I do a thorough phone interview, and if everything seems to be a good fit (i.e. I want them) I let them know my next anticipated opening. Then I tell them that if they remain interested, to give me a call once a month to see if anything has changed.
I keep my interview form on file so that I can contact them if a unexpected opening comes up.
This works for me because
1. I get a lot of calls.
2. My group often doesn't change for a year or two.
3. I am always as full as I want to be.
4. Most people here who are looking for care now, need care now. The "waiting list" is full of people who have found care already.
5. I don't think that it's usually in a child's best interest to switch care just to get into a certain place. Not even mine
Fairly often there are parents who will check in each month. Some send pics and cards of their little one to keep in touch. Some juggle work hours to wait for an opening.
It works for me.