How Far in Advance to Get on Waitlists

[Anonymous]

Our infant daughter will be in a family daycare but would like her to move to a center when she is around 1.5/2 years old. We would be looking in the Arlington/Falls Church area--how far in advance should I get on a waitlist and do you have any recommendations?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

now.

[Anonymous]

OP, waiting lists are a game. If you want to get in when she's 2, you actually don't have a bad chance. Ratios increase and many people already have care (we were offered a 2YO spot at our second choice daycare, but had by then miraculously gotten into our first choice); some people pull their kids out for a more formal preschool. If you are open to moving her whenever a spot opens up (even if she's only 1), get on the lists now. If you really want to wait until she's 18-24 months, I would start checking places out when she's around 1 and let the director know when you want care.

What you don't want to happen is to be offered a spot at 15 months, turn it down, and end up like persona non grata. Then maybe another spot doesn't open up for you for another year.