Assuming you mean October 2011, that sounds normal--if it's a well-liked program, people won't pull kids out mid-year. Turnover happens in August/September each year, as PP said.

Call and ask whether they anticipate spots this fall.

I assume you are looking at day cares with a preschool curriculum rather than preschools per se. Most of the day area should have turnover in September or sooner when the older kids move up to kindergarten and there is a trickle up of kids. The traditional preschools in Alexandria operate on a lottery system, I think you apply in January for them and find out your status in early Spring.

Define "good."

I have been on several waiting lists in Alexandria since October of last year! still have not moved up! Are there any GOOD pre schools in the area without a waiting list?? or is this a SCAM ? looking to move if I could quite fed up with waiting list HELL