Single Point of Entry/Unified Waiting List
The Single Point of Entry (SPE) is a web-based system that parents and guardians use to submit applications for the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) and school readiness programs. The Unified Wait List (UWL) is a web-based system that coalitions and contractors use to retrieve and manage applications that the public submits through SPE and is available only to users that have a username and password.
Key features and functionality of SPE and UWL:
- SPE accept applications for VPK for a child only if the information entered meets the program’s eligibility criteria. SPE does accept all applications for School Readiness programs with eligibility for the programs determined in UWL.
- For VPK applications, a counselor contacts the parent or guardian that submitted the application and arranges an eligibility appointment. The functionality to inactivate VPK applications is available in UWL in instances where duplicate records exist or when a family is non-responsive to a request for an eligibility appointment.
- For School Readiness programs applications, a counselor reviews and verifies the application and determines a child’s eligibility for the program. Enrollment in school readiness programs is contingent upon eligibility, available funds, and available providers for a specific program. Eligible children that cannot be enrolled immediately are placed on a wait list in UWL.
- A review of a child’s eligibility for school readiness programs is required every six months. Children that continue to meet the eligibility requirements remain on the wait list; those who do not are removed from the wait list.
- Enrollment in early learning programs is done in EFS, which requires the transfer of VPK and wait list data from UWL to EFS.
- A web-based reporting tool is available for coalitions and contractors to run wait list and VPK reports on an as-needed basis.