How Long Are Daycare Wait Lists? When to Start Looking (By City)

The most stressful question for expecting parents isn't about labor or feeding—it's this: "Will we be able to find daycare?"

In many American cities, the answer isn't certain. Wait lists for quality daycare can stretch 12-18 months or longer. Some parents get on lists before they're even pregnant.

Here's the reality of daycare wait times across the country, when you should start your search, and strategies to improve your odds.

The Wait List Reality

Why Wait Lists Exist

The childcare industry faces a perfect storm:

• Staff shortages: Low wages make it hard to hire qualified caregivers
• High costs: Regulations require specific staff-to-child ratios
• Limited supply: Zoning laws and real estate costs limit new centers
• High demand: More parents working than ever before

The result: In many cities, there are 3-5 children for every available childcare spot.

When Wait Lists Are Longest

Infant care (0-18 months) has the longest wait lists because:

• Ratios require more staff (typically 1:3 or 1:4)
• Fewer infants can be served per square foot
• Many centers limit infant spots to maintain profitability
• Parents need care before their parental leave ends

Premium centers with strong reputations, accreditation, or special programs often have multi-year wait lists.

Certain neighborhoods with many young families and few childcare options have extreme shortages.

Wait Times by City

Here are typical wait times for infant care at quality centers in major metros:

Longest Wait Lists (12-24+ months)

| City | Typical Wait (Infants) | Notes | |------|----------------------|-------| | San Francisco | 12-24 months | Some centers: 2+ years | | New York City (Manhattan) | 12-18 months | Brooklyn similar | | Seattle | 12-24 months | Eastside slightly better | | Boston | 12-18 months | Cambridge worse | | Washington D.C. | 12-18 months | Northern VA similar | | Denver | 12-18 months | Rapidly worsening | | Austin | 12-18 months | Tech growth outpacing supply | | Portland | 12-18 months | Urban areas worst |

Moderate Wait Lists (6-12 months)

| City | Typical Wait (Infants) | Notes | |------|----------------------|-------| | Los Angeles | 6-12 months | Varies widely by neighborhood | | Chicago | 6-12 months | North Side longer | | Minneapolis | 6-12 months | St. Paul similar | | Dallas | 6-12 months | Suburbs often shorter | | Philadelphia | 6-12 months | Center City longest | | San Diego | 6-12 months | Coastal areas worst | | Atlanta | 6-12 months | Inside the Perimeter longer |

Shorter Wait Lists (1-6 months)

| City | Typical Wait (Infants) | Notes | |------|----------------------|-------| | Houston | 3-6 months | Suburbs often immediate | | Phoenix | 3-6 months | New centers opening regularly | | Tampa | 3-6 months | Varies by area | | Orlando | 3-6 months | Tourist areas have availability | | Charlotte | 3-6 months | Growing quickly | | San Antonio | 1-3 months | Many options available | | Jacksonville | 1-3 months | Rarely a wait |

Very Short or No Wait

| City | Typical Wait (Infants) | Notes | |------|----------------------|-------| | Most rural areas | Immediate | Supply meets demand | | Suburban exurbs | 0-4 weeks | Many options | | Smaller metros | 0-4 weeks | (Omaha, Tulsa, Albuquerque) |

When to Start Your Daycare Search

Based on typical wait times:

Competitive Markets (SF, NYC, Seattle, Boston, DC)

Start: During first trimester or as soon as you know you're pregnant

• Tour centers at 8-12 weeks pregnant
• Get on multiple wait lists by end of first trimester
• Expect to pay deposit fees ($50-500) per list
• Prepare backup plans

Moderate Markets (LA, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta)

Start: Second trimester (weeks 14-27)

• Tour centers at 16-20 weeks
• Get on 3-5 wait lists by week 24
• Keep searching until you have a confirmed spot

Available Markets (Houston, Phoenix, smaller cities)

Start: Third trimester or after baby arrives

• Tour at 30-34 weeks if planning ahead
• Can often find spots with 4-8 weeks notice
• Still smart to start early if you want a specific center

Wait List Strategies That Work

1. Get on Multiple Lists

In competitive markets, get on 5-10 wait lists. You'll lose some deposits, but having options is worth it.

Budget for: $250-1,000 in non-refundable wait list deposits

2. Consider Family Daycare

Licensed family daycare homes often have shorter wait lists than centers. They can be excellent for infants—smaller groups, more personal attention.

3. Ask About Flexible Start Dates

Some centers have specific start dates (e.g., first of month only). Being flexible about when you start can open up more spots.

4. Inquire at Less Popular Times

Call in January or February when enrollment decisions are being made for the following fall. August/September is when families are scrambling.

5. Stay in Touch

Check in monthly with centers where you're wait-listed. Directors appreciate engaged parents and may prioritize you.

