I think waiting lists depend on the ratio of child care centres to breeders in your area. I never had a problem getting my boys into the childcare centre of my choice. I think that only wanting 2 days and being flexible about what days helped because there were quite a few parents using our centre who only used it a couple of days a week.
I never understood the rebates etc. I just filled out my forms and gave them money when they told me to lol.

We chose a private place because we liked the owner and it was montessori influenced but not so montesorri that they expected me to rearrange our shelves at home or come in for x hours a week.