Tweet
The aunt of the little boy i have been watching lost her job so now i am down to just my niece. This leaves two open spots needing to be filled and a huge blow to our financial budget. So im really upset now, but i will trust God to bring us the kids we need to have. THis is just so frusterating, i know you have all been through the same so i appreciate any encouragment and tips on getting myself some more kids!!!
-
"God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.'"
Acts 13:22 -
So sorry Dave. Been there, done that. Try and just ride it through and it will get better. Have faith you will fill up your spots with wonderful kids! -
Sorry to hear that, ive been trying to fill aces for six months and lost one a few months ago too. Ive done yard signs, car magnets, craigslist, fair booths, childcare fair, put my business cards anywhere i see out and Bout that i can, network using my daycare fb page, network with other businesses, put flyers out in the community, business networking events and telling any random person i can about my daycare
...
Good luck and hope you fill that spot again soon, prayer works too so keep faith and keep praying that it will work out.Comment
-
So here is a total shot in the dark (not really cause DAYCARE inspired the thought with her raffle pno thread) But what if you advertised to host a free day of fun?! You could promote it like an open house for all to come see your space and what you offer. Nothing gets people in the door faster then "free". Maybe you can have a theme and do some inexspensive crafts and games. Personalize your daycare name on something that they can take? IDK
Just thinking getting people in, meeting you and word of mouth
I know every area is different and something like this may not go off well in your town. Just a thought. In our one traffic light town there isn't much to do and parents would flock to a "fun day"
If planned well you could really do it for low cost. Think like oriental trading company...Comment
-
great idea. taking shots in the dark, thinking out of the box, are great ways to revamp ur business and getting out of your comfort zone.
change the layout of the space, some times just tweaking it, gives you back your confidence.
keep your head up, things will work out. i often wonder where I'll be in 10 yrs...and if my daycare will still be standing. but, we can't stress over it too much, and just continue doing what we do. good luck!Comment
-
I have a sign on my front yard, you would not believe how much I get from it. But it goes in spirts, sometimes I dont' get a call forever and then I do. How about going and advertising at community centers, librarys, mom and tot programs (go and attend these programs and tell them you own a daycare always works too) call the schools and let them know that you run a home daycare can you advertise in their newsletters. Do you have a daycare name?Comment
-
Craigslist! I get so many calls from craigslist.
Advertise a free parents night out for all full time time enrolled families..trust me, your phone will be ringing..just be up front and put a positive spin that your a daddy!Comment
-
like most self employed
This job is like most self employed people, Feast or Famine. I have been doing this long enough that I have about a months worth of tuition if I was at full capacity in a seprate daycare account that I only use if my enrollment gets low. I know it is always easier said than done, but the stress and headaches it saves is well worth it!
I love the idea of a day of fun!
A couple of years ago, I had 4 kids leave all within the same week (most of their parents were military and it was PCS season) I held a parents day out. 6 hours I think it was, it was free, and I did a fun day. I advertised on craigslist and all 5 spots that I had available got filled. 2 of the 5 that came signed up and started within the next week. 1 started about 2 months later and the other 2 i never heard from again. Might be worth a shot! You could charge a nominal supplies fee, like $10 per child or something. Just make sure you still get all the appropriate emergency contact info and sign waivers and a contract.Comment
-
The trouble with being liscensed is we are not allowed to but a sign out front, im not really sure the reason. We are heading to CA for a vacation and when we get back im just going to have to start getting out there and asking around. Maybe put flyers up at walmart or the college. I only have two spots open. Maybe craigslist. It wouldnt be so bad if my wifes paycut didnt start this month too."God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.'"
Acts 13:22Comment
-
referral incentive
Have you tried offering a referral incentive to your current families?
Mine is $30 off one weeks tuition after the referred child makes it past the 2 week trial period.Comment
-
The only family i got right now is my niece, and her mom couldnt afford to pay for daycare... shes DHS.... but i would do the incentive thing otherwise"God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.'"
Acts 13:22Comment
-
how about newspapers, put an add in it. You need to be really forceful with advertising, trust me. When I first started I was really aggressive with it. Join parenting sites in your area, see if they have a home daycare association you can join. Find other providers in your area and talk with them, they can help you too. Belong to a local library and advertise in there.Comment
-
Isn't there a site called sittercity or something like that? I have never used it, but maybe others have and know more about it. I have alot of "friends" on facebook, so if I am looking to fill spots, I put it out on there. I have a friend who filled a spot through craigslist, so that is definitely a possibility. If you belong to a church, maybe there is a way to get the word out through there? Whenever I lose someone, I always feel like I will never get any spots filled, but then a call will come where someone recommended me to a parent. I hope you get your spots filled with awesome families really soon!Comment
-
you really need to get out into your community and just talk to anyone who will listen.
Sign you LO up for rec activities, meet other parents, sign up to be team dad. Always tell people what you do. Really believe in you and others will too.
As someone on here taught me, word of mouth is the best way to promote your business..
Get out in your community and just talk to anyone that will listen.
Can you find out if there are any fundraisers around? maybe offer some free services... I am doing a raffle where I will offer a free PNO on a friday night.
I will have to let you know how it goes.....
keep positive and keep trying....Comment
Comment