My Craigslist Add -

[dave4him]

thanks everyone that helps a lot! Hopefully i will get some responses soon, really need some kids

[jojosmommy]

Do you have current clients? I would tell them you are looking to add a few friends to the daycare and will offer them a referral bonus if they refer a friend and they commit with a contract. I have done it in the past and it works out. Also, do you know any othre provdiers? If you are friends, let them know you have openings, then return the favor when you are full and they have an opening.

[daycare]

Do you have current clients? I would tell them you are looking to add a few friends to the daycare and will offer them a referral bonus if they refer a friend and they commit with a contract. I have done it in the past and it works out. Also, do you know any othre provdiers? If you are friends, let them know you have openings, then return the favor when you are full and they have an opening.

One word of caution if you go to your clients for a referral. I did this in the past where I offered an incentive if someone got a family to sign up.

Well it ended up that 3 of my families gave me referrals and all of them were great people. All of the families were upset at me when I could only take one. In the end, I lost a family that was upset a me for not picking their referral. Childish yes, but I learned to not do that again. Oh and I ended up not taking any of the families...

[cheerfuldom]

Referrals are tricky because then the two families become, unofficially, a package deal. If you are okay with that, go for it. I don't do referrals from my current daycare families to weed out any drama. I also do ads with the bullet points and make sure to point out the best aspects of your care.

In my case it is a low ratio, fully fenced kid-friendly backyard, walking distance to a park, dedicated play room, quiet street with easy access to two highways. Most parents want convenient, safe, educational, experience, low ratios, etc. so it is important to immediately say "yes, that is me!"

[My3cents]

this is how I would write it.

Doodle Bugs is a well established licensed Home Daycare located somewhere.
*I am a dad of 2 children and own/operate Doodle Bugs
*full time/part time spots available
*open from 6am to 6pm Monday to Friday per contract hours
*healthy breakfast, lunch and 2 snacks are provided
*fully fenced play area outside
*large play area inside
*child lead activities and cirriculum
*first aid and cpr certified
*circle time, craft time....
*ages 1 yrs old to 12 yrs old
*before and afterschool available
*DHS subsiby available


*for more information or for a schedualed tour, please contact me at 888-8888
thanks Dave






I wouldn't put in that you are a christian home because you elimate people right away unless you use it in your cirriculum, but I wouldn't. Also, never write negotiate, that means "special". Also, let them call you, so you can talk to them. Also, do you have a contract, I would suggest that. Also, is that the going rate because that seems low. My suggestion is that you do it on a contract basis, because you want to be open for 12 hours then charge for 12 hours, anything over 9 hours is additional trust me. Look at ads on craigslist, and see what they have too. Add pictures.

Dave,
I really like this and agree with the others. You want your part time rate to be up there- because even that it is part time, it still takes up a slot and its hard to find kids to fit in to the other days that are not filled. You want to charge more for infants ....an infant for me is any child under 2 1/2 They require more care. I also agree with doing contracted hours. If you don't, you will have kids with you for 12 hours a day-not good for the child or you. Some situations it is truely needed, nurses or 12 hour schedules, but most people will just take advantage, not most, but a lot- I tell my parents during the interview, that they are paying for contracted hours for their child, because they have to work or go to school, when they are not doing those things they should be with their child. (I am lenient with my parents, because for one they don't take advantage of me and respect me. I also want to know where the parent is, incase I need to get a hold of them for an emergency situation) Have your prices up there so that you are viewed as a pro and not a babysitter. Have a contract, handbook, policy book. You have a lot to do, to be a provider if your licensed,fees, training, etc.... get yourself up there to be viewed as serious about your profession. You will burn out if you don't value yourself to what your worth should be. Your rates are not negotiable. Are you giving discount care to the 2nd child- then you should keep your rates at a set price. Don't give prices over the phone (hard to do) let them come and meet with you and see what your all about. If someone is really interested in care they will take the time to do do this.
Best-lovethis