One of the most common regrets among Coquitlam parents: starting their daycare search too late. If you’re reading this while pregnant or with a newborn, you’re almost certainly not too early. Here’s the honest timing guide based on real waitlist conditions in BC.
The Short Answer: Start Now, Regardless of When You Plan to Return to Work
For licensed infant care in North Coquitlam, waitlists at quality licensed centres regularly stretch 6–18 months. A parent who wants to return to work when their baby is 12 months old needs to be on waitlists by the baby’s birth — or ideally before.
Daycare Search Timeline by Stage
| Your Stage | Action to Take | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant (any trimester) | Research centres, join waitlists, book tours | 🔴 Start immediately |
| Baby 0–3 months | Join all shortlisted waitlists now | 🔴 Urgent |
| Baby 3–6 months | Follow up on waitlists, add more if needed | 🟠 High priority |
| Baby 6–9 months | Confirm waitlist positions; plan backup care | 🟡 Moderate — may be tight |
| Baby 9–12 months | Actively follow up; start backup plan if not confirmed | 🔴 Risk of gap |
| Baby 12+ months | Still worth trying — toddler spots open more frequently | 🟡 Toddler spots more available |
How Many Centres Should You Register With?
There’s no penalty for being on multiple waitlists. Most Coquitlam families who successfully secured their preferred spot had registered with 3–6 licensed centres simultaneously. When you receive an offer, you decline the others — simple courtesy and no consequences.
What to Research While You Wait
- CCFRI participation: Confirm each waitlisted centre is CCFRI-participating (reduces fees ~$850/month automatically)
- ACCB eligibility: Know your income bracket and estimated benefit before your start date
- ITE certification: Confirm educators in infant rooms hold ITE — not just basic ECE
- Fraser Health licence: Verify current licence status and no outstanding orders
- Subsidy application timing: ACCB must be applied within 30 days of start date for backdating
Smiling Kids Coquitlam — Join Our Waitlist Today
Smiling Kids Childcare Centre at 1380 Coast Meridian Road, North Coquitlam is accepting waitlist registrations for 2026–2027 infant and toddler spots. We’re CCFRI-participating and ACCB-eligible — and our ITE-certified team will support your family from first contact through enrolment.
📞 604-600-4393 to join the waitlist today | Coquitlam daycare waitlist guide
