The 2025 - 2026 Kindergarten - 12th grade (K-12) Main Round is now open through January 24, 2025!

All Family Resource Centers and OPSB offices will be closed Dec. 23, 2024 - Jan. 3, 2025 for Winter Break. 

EC Main Round Prep Toolkit

25- 26 EC Main Round Information 

Who Should Apply

The Early Childhood application opens on January 6, 2025 and closes on February 21, 2025.
 

You should apply if:

  • Your child currently does not have a placement
  • You want to change your current site
  • Your child is 3 turning 4 between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025 and not in a Head Start.
  • Your child is 2 turning 3 between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025 and currently has an Early Head Start seat but the school does not have Head Start placements.*If your child attends a Catholic Charities (CCANO), CLOVER, Educare, or TCA site, please speak your center’s family advocate to discuss EHS to HS transition.


Tips for Applying

  • Check to see if you need an application
  • Research schools /centers​
  • Make a list in order of importance (This is a very important step).
  • Gather needed documents (Check the FAQs below)
  • Visit one of our events during the main round for on the spot application and verification assistance
  • Start your application on January 6, 2025
Apply here
on January 6th


Join us at the Early Childhood Exploration Fair

Embark on an exciting adventure as we explore the world of early learning and childcare options in New Orleans! This travel-themed event is your passport to finding the best educational opportunities for your little ones.

What’s in Store:

  • Learn about early learning centers and programs featured on the NCAP application.
  • Receive on-the-spot assistance with your application.
  • Connect with community partners offering valuable resources and support.

Details

  • Theme: New Orleans Early Childhood Travels the Globe
  • Date: Saturday, January 18th
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Location: McDonogh 35 Gymnasium
  • Address: 4000 Cadillac Street, New Orleans, LA 70122

Main Round FAQs

1
How to Apply
1.
Parent Portal (Avela)
  • Log into the Parent Portal in Avela. If it is your first time applying, you will need to create login credentials.​
  • Follow the prompts to create your family profile.​
  • Complete Eligibility Check prompts.​
  • Select school choices. ​
  • Answer questions and upload documents for eligibility verification directly in the Parent Portal.
2
Who Should Apply by Funding Source
1.
City Seats

Any student who turns 4 by September 30, 2025

Any student birth to 3 who wants to be considered for placement at a different center.

2.
CCAP B-3

Any student who turns 4 by September 30, 2025

Any student birth to 3 who wants to be considered for placement at a different center.

3.
ECEF

Any student who turns 4 by September 30, 2025

Any student birth to 3 who wants to be considered for placement at a different center.

4.
Early Head Start (EHS)

Any student who turns 3 by September 30, 2025 must complete an eligibility interview with the grantee if HS is available at the site. ( TCA, CCANO, CLOVER)

Any student who turns 3 by September 30, 2025 who wants to be considered for placement at a different school/center.

Any student birth to 2 who wants to be considered for placement at a different center.

Any student who turns 3 by September 30, 2025

5.
EHS-CCP

Any student who is enrolled at an EHS-CCP site who turns 3 by September 30, 2025.

Any student who is enrolled at an EHS-CCP site who is interested in being considered for placement at a different center/funding source.

6.
Head Start (HS)

Any student who turns 5 by September 30, 2025 must complete a K-12 application. 

Any student 3 to 4 who wants to be considered for placement at a different center.

7.
LA4
Every applicant is new to this funding source.
8.
NSECD

Any student who turns 5 by September 30, 2025 must complete a K-12 application.

Any student who wants to be considered for placement at a different center.

3
What are the funding sources?
1.
City Seats
Created in 2017 to increase access to early learning for those with the greatest need in Orleans Parish, improve the overall quality of participating early learning centers in Orleans Parish, and provide wraparound supports to caregivers & families in Orleans Parish. Visit this link for more information.
2.
ECEF/CCAP B3
Two seperate funding sources provided by LDOE intended to incentivize local investment in and fundraising for early childhood care and education. Guardians of children 6 weeks to age 3 must be working, in school and/or in a training program to qualify for this funding source.
3.
LA4
The primary preschool program in Louisiana, serving more than 16,000 children. It provides full day pre-K programming in public schools to four-year-olds from disadvantaged families.
4.
NSECD
Provides pre-K programming to more than 1,300 four-year-olds from low-income families. Children in the NSECD program receive full day pre-K in state-approved private preschools and child care centers.
5.
Special Education (IDEA) Funds
This federal formula grant is combined with state and local funds to provide a free and appropriate education (FAPE) to children with disabilities.
6.
Tuition LA
A Louisiana resident only tuition seat that is paid by the family.
7.
Tuition OR

An Orleans Parish resident only tuition seat that is paid by the family.

