Does my child need to be potty trained?

Children in either Greenhouse program (Seedling & Sprouts) do not need to be potty trained. Toilet proficiency is required in the Sunroom and Treehouse.

How many days will I need to work in the classroom?

Typically, you can expect 2-3 work days over 2 months in the Greenhouse classes, and 4-5 days over two months in the Sunroom and Treehouse classes. Workdays are scheduled 2 months in advance.

Can I buyout of my workdays?

In short, no. The longer answer is more of a not really, but you can get a sub for coverage if needed. OCNS does not offer an option to entirely buyout of work days. We feel it’s a very important part of our community that parents/ primary caregivers have an active and consistent role in the school. In the case of an emergency or last minute scheduling conflict, parents can swap days with another family, or if no one is available, utilize a Superhero Sub that can step in. A $75 fee will be assessed for utilizing a Superhero Sub. Sub’s can only be used for 1/3 of the annual in-class working commitment.

What number am I on the waitlist?

Well, this might sound different than other models, but we don’t utilize a numbered waitlist system. Rather, we hold a waitlist as a pool of applicants that we will look to when needing to fill a specific spot in a class. When we build our class rosters it is a very thoughtful process that takes several factors into account in order to create diverse, well-balanced, symbiotic cohorts. If a spot becomes available in a class we will make an effort to pull an applicant from our waitlist that contributes to, and maintains a similar balance in the class. With this approach we are not able to identify any specific order for our waitlist.

Do I need to reapply each year if I did not receive placement?

Yes! If we were unable to extend an admission offer for the year you applied and are wishing to be considered for the subsequent year you would reapply in January when we release our application for the new school year. You will not need to pay the application fee again. The application fee is paid once per child.

What are your ratios?

1:3 in Greenhouse Seedlings (12 students max), 1:4 in every other core class (15 students max). Despite state licensing requirements allowing a higher ratio, we operate with a lower ratio because we value an intentional and attentive environment where all grown-up’s can be supportive and engaged.

Can I bring my other child during my class workdays?

Unfortunately, no. While Oneonta is a place for family, we are not able to have additional children/siblings accompany a parent on their work days. We love having them join us other times like pickup, drop off, and community events.

How do you pronounce “Oneonta?”

Fair question! Oh•Knee•On•Tuh. Oneonta. Easy, right? Though, we respond to OCNS as well.