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Just curious how long it usually takes providers to fill spots? I have had to term 2 kids over the last few months for a few different reasons and it seems to take about 2-4 weeks to fill the spots. I have a website, list on craigslist and have also found clients on care.com, but I'm just wondering if that is pretty average length of time.
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I am sorry you are having to stress over filling spaces. I know it can be hard.
I think how long it takes a provider to fill spaces is so different due to area, length of time in the business, type of program etc etc....way too many variables to give you a good idea of how long it will take YOU. kwim?
I have personally been in this business for two decades and haven't had to advertise in years. I rarely have open spaces and when I do, I have a waitlist of families to choose from.
In my case, it has more to do with the fact that I am etablished and have a reputation in my area as I know plenty of new providers in my community that are struggling to fill spaces so....
Hang in there and just keep doing anything and everything to get your name out there. Attend community fuctions, talk with people, hand your card out to EVERYONE, post flyers and spread the word!
Wishing you luck in filling your spaces quickly!
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My area has amazing programs and I'm the only 5 star home so I feel great about my program - just seems like it takes time because the area rates are high and my rate is competitive but still in the ball park of centers etc. I offer organic healthy foods and extra specialty classes etc so my rate is very fair.Comment
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I've had it go either way. One time I filled the spot before the last child even left. When I first opened it took 5 months to get my first 2 families in! Right now, I've been advertising since a bit after Christmas (maybe the 26 or 27th?) and haven't enrolled yet. I hope today my interview results an an enrollment though.Comment
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Oh and if you offer strictly organic food, advertise it! Put it on a flyer and hang it at the all natural/organic grocery stores! I had a friend who was all organic and she was always full because she was really close with the organic store employees so she got tons of referrals that way!Comment
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Wow consider yourself lucky. I have had 1 spot open since JULY. I have spent close to $1000 advertising on google with maybe only a few phone calls.
I think it has a lot to do with your area and the economy. I thought that when the economy got better I would get more clients.
Nope. What happened where I live is the economy did get so much better that mom or dad could afford to stay home. Also in my area it's very TRENDY to have a Nanny that lives in. I hope Nanny can teach these kids to prep for school.
I have myself on every online listing possible. Plus Craig's list.
I usually get clients from word of mouth..
Which also has not been happening. But I'm ok with that too. Last referral that I was given my current DCM was upset I didn't enroll them and was going to leave because of it. The referral she gave me was super wishy washy.
Be patient and the right family will come along.Comment
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That is great idea! Thank you! We are organic with minimal processed foods and also a green program in terms of no paper towels and safe cleaning products etc. All of my families eat and live like that so its a very good group. I will talk with my local stores there is one that I have in mind.Comment
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It depends on the area and the demand for childcare and what age groups you are accepting.
It can take me one day to fill a spot or several months. It just depends.Comment
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This is me. I've had years where I've had no openings and waitlists, I've had years where I had one opening (2 and up) but couldn't really get anyone (that was a good fit). In October I had to let go of one family (3 kids
) And had their spots filled before they lefthappyface But I will have one child leaving at the end of June (parents are teachers) and off to K in the Fall - I am stressing about getting his spot filled.
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