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.
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