No Kids

[moshimoshi]

It's been 5 weeks since my last FT DCK left. I had 2 inquiries so far, 1 interview 4 weeks ago and the other one just cancelled this morning.

During this time, I put up flyers in my subdivision, neighboring subdivisions and shopping centers, made announcements about my referral program and promotional specials (temporary discount on fees) on my facebook pages, and updated my website and craigslist.

I am just really bummed that I don't have any children enrolled yet. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Furthermore, my DH is starting to really get on me about enrollment...he's convinced it's price. My price is in-line with other providers in the area. I'm not the most expensive but not the least expensive either. Anyway, he wants me to significantly drop the price. I don't want to because I want to save some money because I'm pregnant as well. I'm trying not to stress about this....thanks for listening. Anyone have any suggestions or pointers, helpful insight?

[daycare]

It's been 5 weeks since my last FT DCK left. I had 2 inquiries so far, 1 interview 4 weeks ago and the other one just cancelled this morning.

During this time, I put up flyers in my subdivision, neighboring subdivisions and shopping centers, made announcements about my referral program and promotional specials (temporary discount on fees) on my facebook pages, and updated my website and craigslist.

I am just really bummed that I don't have any children enrolled yet. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Furthermore, my DH is starting to really get on me about enrollment...he's convinced it's price. My price is in-line with other providers in the area. I'm not the most expensive but not the least expensive either. Anyway, he wants me to significantly drop the price. I don't want to because I want to save some money because I'm pregnant as well. I'm trying not to stress about this....thanks for listening. Anyone have any suggestions or pointers, helpful insight?

what does your program offer?
when I moved from up state, I decided to find something that no one else is doing and jumped on that. I have had a few rough patches, but for the most part I am always full.

How well known are you in your community? This was also one of the things that made it hard for me to start over again when I moved. No one knew who I was. I started to volunteer in my community and have made a name for myself.

You said that you are pregnant, how far along are you? Do you think that if people do know who you are that this may be an issue for some of them? Maybe they are thinking about all the time off that you will need???? Just a thought on this ....

Don't give up on your advertising, keep going and talk to everyone you know about your services....

[cheerfuldom]

MANY providers in my area have lowered their prices. I have lowered mine by $10 a week, I know of several that have lowered by $20 or $30 per week. The economy is tough and competition is tough. I personally would lower at least a little because at this point, you are not making anything and I can understand why your DH is frustrated. Another thing to consider is more advertising....signs, ads, etc.

What about reconsidering hours or days you are open? what about ages? what about offering after school care, drop ins, overnight or weekend? something to expand your clientele.

Do you know any other local providers? How is their enrollement? I know 3 other providers quite well and none are full right now....everyone is having problems getting kids in unfortunately but at least that is a small comfort that I am not doing something totally wrong here as my spot remains open.

[moshimoshi]

what does your program offer?

I open and close later than the other providers in my area. I also offer dropin, weekend and overnight care, but so far, I have only had only one inquiry for those hours. None of the other providers in my area offer weekend or overnight. There are a few providers around here that still have openings, but I think they all have at least one dck.

How well known are you in your community?

I am not well known in my community at all. I guess I'll be checking out the next community association meeting.

You said that you are pregnant, how far along are you? Do you think that if people do know who you are that this may be an issue for some of them?

I am 4 months right now, not really showing. I think it may be an issue for people when they find out, I am planning to work until I go into labor and then take two weeks off, unpaid of course. I have two weeks unpaid leave in my contract...I'll just be using it when I deliver.

Don't give up on your advertising, keep going and talk to everyone you know about your services....

Thank you, I will.

[moshimoshi]

What about reconsidering hours or days you are open? what about ages? what about offering after school care, drop ins, overnight or weekend? something to expand your clientele.

I have been thinking about changing my license to include school ages. I had an inquiry during spring break for two, but could not take them because I was not licensed for that age.

Do you know any other local providers? How is their enrollement?

I don't know any of the providers in my area personally, but judging by their craigslist ads, they appear to have openings.

