What Are The "Hot" Months For New Clients?

[mamac]

When do parents typically start looking for child care? Are there months that are better for getting new clients than others? I've been licensed (not open) since November and I only just started getting inquiries in March. I haven't been worried about not getting calls because I know a lot of them come from the referral agency that I haven't even registered with yet.

I am hoping to have a "grand opening" with my new space after the summer is over (September) and I'm wondering when I should start advertising for my spaces.

I am going to advertise pretty aggressively and I hope to list with CL, post flyers and brochures at local businesses, donate children's books to my pediatricians office and MFM office with my name, and print t-shirts for my boys to wear. I am also thinking of having an ad on a local radio station. As a last resort I will post a sign in front of my house to advertise. (I also have my own domain name but I have no idea ho to get my website up and running.)

Should I start now or wait until closer to my opening date? I'm not really looking to take a lot of calls that I will have to turn down if they are looking for immediate care but I also don't want to miss the "window of opportunity" for getting their interest either. :confused:

[blandino]

For us it seems that anytime around the holidays are super slow, I don't think people want to disrupt their routine around that time. And usually wait until the beginning of the new year to begin. I would say we get the most calls in spring & fall.

My neurotic memory can tell you when each of our current kiddos started with us, so you can see if there is any trend.

Jan:
Feb:3
March: 2
April: 2
May:
June: 2
July:
Aug: 3
Sept:
October: 1
November: 2
December:

[daycarediva]

I always get more calls in late spring/ early summer. It's just starting to pick up again around here.

[CrackerJacks]

In my area I get calls/inquiries right about now (spring) for peaoe looking for fall care. Although I will say, I do have several parents who start looking for care several months to a year before they actually need the care to start.

[bunnyslippers]

For me, it is usually right around now. I operate on a school year only schedule, so everyone is getting things in line for the school year.

[DaisyMamma]

December for beginning of the year start.
May for the beginning of summer start.
August for beginning of fall start.

[youretooloud]

I usually get my newbies in May and August.

[mamac]

For me, it is usually right around now. I operate on a school year only schedule, so everyone is getting things in line for the school year.

This is what I am thinking of doing. Do you specifically target teachers or are there other people who only need school year care?