Daycare Waitlists: How They Work and How to Plan

A daycare waitlist is a list of families waiting for an opening in a specific classroom. Waitlists are longest for infant rooms, because Illinois allows only 4 babies per adult and rooms are small. The best plan is to start looking during pregnancy, join two or three lists, and follow up regularly.

Here is how waitlists work and how to plan around them.

Why infant waitlists are so long

• Strict ratios. Illinois requires 1 adult for every 4 infants, with a maximum group of 12. Each new baby spot needs more staff.
• Babies stay a long time. A baby who starts at 8 weeks may stay in the infant room for more than a year.
• Openings depend on birthdays. A spot opens only when an older baby moves up to the toddler room.
• Staffing. Centers can only open spots when they have enough qualified teachers.
• Demand. Many parents return to work at about the same point after birth.

Read more in our guide to Illinois daycare ratios by age.

How daycare waitlists usually work

Every center has its own policy. Common practices include:

• Order of sign-up, with a requested start date
• Priority for siblings of children already enrolled
• Priority for current families moving up to the next room
• Priority for staff children at some centers
• Matching by start date, so a family needing care in March may be offered a March opening before an earlier sign-up who needs care in June

Ask how the list is ordered, how many families are ahead of you for your date, and how you will be contacted.

Fees and deposits

Some centers charge a waitlist or application fee. Others charge nothing to join. When a spot opens, most ask for a registration fee or a deposit to hold it. Ask:

• Is the waitlist fee refundable?
• Does it apply toward tuition if you enroll?
• How long do you have to accept an offer?
• What happens if you need to push your start date?

Our article on daycare registration fees and deposits explains what is typical.

When to start looking

For infant care in a busy area, many families start looking in the second trimester. That gives you time to tour, compare and join lists before your due date. For toddler and preschool rooms, three to six months ahead is often enough, though popular programs may fill earlier for fall.

Our post on when to start looking for daycare when you are pregnant has a month-by-month timeline.

A step-by-step waitlist plan

1. Make a short list of 3 to 5 licensed programs near home or work.
2. Tour each one and ask about openings for your start date.
3. Join 2 or 3 waitlists, keeping fees in mind.
4. Write down each center's contact, fee, list position and your requested date.
5. Follow up every 4 to 6 weeks with a short, friendly email or call.
6. Update your due date or start date as soon as it changes.
7. Plan a backup, such as a family member, a nanny or a licensed home daycare, for a few weeks or months.
8. Say yes or no quickly when you get an offer, and remove yourself from other lists once you are settled.

Ways to improve your chances

• Be flexible on your start date by a few weeks.
• Consider a nearby location if a provider has more than one center.
• Ask whether part-time or fewer days opens up a spot sooner.
• Ask about mid-year openings, which happen when families move.
• Stay polite and in touch. Directors remember engaged families.

Frequently asked questions

How long are daycare waitlists?

It varies by area and age. Infant rooms often have the longest waits, sometimes many months. Older rooms usually open up faster.

Is it normal to pay to be on a daycare waitlist?

Some centers charge a waitlist fee and some do not. Ask whether it is refundable or counts toward tuition.

Should I join more than one waitlist?

Yes, most families join two or three to improve their chances.

What if no spot opens in time?

Use a temporary backup, such as family help, a nanny or a licensed home daycare, and keep following up with your top choices.

Openings at Children's Land

Children's Land has locations across Chicago's northwest side and the north and northwest suburbs, with care from 6 weeks old through kindergarten. Availability varies by location and age group, so the quickest way to check is to contact us or pick a location and schedule a tour.

Related reading: What Is the Best Age to Start Daycare?