Daycare Waitlist Tips — How to Get a Spot Faster in Regina SK | Daisy Days Guide

If you’ve been on a licensed daycare waitlist in Regina SK for months, you’re not alone — CWELCC has dramatically increased demand for quality licensed spots. But there are genuine strategic actions that move families up the waitlist faster. At Daisy Days Daycare, here are the tips that actually work.

Tip 1: Join the Waitlist the Moment You Know Your Need

The single most powerful waitlist tip: don’t wait until you need care to join the list. For infant spots, join during pregnancy — your estimated due date is enough information to add you to the waitlist. For toddler spots, join 9-12 months before your target start date. For preschool, 6 months minimum. Every month you delay is a month further back in the queue.

Tip 2: Be on 2-3 CWELCC Waitlists Simultaneously

Being on multiple waitlists at quality licensed centres is standard practice in Regina SK — not unusual or rude. Most families are on 2-3 lists. When a spot is offered and accepted, notify the other centres promptly so they can offer the spot to the next family. This system benefits everyone.

Tip 3: Be Genuinely Flexible With Your Start Date

Centres work with whatever openings their enrollment calendar creates. A family that says “we need a spot exactly September 8” is harder to accommodate than a family that says “anytime in August-September works for us.” A 4-6 week window of flexibility opens significantly more placement opportunities than a rigid specific date.

Tip 4: Be Immediately Reachable and Responsive

When a spot opens, most centres call down the waitlist quickly. If they can’t reach you, they move to the next name. Ensure:

• Your phone number is current — if you got a new phone, update the daycare
• You check voicemail (yes, some families don’t) — daycare directors leave messages when calling about spots
• Your email is current and checked — some centres email first
• You respond within 24 hours when you do hear from us — a 3-day response delay typically results in the spot being offered to the next family

Tip 5: Check In Periodically to Signal Active Interest

A brief phone call or email every 2-3 months to confirm you’re still interested signals to the centre that you haven’t found alternate care. It also gives you current information about waitlist status — “we’ve had 4 families move ahead of you” versus “you’re now second on the infant list” is valuable intelligence.

Tip 6: Consider Flexible Start — Mid-Year Spots Often Open

September start dates are the most competitive — families whose children age up to school in September typically create openings for September, and many families are competing for those same spots. Mid-year openings (November, February, April) are less competed for because fewer families can use them. If your timeline allows a mid-year start, consider it explicitly: “I can start anytime — September preferred but February or April also work.”

Tip 7: Tour Before the Wait Is Over

Book your tour early — don’t wait for the waitlist to resolve before touring. Touring multiple centres while you wait helps you: confirm your first choice; have backup centres ranked; and have paperwork and enrollment processes ready to move immediately when a spot is offered.

→ Full waitlist guide for Regina SK 2026
→ Book a free tour at Daisy Days Daycare now
→ Childcare planning timeline for expecting families

Join Daisy Days Daycare’s waitlist today — the earlier, the better.
306-807-3233 | info@daisydaysdaycare.com | 2007 Potts Crescent East, Regina SK S4V 2E5