Early Learning Center, center-based services are available to children from 6 weeks to 3 years old. Children attend Monday through Friday in a classroom setting. A primary teacher is assigned to no more than four children, with classrooms limited to eight or nine children total. Through planned learning, activities, and play, children are better prepared to enter kindergarten with increased social-emotional skills.
Our home-based program is available to expectant (pregnant) women and their families. Enrolled families receive at least one 90-minute home visit each month using the Partners for a Healthy Baby curriculum. Topics include prenatal health and healthy birth outcomes, nutrition, bonding and attachment, mental health, self-care, child development, and budgeting.
Contact Cassie Minerva:
Determine whether your child is age-eligible for Three School (age 3), NC Pre-K (age 4), or Early Head Start (birth to age 3). Your child must be the qualifying age on or before August 31, 2026 for the 2026-27 school year.
One Place and OCS use a joint application — you do not need to apply to both. Submit once and our teams work together on placement.
Have your required documents ready to submit with your application — proof of age, proof of residency, proof of identity, and 12 months of family income documentation. See the full required documents list below.
Applications are processed to determine program eligibility and child priority for placement. Families are notified as placement becomes available throughout the year.
Our School Readiness Team is here to help. If you have questions about eligibility, your application, or which program is the right fit for your child — reach out. Be sure to include correct email and phone information on your application so we can follow up.
Questions? Contact Courtney Wandishin at 910-333-0624
Questions? Contact Cassie Minerva at 910-333-0612
If applying for the current year only — contact the team directly
Shannen Downing · 910-968-2786
Cassie Minerva · 910-333-0612
Have these documents ready to submit with your application. Applications submitted without supporting documentation may be delayed. Families with questions about documents should contact the program team directly.
Copy of child’s certified birth certificate
OR child’s immunization/medical records
Copy of current signed lease agreement with complete address
OR current utility bill (water, electric, or gas)
Signed statement from bill payee if not parent/guardian
Parent or guardian government-issued photo ID
Most recent tax form (W2/1040) or 1099/bank statements for self-employed
Current pay stub or LES for current year
SSI / WFFA / TANF / SSA / SSDI statements
Worker’s Compensation, alimony, retirement, unemployment, or disability
VA benefits (pension, compensation)
Child support verification for 12 months for all children in the home
Foster care or kinship care documentation
Documentation of SNAP benefits
Medicaid award letter
WIC award letter
Public housing documentation
Verification of refugee services
Legal guardian or custody papers
Parent school enrollment schedule
Disabilities documentation (IFSP, IEP, chronic health condition)
Copy of child’s birth certificate or Medicaid card
2025 Tax Form 1040, W-2, letter from employer, or pay stubs
Child support verification and SSI/TANF letter if applicable
Disabilities/IFSP documents if applicable
Foster/kinship care or legal guardian/custody papers if applicable
Be sure to include correct email and telephone contact information on your application. Staff will follow up by email with next steps.
This website is supported by Grant Number #04CH01251401 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of One Place and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
Does your child turn 3 or 4 by August 31, 2026? Or do you have an infant, toddler, or are you pregnant? One Place has a no-cost program ready for your family. Apply today — and give your child the strong start they deserve.
4-year-olds by Aug 31 · Free
3-year-olds by Aug 31 · Free
Birth to age 3 · Free
Questions? Call 910-968-2786 (Pre-K / Three School) or 910-333-0612 (Early Head Start)
