Putting your child's name down for more than one preschool?

[firststeps]

DS1 is 3 at the very end of December, we have his name down for preschool starting in January, however we have just been told he is not guaranteed a place as the September intake takes preference and only if there are places left over will he be offered a place in January; so should I put his name down at the other local preschools or what other options do I have?

In our local authority there is a formal application process whereby you apply for preschool in the january before a september intake. You can put down 3 or 4 choices and the notify you as to which one you get!

As bodiddly suggests, it depends on where you live. If there is a formal application process (similar to the way in which you apply for schools) then it would be difficult to do this.
However, from what you say I doubt this is the case, as such a system (ime) ensures there are spaces for children born throughout the academic year.
Therefore I would definitely look at other pre-schools. My DD does not go the same pre-school as all the children that are likely to go to her school, but it is right for her at the moment. You need to decide what is right for your DS now, not be left in a position where he might get a 'leftover' place, with probably no choice of sessions.

I am in exactly the same boat, ds is 3 on 21st Dec and we were told the same thing by one nursery, that he may not get a place. We've put his name down at two others just in case.