Waiting List

Place Your Child On Our Waiting List
Being on a long waiting list can be frustrating. We compiled these answers to questions parents frequently ask with the hope that this information will be helpful to you. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please call Partners In Learning and ask to speak to Michelle at 704-638-9020.

Click here to fill out an online application for your child

1.      How long is the waiting list?

The waiting list is quite lengthy. Generally speaking, there are over 100 children on the waiting list at any given time throughout the year.  For every enrolled child, nearly two are waiting to get in.

2.      Can I stop in anytime and have a look around?

Partners In Learning has an open door policy and potential families are always welcome to
drop in to receive additional information about our programs.  However, we encourage you to call and schedule a tour of our facility.  Tours are conducted on Tuesday's and Thursday’s at 9:30 a.m.

3.    If my child is still on the waiting list when he or she reaches toddler age (or preschool age) do I go to the bottom of the waiting list for that age group?

Your child’s name will be added to the toddler (or preschool) waiting list by your original date of application. His or her name will be higher on the list than those who applied after you did and lower on the list than those who applied before you did.

4.    How is it possible someone who applied after I did was offered a space before me?

The only priorities we offer are for children of Center staff, for previously enrolled children returning from an authorized paid leave of absence, for siblings of enrolled children, children with special needs, Catawba College employees, Food Lion employees, Children in foster care, and subsidized children. Aside from these priorities, it is possible for someone who applied after you did to be offered a spot before you if any of the following situations apply:

·        Your preferred start date is more than 30 days in the future. Because most openings occur in the summer months, those with preferred start dates in the summer months are more likely to be offered an opening. For example, you applied in June 2005 but indicated a preferred start date of November 1, 2006. None of the openings occurring from June through August 2006 would be offered to you because they’re not within 30 days of your preferred start date. Someone who applied in September 2005 but had a preferred start date of June 2006 or earlier could be offered one of these openings.

·        The opening is in a different age group (i.e. your child is toddler aged [16-35 months old] and the opening occurs in Infants or your child is preschool aged [over 35 months old] and the opening is in Toddlers). Fewer openings occur in Preschool because of the need for children already in the program to move up. Due to internal movement, most of the openings occurring during the academic year (September through May) are in the Infant area.

·        You did not return our calls within one week.  Your telephone numbers had been disconnected.

·        Incomplete applications

5.      When will I hear from you about where I am on the list?

It’s just not feasible for us to contact each of the waiting families to tell them where they are on the continually changing list. Movement on the waiting list is not only a result of enrollment offers accepted or declined. Waiting children grow older and move to the next age group list. Dormant applications become active as their preferred start date nears.  Only our waiting list coordinator, Michelle Macon is able to provide specific waiting list information. You may call her at 704-638-9020 or preferably, contact her by e-mail: michelle-pilcdc@carolina.rr.com. She will be able to provide you more accurate information after the update is complete (about 3 weeks after the due date).

6.     Can you recommend any other center or child care provider?

We don't make recommendations of specific centers other than to tell you to look for one that is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. NAEYC’s Web site at http://www.naeyc.org can provide you with a list of accredited centers.  Also, look for a 5 Star Rated Licensed facility by going to the North Carolina Division of Child Development website.