Script:

"Hi, this is [Name]. I'm on your wait list for an infant spot starting [date]. I'm just checking in on our status and reconfirming our interest. Is there anything else you need from us?"

6. Ask About Sibling Priority

If you're already enrolled with one child, most centers give siblings priority. Ask about this policy when enrolling your first.

7. Look Beyond Popular Neighborhoods

The trendiest neighborhoods have the worst wait lists. Centers 10-15 minutes away may have immediate openings.

8. Consider Corporate-Affiliated Centers

If your employer partners with a childcare provider (Bright Horizons, etc.), you may get priority placement.

9. Ask About Subsidized Spots

Centers with subsidized slots (for lower-income families) sometimes have different availability than full-price spots.

10. Have a Backup Plan

Even with good planning, spots fall through. Know your backup options:

• Family member care short-term
• Nanny or nanny share
• Au pair
• Extended parental leave
• Family daycare

How Wait Lists Work

Understanding the mechanics can help you navigate:

Deposit/Registration

Most centers require $50-500 to join the wait list. This may or may not be refundable or applied to tuition.

Priority Order

Lists are typically first-come-first-served, but priority may go to:

1. Current families (siblings)
2. Center employees
3. Corporate partners
4. Community members (churches, etc.)
5. Everyone else

Notification Process

When a spot opens:

1. Center calls families in order
2. You typically have 24-72 hours to respond
3. If you decline, you may stay on the list or be removed
4. Deposit may or may not apply to tuition

Spot Matching

A spot opening doesn't mean it's your spot. It must match:

• Your child's age group
• Your start date
• Your schedule (full-time vs. part-time)

What to Do While Waiting

Keep Searching

Don't stop touring and joining lists just because you're on a few. Circumstances change.

Prepare Your Backup

Line up alternatives so you're not panicking if spots don't materialize:

• Family members who could help short-term
• Nanny candidates identified
• Family daycare options toured

Plan Your Parental Leave

If you're in a competitive market, consider:

• Extending leave if possible
• One parent returning part-time initially
• Staggered returns between parents

Stay Organized

Track your wait lists:

• Center name and contact
• Date joined
• Deposit amount and refund policy
• Expected start date requested
• Last contact date
• Notes from conversations

Budget for Deposits

In competitive markets, you might pay $500-1,500 in wait list deposits before finding a spot. Consider this part of your baby preparation budget.

Red Flags on Wait Lists

Too-Good-to-Be-True Availability

If a center in a competitive market has immediate infant openings, ask why. Possible reasons:

• New center (may be fine)
• Recent staff turnover (concerning)
• Quality issues (check inspection reports)
• Hidden costs not initially disclosed

Pressure Tactics

Good centers don't need high-pressure sales. Be wary if they:

• Demand immediate deposits
• Won't let you tour first
• Seem desperate to enroll you

Non-Refundable Large Deposits

Wait list deposits are typically $50-200. Large non-refundable "enrollment fees" before you even have a spot should be questioned.

The National Childcare Shortage

It's not your imagination—the childcare shortage is real and worsening:

• 8.8 million children under 6 have all parents working
• Child care capacity has decreased since 2019
• Low wages ($13/hour median) make staffing difficult
• High costs ($10,000-25,000/year) limit what centers can pay

This is a systemic problem without quick solutions. Some promising developments:

• More employer childcare benefits
• State universal Pre-K expansion
• Federal proposals for childcare funding (not yet passed)

Calculate Your Timeline

Use this rough formula:

Competitive market (12+ month waits):

• Start searching: First trimester
• Join wait lists: By week 16
• Expected spot: Possibly before baby arrives, more likely 4-8 weeks after

Moderate market (6-12 month waits):

• Start searching: Second trimester
• Join wait lists: By week 28
• Expected spot: Around your return-to-work date

Available market (1-6 month waits):

• Start searching: Third trimester
• Tour and enroll: 4-8 weeks before needed
• Expected spot: When you need it

Employer Childcare Benefits to Ask About

Many employers offer benefits that can help with wait lists and childcare access:

Priority Placement Programs

Some companies partner with daycare chains (Bright Horizons, KinderCare) to give employees priority placement. Benefits may include:

• Jumping the wait list
• Reserved spots at specific centers
• Backup care when regular provider is unavailable

Ask HR: "Do we have any childcare partnerships or priority placement programs?"

Backup Care Benefits

Even if your employer doesn't offer regular childcare, they may provide backup care for when:

• Your regular provider is closed
• Your child is mildly ill
• You're on a wait list and haven't started yet

Backup care typically provides 10-20 days per year of subsidized emergency childcare.

