Early Childhood Ireland is calling for the incoming government to tackle the issue.
Almost 1,000 young children in the midlands are on waiting lists for a creche, with less than 250 places available.
The latest figures come from the latest Pobal Early Years Sector Profile survey.
In Westmeath 477 children are on waiting lists with only 85 places available, Laois has 337 children waiting with 110 places and Offaly has 149 children on waiting lists with 85 places.
Early Childhood Ireland is calling on those involved in government formation talks to address staff shortages.
They say recruitment and retention of staff is one of the main issues.
They've also asked for a set date to bring graduates of early years and school age programmes into the public pay system.
Unmarked Grave Campaign Group Call For Meeting with Taosieach
Court Hears Man Who Killed Father In Laois Hotel Believed He Was Attacking Imposter
Former Detective Demands Higher Gardai Numbers For Community Policing
Aontú Publish New Flood Forecasting Bill
Retired Westmeath Chief Fire Officer Calls For Re-Examining of Beep Test
Laois Actor Settling Roots In West Cork
Local Authorities Will Be Held Accountable On Windfarm Judgement - Eamon Ryan
ODVSS Back NWC Calls To Remove Domestic Abuse Perpetrators From Homes
Fate Of Former Westmeath IPAS Centre In Hands Of OPW - Aengus O'Rourke
Garda ‘Go Safe’ Camera To Be Installed at Midlands Railway Station
Taoiseach Acknowledges Frustration As Laois Refuge Centre Stalls
Westmeath Comedian Shares Journey From Diet Culture To New Stand-Up Show
Offaly IFA Raises Alarm Over Brazilian Beef Imports Row
Westmeath Town To Hold First TEDx Event
Over €20k Raised For Family Of Midlands Nurse After Sudden Passing
Fast Track Citizenship Proposed For Immigrants Serving In Defence Forces
Gardaí Investigating Spate Of Laois Thefts
Westmeath Councillor Wants Short Term Let Planning Exemptions For Self Caterers
Plans For 27-Acre Midlands Soccer Facility Rejected
Laois Senator Rails Against Rent Pressure Zone Legislation