Childcare waiting lists.

How long were you on a waiting list for a child care centre?

We've put our name down at a whole lot of places, but have been told the waiting list is up to 18 months for kids under 2 years and about 12 months for 2-5 year olds.

Is this totally enormously long compared to other areas?

We're in Sydney and have our names down at places in inner west and northern districts. What are others experiences with waiting lists? Are they really that long, or is it just because people like me put their name down at several places?

IMHO it depends on your area. There are a lot of people who have their names on numerous lists.

The difference, I found, was actually going to the CC places on a regular basis (ie weekly/fortnightly), getting to know the staff, and showing that you are TRULY interested in THEIR centre. Somehow I got a call after about three months - I do believe that the regular visits made a difference.

Best wishes.

Divvy thanks for that tip, i might try that...
Lindsay, i hope it doesnt take us that long. I'll need to go back to work part time late this year. I hope your friend is able to secure a child care spot soon.

LOL I'm glad I havent chosen the dodgy places then! Unfortunately Penriff is a bit far for us, bummer!

I'm in Cairns and I had nina's name down from the time I was 5 months pg as the waiting lists are quite long. She finally got in at 5 months old.

Riley is in family daycare in Northern sydney. I put his name down while I was pg and he started at 8 months. I needn't have booked him in so early but I wanted a particular carer who I knew well. I know a friend who rang FDC said they told her to call 3 months before she wanted a place.

Waiting lists are the same in our area - 18 months for babies under two.

Our community child care centres have gone to a centralised waiting list arrangement with the council. You pick three centres and they will place your child in the first available spot when that comes up. I gather that a couple of councils in Melbourne are either doing this as well or considering it. The private centres are still handling their own lists.

I registered William before birth so that gives you some idea of demand in our area.

He is starting family day care soon (which is also run by council). In our area, the waiting list for that is kept short at eight weeks. It is worth looking into further as another care option if that appeals.

Melbel - what area do you live in?

I put Abbey's name down when I was 3 months and was told there would be no problems getting her a spot for July which is when I wanted her to start. I rang about 4 times after that for various reasons (checking about paperwork, confirming spots etc) and have got her a spot (if they back out now I will be really peeved as have paid deposit). I was told they review the younger rooms every 6 months to see who is ready to go up a room so Jan and July are the best times to start. I am booked in to an ABC centre.
I am currently trying to get work at one of Melb's major hospitals (because I want experience in a very specific area and they have the best) but it is on the other side of town and I am petrified of not being able to get Abbey into ChildCare (we will have to move closer to the hospital)...

Christine, what council is that if you dont mind me asking? I've tried ryde (where i live) and north sydney (where I work) and they have both said they do not take any babies under 12 months!

I go through Centacare Broken Bay, they run the FDC and also long daycare at Waitara. If you google it you should get the phone number to call.
I know Hornsby council has CC for under 1s but it may be out of your area.

Thanks Christine, i'll have look at this Centacare mob.