If you’ve started looking into childcare in Canberra, you’ve probably already heard this phrase more than once: “Make sure you get on the waitlist early.” And it’s true. High-quality childcare in the ACT is in demand, and places can fill quickly – sometimes well before your child is even born.
At Coombs Early Learning, we often speak to families who are surprised by how early they need to start the process. So we’ve put together this guide to help you understand how waitlists work, why they exist, and what you can do to give your child the best chance of getting a spot in a centre you really love.
Why Is There a Waitlist
Childcare centres in Canberra, especially those with strong reputations, fill up fast. There’s a limited number of places available in each age group, and licensing rules mean we can only have a certain number of children per educator.
Add to that a growing number of families moving into areas like Coombs and Denman Prospect, and it’s no surprise that spots are in high demand.
Babies and toddlers usually have the longest wait times. That’s because the younger the age group, the smaller the group size needs to be. So while we might have more availability in preschool or kindergarten rooms, our nursery and toddler rooms often stay full.
So, What Does “Joining a Waitlist” Actually Mean?
It’s not as simple as “first come, first served.” Most centres (including ours) take a few things into account:
- Age of your child
- Preferred start date
- Days required
- Priority factors (like siblings already enrolled)
Being on the waitlist doesn’t guarantee a place, but it puts your family in line, and the earlier you join, the better your chances.
What’s a Typical Waitlist Timeline?
This depends on your child’s age and your flexibility with start dates.
Some families wait 12–18 months, while others may only wait a few weeks. If you’re looking for care for a baby under 2, we recommend joining the waitlist at least a year in advance if possible; some families even put their name down during pregnancy.
It also helps if you’re open to starting with fewer days or a mid-year start.
How Can You Improve Your Chances?
Here are a few tips we share with families who contact us:
- Join early – It’s never too soon to add your name to the list.
- Join more than one waitlist – This gives you options.
- Keep your details up to date – If your child’s age group changes or your start date shifts, let us know.
- Be flexible – Even a small tweak in your availability can open up a spot.
- Book a tour – We love showing families around. It also helps us better understand your needs
What Happens After You Join the Waitlist
Once you’ve submitted your application, we’ll keep your details on file and reach out as soon as something becomes available. We don’t usually provide rankings because availability changes based on age, enrolment dates, and when current children transition to new rooms.
If you haven’t heard from us in a while, don’t hesitate to check in. A quick update is always welcome.
Why Parents Say the Wait is Worth It
At Coombs Early Learning, we’ve created a centre that local families trust. From our inquiry-based curriculum to our warm, supportive team, we’re proud of the community we’ve built. We know that finding a place that feels right for your child is important, and sometimes that means planning ahead.
High-quality care is more than just a spot at a centre. It’s knowing your child is nurtured, supported, and surrounded by people who have their best interests at heart.
FAQs About Waitlists at Coombs ELC
How early should I join the waitlist for Coombs Early Learning?
We recommend joining as early as possible, especially if you’re expecting a baby or planning to return to work soon. Many families join the waitlist during pregnancy to secure their preferred days and room.
What makes a childcare centre ‘high quality’?
High-quality centres have qualified educators, a consistent and child-led curriculum, safe and engaging learning environments, and strong relationships with families. At Coombs, these are non-negotiables.
How do I know if my child will get a spot?
While we’d love to guarantee everyone a place, enrolment offers are subject to availability, your preferred start date, and room transitions. We’ll always keep you informed and work closely with you to find the best fit.
Can I visit the centre before accepting an offer?
Absolutely. We encourage all families to take a tour, meet our educators, and see the spaces in person before accepting an offer. It’s a great way to feel confident in your decision.
What if I only need care part-time?
We welcome families needing full-time or part-time care. Availability can vary, so it’s helpful to be flexible with days if possible.
What support is available during the transition to care?
We offer tailored orientation sessions and work closely with each family to make the transition as smooth as possible. Your child’s happiness, security and wellbeing is our priority.
Join the Waitlist Today
If you’re thinking about care in 6–12 months or even further out, now’s the time to start. Coombs Early Learning is a sought-after centre with limited places, and our waitlist helps us connect with families who want the best for their children.
Join Our Waitlist or Book a Tour today to take the first step!
