I had ny DS's name down before I was pregnant. I live in a rural town (not small though - pop around 60,000) and was calling around for my friend's little one and then put my name down also when I realised how hard it was to get a spot anywhere. So his name was down for at least 18 months before he actually attended....and we had to accept a spot about 6 weeks before we actually needed it in order for us keep it - otherwise we would go back to the bottom of the list.

I think the situation is a little better now with a few more centres popping up - but have still had this bubba's name down since when we started trying...can't be too safe!!!

With regard to the amount of care you need...I put my sons name down for full time care and then kept calling up every 2 or 3 months to make sure his name was still down and let them know if there were any changes to the days I wanted. I had to accept 2 days at first, and then about 3 months later they were able to offer me another 2 days.

Good luck - and put your name down at a few places - in case you don't like the one you first get in to!