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Preschool Application

Onslow County Schools Preschool Application Process

Accepting Applications for 2025-2026 School Year!

On February 9, 2026, we will begin making updates to our online application to ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for our applicants. As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, our online application will be temporarily down. However, if you are interested in applying for the current school year, our office is available to assist you. Contact us by clicking Here, to receive guidance on the current school year application process. Thank you for considering our program as your choice for early childhood education.

Application information for the 2026-2027 will be coming soon! Check back here in early March!

The early childhood application is available for programs offered through Onslow County Schools and One Place. Onslow County Schools and One Place have a shared application, so families only need to apply once for the upcoming school year to be considered for all applicable programs.

Programs are available for children from birth to 5-years-old
and are at no cost to eligible families.

Onslow County Schools programs are open for children who will be Three or Four years old by August 31, of the current program year. We provide a nurturing and engaging learning environment primarily for 4-year-old children, with a limited number of spots available for 3-year-olds.
One Place programs are open for children from birth to 5-years-old.

Onslow County Schools Early Childhood Programs

Head Start Program

Highest priority is for families at or below the federal poverty level or receiving assistance benefits - including SNAP, TANF , SSI or children experiencing homelessness or foster care.

Title I Program

Child must demonstrate an academic need through a completed developmental screening.

IMPORTANT NOTES!

*Applications must include all required documentation to be considered "complete."

See Application Checklist below!

* Onslow County Schools and One Place share applications and accept applications year-round for this application year.

* The application is available through our online platform and in person at Thompson Early Childhood Center, 440 College Street, Jacksonville, NC.

* Initial selections will be completed during the summer months. Program staff will notify families if their child is selected for preschool services.

What do I need to apply?

Application Checklist!

REQUIRED: Please include the following with the application.

CHILD'S BIRTH CERTIFICATE

PARENT/GUARDIAN PHOTO ID

DOCUMENTATION OF ONSLOW COUNTY RESIDENCY

Copy of current signed lease

Must include complete address, parent/guardian's name, parent/guardian's signature, landlord's signature and utilities (water and electric must be included).

Current utility service bill (water or electric only)

Cannot be an expired, final or disconnect notice.
Must be a copy of entire utility bill and include: parent's name, service address, and current month date.

If you do not have the required residency documentation, please contact Thompson Early Childhood Center for further residency verification.

ALL SOURCES OF FAMILY INCOME

Submit an earnings statement from your supervisor, 2024 IRS 1040 or copies of all W-2s from 2024.

If your tax forms are not available (1040 or W-2s) then submit one of the following frequencies of pay:

If you get paid weekly - submit 4 consecutive pay stubs
If you get paid every two weeks/twice monthly - submit 2 consecutive pay stubs
If you get paid monthly - submit at least 2 full months of pay stubs

Please submit any that apply to your family.

Current LES if military
WFFA/TANF/SNAP benefits (attach the eligibility letter)
SSI benefits (attach the eligibility letter)
VA Benefits (attach the eligibility letter)
SSA or SSDI benefits (attach the eligibility letter)
Child Support (include 12 consecutive months)
Retirement benefits
Unemployment

If you do not have any income to report or documentation of income, please contact Thompson Early Childhood Center for further income verification.

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTATION

Please note: Some programs may assign priority eligibility points if families attach the following documentation:

Copy of child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or (IFSP).
Documentation of child's disabilities or services
Documentation of child's chronic health assessment or note from medical provider indicating child's chronic illness.
Copy of current educational/developmental screenings or evaluations indicating developmental or educational need.
Documentation of Medicaid services
Documentation if child is in Foster Care

Program staff will follow up with individual families after the pre-application is submitted to complete a family interview and finalize application documents.