4
What are the eligibility requirements by funding source?
1.
Income Eligibility
Income eligibility limits will vary according to household size and funding source.  You can view this information on the income eligibility chart.  This is updated each spring after the federal government updates the federal poverty limits. For example, for a household size of 4 people, 200% of the federal poverty limit (FPL) is $60,000/year and meets eligibility for some of the early childhood funding sources, but not for all the funding sources.
2.
Funding Source Requirements Chart
3.
Closer look at the Age Requirements
5
What documents will I need to submit for an early childhood application?
1.
Documentation

Applicants can upload their documents in the parent enrollment portal as a part of the application process. Families will need to provide proof of guardianship, child's age, residency, and income. Some families may upload additional documentation, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

  • Parent photo ID
  • 1 Document proving Orleans Parish residency
  • Birth certificate for proof of age
  • Proof of income for all members of the household contributing to the household income (not applicable for tuition-based programs)
  • If enrolling in a Gifted & Talented program, proof of current Gifted evaluation

ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTATION

Guardian's Proof Parent or Guardian’s Photo ID
Proof of age
  • Birth Certificate (State or Foreign Issued) Or
  • Current Passport Or
  • Visa
Proof of residency One (1) of the following documents is required for proof of residency (no older than 90 days):
  • Current rental lease agreement
  • Homestead Exemption in the parent’s name
  • Electricity/gas bill
  • Sewerage/water bill
  • Telephone bill (landline only)
  • Cable/internet service bill
  • Current official letter from government agency (Department of Social Service, Department of Health & Hospitals, etc.)
Proof of income One of the following documents is required for income verification:
  • SNAP Budget Sheet or Benefits Statement (for PK4 only)
  • Provide 4 consecutive check stubs within the previous 45 days, for ALL parent(s) and other adult(s) living in the household, including Social Security Income benefits, if applicable, accompanied by all other applicable income documentation
  • Letter from employer indicating:
    1. Where you are employed,
    2. Your hourly rate and frequency of pay
    3. Average hours worked a week
  • Most recent Social Security benefits statement
  • Most recent unemployment compensation statement
  • Alimony as shown in court decree or agreement
  • Most recent pension statements
6
Examples of Proof of Age Documents
1.
Proof of Age Documents
Proof of Age Document Description Example
Birth Certificate

Required Information on the Birth Certificate for Verification:
To ensure your Birth Certificate meets verification requirements, it must clearly display the following:

  1. State Seal – An official embossed or printed seal from the issuing state.
  2. Birth Date – Date child was born
  3. Parish/County/State Clerk or Registrar’s Signature – The signature of the official certifying the document.
  4. Child’s Full Name – The complete name of the child as it appears on the certificate.
  5. Parents’ Full Names – The full names of both parents listed on the certificate.
  6. Certificate Number – The unique identifying number printed on the document.
Hospital Record

To ensure the Hospital Birth Record meets verification requirements, it must clearly display the following:

  1. Hospital Logo or Letterhead – The official logo or letterhead of the hospital where the birth occurred.
  2. Child’s Full Name – The complete name of the child as listed on the record.
  3. Parent’s Name – The full name of at least one parent.

Important: Hospital Birth Records are only accepted until the child turns 1 year old. After the child’s first birthday, parents must submit one of the following documents to verify the child’s age:

  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • Visa

Please ensure all required elements are visible to avoid any delays in processing.
Passport

Passports are accepted as a valid form of verification. The following details must be clearly visible:

  1. Child’s Full Name – The complete name of the child as it appears on the passport.
  2. Date of Birth – The child’s date of birth must be clearly listed.

Please ensure these details are legible to avoid any delays in processing.
Visa

Passports are accepted as a valid form of verification. The following details must be clearly visible:

  1. Child’s Full Name – The complete name of the child as it appears on the passport.
  2. Date of Birth – The child’s date of birth must be clearly listed.

Please ensure these details are legible to avoid any delays in processing.
7
Examples of Proof of Guardianship
1.
Examples of Proof of Guardianship Documents
Type of ID Description of ID Sample
Driver’s License A driver's license is a very common form of identification. It includes important details such as the holder's photo, full name, date of birth, and residential address.  If you require additional information, please visit this link.
State ID Not everyone drives, but every state provides a state ID card for such individuals. This card looks very similar to a driver's license. It has a photo, full name, date of birth, and physical address of the cardholder. If you require additional information, please visit this link.
Passport A passport is a globally recognized form of identification. Issued by the federal government, a passport includes a picture, full name, and date of birth. Although it doesn't usually contain a physical address, the unique passport number and other security features make it a highly reliable form of identification. If you require additional information, please visit this link.
Military ID For parents or guardians who serve or have served in the military, a military ID can be used for verification. This ID includes a photo, full name, and rank. Military IDs are highly secure and difficult to forge, making them an excellent form of identification. If you require additional information, please visit this link.
 

Parent(s) not listed on proof of age document must provide proof of custody

  • Custody Judgement(s) Or
  • Child Placement Agreement from DCFS Or
  • Provisional Custody by Mandate Or
  • Military Power of Attorney Or
  • Non-legal Custodian Affidavit
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