What Happens After You Join a Daycare Waitlist in Coquitlam?

You've added your name to a licensed daycare waitlist in Coquitlam. Now what? The period between getting on a waitlist and actually starting care can span months or even over a year — and knowing how to navigate it productively prevents the common mistake of assuming “the waitlist will take care of it.” Here's what actually happens after you join.

The Honest Reality of Coquitlam Daycare Waitlists

Most licensed infant care centres in Coquitlam maintain informal internal waitlists — they don't use a centralized provincial system (though ChildCareBC.ca has a search function). Being on the waitlist means your name and expected start date are in the centre's records. It does not guarantee a spot.

Spaces open based on the unpredictable combination of: other families' mat leave extensions, work changes, moves, second pregnancies, and enrollment decisions. A family due to start in September may give notice in July that they found other care — creating a space on short notice. Or nobody leaves for months, and the waitlist doesn't move.

What Most Parents Get Wrong About Waitlists

• Assuming one centre is enough: Get on 3–5 waitlists. The first call you get may not be your first-choice centre — but having multiple options gives you flexibility.
• Not following up: Many centres maintain informal lists and appreciate a brief, polite check-in every 2–3 months: “Just checking in — our expected start is still [month], still interested.” This reminds them of your name and shows continued commitment.
• Not keeping contact info current: If you change your phone number or email and the centre can't reach you when a space opens, your spot goes to the next person on the list.
• Assuming the start date is flexible: When a space opens, centres often need a decision within a few days. Be prepared to decide quickly.

How to Manage Your Waitlist Position Effectively

1. Keep a simple spreadsheet: Track each centre (name, contact, date you added your name, expected start date, notes from any conversations).
2. Check in every 2–3 months: A brief, warm email: “Hi, I'm [name], my baby [name] is on your waitlist for around [month]. Just checking in and confirming we're still interested.” Short and easy for them to respond to.
3. Update your expected start date if it changes: If your return-to-work date moves, tell each centre immediately. They schedule anticipated openings against expected start dates.
4. Stay on multiple lists: Don't remove yourself from other lists when you get one promising response — wait until you have a confirmed spot and have given the others formal notice.

What Happens When a Space Opens

When a space opens at Smiling Kids (or any centre), they will typically:

1. Call or email the next appropriate family on the list (matched by age of child and anticipated start date)
2. Give the family 2–7 days to confirm (varies by centre and urgency of the opening)
3. If you can't confirm in time, the space goes to the next family on the list

If you confirm, you'll receive enrollment documentation, an orientation meeting, a contract to review, and a schedule for settling-in visits. The process from “yes” to first day is typically 2–4 weeks.

What to Do While You Wait

• Tour the centres you're waitlisted at (most will let you tour while waitlisted)
• Research BC subsidies so you're ready to apply immediately when you have a confirmed spot
• Keep your own schedule flexible around your anticipated return-to-work date
• Have a backup plan (family member, temporary care) in case your preferred centre calls later than expected

To get on the Smiling Kids waitlist or check your current position — call 604-600-4393.

What to Do While You Are on a Coquitlam Daycare Waitlist

Joining a waitlist at a quality Coquitlam licensed daycare and then waiting passively is a mistake many families make. The 12–18 months between joining a waitlist and a spot opening is actually the most useful time to prepare — both logistically and developmentally.

Logistical Preparation While Waiting for a Spot

• Research ACCB immediately: Apply for the Affordable Childcare Benefit at gov.bc.ca as soon as your child is born. You need an enrolment letter to complete the application — when your spot opens, you will get the letter and can apply immediately
• Understand CCFRI participation: Smiling Kids is CCFRI-participating. Your fees will be significantly reduced from market rate — ask at tour what the post-CCFRI fee is for your child’s age group so you can budget accurately
• Plan the settling-in window: The first 3–4 weeks of daycare require parents to be available during the day. Think about how that works with your employer — is flexible pickup for the first 4 weeks feasible?
• Talk to your employer about mat leave end date flexibility: ACCB timelines and daycare spot timing sometimes do not align perfectly. Knowing your employer’s flexibility gives you negotiating room

Developmental Preparation While Waiting

• Practice brief separations with trusted adults: Babies and toddlers who have had warm, positive separation experiences with grandparents or family friends settle into daycare faster — the transition is not their first separation
• Introduce bottle (breastfeeding families): If your baby is exclusively breastfed, introduce a bottle at 4–6 weeks and maintain weekly practice. Babies who have not had a bottle in months often refuse it — creating a significant feeding challenge at daycare
• Establish a predictable sleep routine: Daycare works on group schedules. Babies who have a predictable sleep rhythm adapt to the daycare schedule faster than those who sleep completely on demand

Checking Your Smiling Kids Waitlist Position

You can call Smiling Kids at any time to confirm your position or update your anticipated start date. Waitlist positions are managed on a first-joined basis. If your mat leave return date changes, notify us so spot timing can be adjusted. 1380 Coast Meridian Rd, Coquitlam. CCFRI-participating. 604-600-4393.

For a complete guide to licensed daycare in Coquitlam — infant and toddler programmes, CCFRI ($10/day childcare), ACCB eligibility, and how to enroll at Smiling Kids — call 604-600-4393 or visit our main Coquitlam daycare guide.