Early Childhood FAQs
When does the application open?
OneApp: Infant to Pre-K 4 follows the same timeline as OneApp: K-12. The Main Round application opens on November 2 and closes February 26, 2016. All OneApp applications are accessible as of November 2, 2015 through the Apply Now button at EnrollNOLA.org.
My child already has a Head Start or Early Head Start seat. Do I need to submit the OneApp?
Yes. If your child will be returning to that Head Start or Early Head Start program in August you must complete a OneApp in the Main Round (November to February 26, 2016). Continuing students who complete the application in Main Round will receive priority to seats at their current center.
What early childhood programs are included in this application?
Publicly-funded early childhood seats and tuition-based seats in participating schools, for student ranging from 6 weeks to 4 years old, are included in this application.
How are students matched to programs?
Each program type has eligibility criteria and a “priority structure,” which is what determines the order in which applicants get matched to programs. Each program’s eligibility and priorities can be found on the program types page.
Should I apply for tuition-based seats?
You should apply for TUITION-BASED early childhood seats if you are willing and able to pay the tuition of your desired programs.
Should I apply for publicly-funded seats?
You should apply for PUBLICLY-FUNDED early childhood seats if you meet the following requirements:
- Your child will be between the ages of 6 weeks and 4 years old, on or before September 30, 2016.
- Your child is eligible for free / reduced-priced lunch or meets the income requirements.
- Your child has an Individualized Education Plan or a current Gifted evaluation.
My child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Am I eligible for a publicly-funded early childhood seat?
Yes. Children with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are eligible for all publicly-funded early childhood programs, regardless of income; children with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) are also eligible for Early Head Start and Head Start programs, regardless of income. PK4 programs also grant priority and provide services to students with IEPs. IMPORTANT: Not all early childhood programs offer special education services. Please contact your preferred program(s) before applying to them to ensure they are able to meet your child’s needs.
How do I apply for my young child?
Applicants to infant to pre-K 4 programs must use the OneApp: Infant to Pre-K 4 online-only application. Due to the unique eligibility requirements of the various types of early childhood programs, each applicant must answer a series of eligibility questions. The application will tailor the list of schools and early learning centers based on your eligibility. If you need help with your application or do not have internet access at home, please visit a Family Resource Center, Head Start Center or your local library.
My child will be 5 on or before September 30, 2016. Do I need to submit a OneApp?
Yes. Your child should be entering kindergarten if he or she will be 5 by or before September 30, 2016. You should submit a OneApp for kindergarten in the Main Round window (November to February 26, 2016) if you want your child to attend a OneApp participating school for kindergarten. K-12 applications are online, Family Resource Centers, and participating schools.
How old does my child have to be in order to submit a OneApp?
The age grade table below shows what age a child must be to be matched to an early childhood seat. For example, a child must be 3 on or before 9/30/2016 to be matched to a PK 3 seat in the application. Infants must be at least 6 weeks old by 9/30/2016, which means they must have been born by 8/15/2016.
I already have a valid CCAP certificate and I want my child to continue going to the same early learning center in August. Do I need to submit a OneApp?
Yes. If your child will be returning to that early learning center in August you must submit a OneApp in the Main Round (November 2, 2015 to February 26, 2016). Continuing students who complete the application during the Main Round will receive priority to seats at their current center. You can also use the application to apply to other early learning centers if you would like to change centers. Please remember that if you are applying to CCAP programs for the first time, you must also submit a SEPARATE CCAP APPLICATION with the Louisiana Department of Education.