[Nickel]

I'm so afraid this will happen to me when I open. I've been scoping out other provider's adds to see what they do. I've seen some really awful adds too, like will take any child any age any hour! And then they don't provide much other information. To me that comes off as desperate and doesn't provide me enough information. I always look at an add like would I want to send my child there? The best ads I've seen on CL and other places had pictures of the child care area and included things like cpr certified, license number, weekly rate, ages accepted and what they offer. Maybe take an objective look at your ad? It could be an awsome ad, idk, but it never hurts to take a fresh look. Maybe??? Just a suggestion from a newbie. idk anything

[moshimoshi]

I'm so afraid this will happen to me when I open. I've been scoping out other provider's adds to see what they do. I've seen some really awful adds too, like will take any child any age any hour! And then they don't provide much other information. To me that comes off as desperate and doesn't provide me enough information. I always look at an add like would I want to send my child there? The best ads I've seen on CL and other places had pictures of the child care area and included things like cpr certified, license number, weekly rate, ages accepted and what they offer. Maybe take an objective look at your ad? It could be an awsome ad, idk, but it never hurts to take a fresh look. Maybe??? Just a suggestion from a newbie. idk anything

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to go back and look at my ad and check out other ads and see what improvements I can make. Good luck in your business venture!

[Ryan D]

Keep you head up.

[moshimoshi]

Thank you Ryan D

[Kiki]

Have you tried Care.Com? Most of the parents there are looking for nannies, or young people they can pay nickles to, but I've found a few gems there.

If that is still a no go, I agree with other posters, get known well, and if you must, lower your prices a tad to see if you can get someone in. I am fairly new in my area too, but have made it a point to go to as many neighborhood events that I can, and to get to know as many of my neighbors with kids so they can pass the word down the grapevine.

[countrymom]

well, today dcm came in and told me that dcg will be attending a preschool program for 2 days a week in the fall. That and I lose 3 part time kids in the fall due to school. No one is calling. I mean for months no one has called. I live in the county, my back up lady lives in the city and she is running into the same problem. Were are all the kids. I'm making a new sign to hang infront of my house and I'm changing around my daycare room. but I have no idea what is going on.

[Blackcat31]

In most cases, it really has nothing to do with you or your hours, program or stuff you offer in my personal opinion.

I simply think in general people are learing to downsize costs and will find family members or friends to swap serivces with in order to provide care for their children.

In this economy people are finding hundreds of ways to save money and I think it is great but it does have a severe impact on child care providers.

I also think that the trends in ECE are moving towards free or governement subsidized preschool at earlier and earlier ages so many children are enrolled in those types of programs and aren't needing daycare services.

I honestly believe that the "home child care provider" we all see now will no longer exist (or atleast not as many as we see now) in the next 2 decades.

I have been in this business for 20 years (plus 5 years in Head Start prior to running a child care) and this business has changed tremendously in those 2 decades that I fully believe it will undergo just as many dramatic changes in the next 2 decades.

Many states are adopting (or have already) the star rating systems and this to me means that states are requiring (or atleast rewarding) providers who are educated and highly trained in the field. I think this is a good concept but has a huge impact on stay at home moms who are running a service out of their homes and not looking to become a licensed or degreed teacher.

I think that state standards are changing every day. Our state is now pushing for more training hours and smaller caregiver to child ratios. Some states have super high fees for licensing and insurance rates and requirements.

Anyways, sorry to get off topic but my point was/is that sometimes not having any response to your advertising or any families looking to enroll doesnt mean it is you the provider but more that families are learning to become more self sufficient from within their own family/friend units and aren't searching out child care.

Just keep advertising and keep the faith. I know there are families and kids out there who still need services, you just have to be patient. Hang in there.

[EchoMom]

Are you open to infants? Are you not even getting calls for newborns? In my area it's harder to fill the over 2year old spots, but demand for newborns and little babies is OVERWHELMING! Maybe make your ads directly specify that you have openings for newborns?

[Springdaze]

I would say if you arent getting calls, it must be advertising firstly. I am having the same problem, just not getting calls. they know nothing about my program except what I offer, so it cant be my prices or my "facility".

[Blackcat31]

I would say if you arent getting calls, it must be advertising firstly. I am having the same problem, just not getting calls. they know nothing about my program except what I offer, so it cant be my prices or my "facility".

Why would you think that because you aren't getting calls that it must be the advertising? Maybe there are just not many families in your area needing care.

OP said that other providers in her area are advertising too so apparently there are a lot more providers than there are kids needing care.

I don't think that it is how you are advertising..... unless everyone but you is getting calls and new kids.