Kiddo Help — For centers

How to configure continued-interest checks for your waitlist

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Chris

Last updated on Oct 20, 2026

Summary

Continued-interest checks ask families on your active waitlist whether they still want care. Kiddo sends these as automated emails (and SMS where enabled) from Communications, on a schedule you control. Responses update last activity on the application, which also feeds inactivity auto-archive rules.

Before you start

  • You need access to Communications and Settings.
  • Families must have submitted a waitlist application and appear on Wait List with On Wait List status — continued-interest workflows do not replace interest form leads on Leads.
  • Skim How automated messages work for how Wait List Communications fit with tours and enrollment messages.

Steps

Review continued-interest workflows

  1. Open Communications.
  2. Select Wait List Communications.
  3. Find workflows for continued-interest checks (wording may vary — look for periodic check-ins that ask families to confirm they still want a spot).
  4. Open each workflow to see:
    • When it sends (trigger and cadence — how often periodic checks run)
    • Channel (email and/or SMS)
    • Template subject and body your center can edit

Turn workflows off until copy matches your voice, then enable when you are ready.

Customize message copy

  1. Edit the template so it states what you need from the family and by when.
  2. Keep the action link Kiddo provides — families use it to sign in and respond without a password.
  3. Save changes. Test with a staff email address before enabling for all active waitlist families.

Turn checks on (or adjust cadence)

  1. Enable the continued-interest workflow when copy is final.
  2. Set cadence so families are not over-emailed — many centers use quarterly or semi-annual check-ins; choose what fits your program.
  3. At multi-location centers, if Communications shows a location filter or switcher, confirm you are editing workflows for the correct site.

Connect to waitlist upkeep (optional)

Continued-interest responses count as parent last activity for auto-archive inactivity rules. If a family does not respond and stays inactive, inactivity auto-archive may move the application off Wait List after your configured threshold.

Pair periodic checks with sensible inactivity settings — not as a punishment, but so your active list reflects families who still want care.

What happens next

  • Families receive email from your center's name (via Kiddo) with a link to respond.
  • When a parent confirms, Kiddo records activity on the application. Staff edits alone do not reset the inactivity clock.
  • Families who ignore repeated check-ins may eventually be auto-archived if you use the inactivity rule. Kiddo does not send a separate email when auto-archive runs — reach out directly when families need a clear answer. They are not shown an "archived" label on Home for most auto-archive outcomes; see Archive or remove an application and How to set up auto-archive rules for your waitlist.

What your parents see: How to reconfirm interest when a center asks

Common questions

Can I send a one-off check instead of automation?

For a recorded in-app confirmation (updates last activity for inactivity rules), use Wait List Communications continued-interest workflows — that is what sends families the action link Kiddo tracks.

For a one-time email or text only, use How to send a bulk announcement to waitlist families. You can link How to reconfirm interest when a center asks so families know what you are asking, but bulk messages do not replace automated continued-interest workflows unless you include the same confirm link those templates use (verify on stage).

Do continued-interest emails go to Leads?

No. They target active Wait List applications. Leads are for families who have not submitted the waitlist form yet.

What if a family says they are no longer interested?

Follow your center policy — you may archive the application with a status that matches what happened. Use plain language if you contact the family directly.

Does confirming interest change waitlist priority?

No. Priority and sorting stay as you configured them. Confirmation only updates engagement and last activity.

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