How long are the waiting lists, and what does my position on a waiting list mean?
Waiting lists dont tell us much. Families may have their names on several lists at the same time, and they may leave their name on a waiting list even once they are enrolled elsewhere. Centers are unlikely to give you an actual number on their waiting list, as the number of families in the categories ahead of you may change. In addition, you may be waiting only for a full time space, and someone who applied after you and wants a part-time spot may get offered a space first if that is what comes open (or vice versa). In each category, date of application is the determining factor from one application to the next. A center may tell you that it estimates a certain number of applications ahead of yours for a certain age group at a given moment, but history shows that it is not a great indicator of who gets a spot.
