FAQ on the Preschool Admission Tracker

The Preschool Admission Tracker is a tool for checking estimated waitlist numbers at Reykjavík's city-run preschools.

You can apply to up to five preschools at once. The preschool you prefer most is your first choice, the next is your second choice, and so on. Each preschool has its own waitlist, so a child can be on up to five waitlists at once.

The Preschool Admission Tracker should give you a rough idea of potential positions on waitlists for city-run preschools. For example: A child is number five on a specific preschool's list. This means four children need to either accept a preschool spot elsewhere or withdraw their application before this child can get a spot in that school.

Numbers are not final as waitlists can change quickly.

Previously, people needed to log into Vala, apply, call the City's Service Center, or contact the preschools directly to get this information. The goal is to provide transparent communication and show real-time statuses so parents and guardians can check waitlist numbers without making several phone calls.

Openings are assigned in order of birthdate, and waitlist positions are calculated from the applications received. Your place in line can move up when a child ahead accepts a spot in any preschool or withdraws their application. It can move down if an older child or a child with approved priority applies.

Children graduating refers to the number of children leaving preschool to start primary school. This number is, therefore, the minimum number of openings expected to become available in the fall.

If a child moves to another municipality or requests a transfer between city-run preschools, an opening becomes available. Predicting if, when, or how many spots will open for these reasons is challenging.

We always recommend applying to home daycares and private preschools as well. You might also consider checking the situation in other districts, perhaps near a parent's workplace.

Some private preschools are for younger children, and we also suggest looking into home daycares.

Detailed information on the next allocation is not currently available. Contact the Service Center at 4111111 or by email at innritun.leikskolar@reykjavik.is for more details.

The next allocation starts in March 2024. We advise parents to review their preschool applications before this time as changes cannot be made once the allocation begins.

Yes. In the main allocation, we try to offer your first choice while there are available spots in that school. If the first choice is full, we then offer the second choice, and so forth. During other times of the year, the choice matters less as most schools are likely full. Placements are offered in any available spot, regardless of preference, such as when spots open due to moves.

Yes, but it is recommended to only apply to preschools you would accept a spot in.

No, it only uses birth date and year to determine position. The information is not connected to a specific child. The tracker retrieves waitlist numbers from the City's preschool system and no personally identifiable information.