Childcare Subsidies

Some employers contribute directly to childcare costs:

• Monthly stipends ($100-500/month)
• Percentage of costs covered
• On-site childcare at reduced rates

Dependent Care FSA

Nearly all large employers offer Dependent Care FSA, allowing you to set aside $5,000 pre-tax for childcare. This saves $1,500-2,000+ in taxes annually.

Month-by-Month Search Timeline

For Competitive Markets (12+ Month Waits)

Months 1-3 (First Trimester):

• Research centers online
• Make a list of 10-15 potential options
• Begin scheduling tours
• Join any wait lists with immediate openings

Months 3-4:

• Complete all tours
• Join 5-10 wait lists
• Pay deposit fees
• Create tracking spreadsheet

Months 4-6:

• Monthly check-ins with centers
• Continue researching backup options
• Tour any new centers that open

Months 6-8:

• Increase check-in frequency
• Finalize backup plan (nanny, family)
• Begin nanny search if needed

Month 9-Birth:

• Weekly follow-ups with top choices
• Confirm backup care arrangements
• Prepare for extended leave if no spot

After Birth:

• Notify centers of birth
• Confirm exact start date needed
• Accept first good offer

For Moderate Markets (6-12 Month Waits)

Months 4-5 (Second Trimester):

• Research and tour centers
• Join 3-5 wait lists
• Identify backup options

Months 6-7:

• Monthly check-ins
• Tour additional options if needed

Months 8-9:

• Increase follow-up frequency
• Finalize backup arrangements

Month 9-Birth:

• Confirm start date
• Accept available spots

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate my position on a wait list?

Generally no—wait lists are first-come-first-served. However, you can improve your chances by:

• Checking in regularly (shows commitment)
• Being flexible on start date
• Expressing genuine enthusiasm about the program
• Having a complete application ready

What if a spot opens but the timing isn't perfect?

Take it if it's close to your needs. Starting 2-4 weeks earlier than planned is better than losing the spot. Most employers understand childcare timing challenges.

How many wait lists should I be on?

In competitive markets: 5-10 lists In moderate markets: 3-5 lists In available markets: 1-3 lists

Are wait list deposits refundable?

Policies vary. Some centers refund deposits if you don't get a spot; others don't. Most apply deposits toward tuition if you enroll. Always ask before paying.

What if I'm on a wait list and find a better option?

Take the better option. You'll lose your deposit at other centers, but that's a small cost compared to years of childcare. Notify other centers promptly so families behind you can move up.

Can I get on a wait list before I'm pregnant?

Yes, some centers allow this, especially for highly competitive infant spots. However, you may need to provide an estimated start date and update it later.

What happens if I decline a spot offer?

Policies vary:

• Some centers move you to the bottom of the list
• Some remove you entirely
• Some allow one decline before removal

Ask about this policy when joining the wait list.

How do I choose which offer to accept when multiple spots open?

Consider:

• Quality and fit for your child
• Location and commute
• Cost and value
• Schedule alignment
• Sibling policies (for future children)
• Your gut feeling from tours

Is it worth paying more for a shorter wait list?

Sometimes. If a higher-quality or more convenient center has a shorter wait, the extra cost may be worth avoiding months of stress. But don't choose a worse center just because it's available faster.

What if I can't find any spot by my return-to-work date?

Options include:

• Extended parental leave (if possible)
• Part-time return with family help
• Temporary nanny or nanny share
• Family daycare with availability
• Extended family care
• One parent taking unpaid leave

This situation is more common than you'd think. Most families find solutions, even if temporary.

Special Situations

Twins or Multiples

Explain your situation clearly—many centers will try to keep multiples together. Ask:

• "Can you add both names to the list together?"
• "Do you have experience with twins in the same classroom?"
• "Is there a sibling discount even for twins starting together?"

Children with Special Needs

Start your search extra early. Ask about:

• Experience with your child's specific needs
• Accommodation policies
• Staff training
• Communication with therapists
• Inclusion philosophy

Some specialized programs have shorter lists because they serve a specific population.

Moving to a New City

If relocating:

• Research before you move
• Get on wait lists based on anticipated addresses
• Join parent groups for insider recommendations
• Consider temporary solutions for the first few months

Bottom Line

The daycare wait list crisis is real, especially for infants in urban areas. The key strategies:

1. Start early—first trimester in competitive markets
2. Cast a wide net—join 5-10 lists
3. Stay engaged—check in monthly
4. Have backups—family care, nanny, family daycare
5. Be flexible—on location, start date, and care type
6. Use employer benefits—priority placement, backup care

The stress is temporary. Once you're enrolled, you'll have stable care for years. The upfront effort pays off, and knowing what to expect makes the process manageable.

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Related Resources:

• State Directory - Find daycares in your area
• Questions to Ask When Touring - Be prepared for visits
• Home vs Center Daycare - Compare your options
• Choosing a Daycare Guide - Complete guide