No One Is Even Looking At My Center

[Miesele]

I started a center in MA, got licensed a month and a half ago. I have had very few visitors, and no enrollment. I am advertising everywhere. I have a website, facebook, twitter, brochures. Some days I just worry about this so much.
The other day, I heard about a daycare in the area closing all its' branches. They were all full. I contacted them to ask if they would give out my brochures to their families, and they agreed.
I don't know what else to do!!:confused: Please give me some advice.

[preschoolteacher]

Is your center in your home or elsewhere? If you don't mind sharing your website and facebook pages, I would read them and give you feedback.

[Brooksie]

Sounds to me like you're doing all the right things. I'm not sure about the demand for center based child care in your area but I definitely think having the closing center hand out your brochures was a good idea. Another good place to hand brochures is a busy day at the park, or during community events. Also, I would regularly run an ad in your local paper and try to make it stand out from the rest. Sometimes you can upgrade your ad to be a graphic design instead of just the basic in the classifieds. Good luck!

[MsLaura529]

I have been licensed (for my home daycare) for a month now, and still don't have any kids. It's very disheartening, but you just have to keep at it. (At least that's what I keep telling myself). I told my husband yesterday, "I'm going to be an awesome provider, once somebody gives me a chance!" It's so frustrating.

It sounds like you are doing all of the right things, advertising as much as possible, calling the other centers was a GREAT idea! I'm just now working on getting a paid ad in a local online newsleter (Macaroni Kid, I don't know if you have that in your area).

Good luck!

[Cradle2crayons]

Have you tried having an open house?? With planned activities and refreshments??

[Miesele]

The center is located in a residential structure, but is not my home. It has been a daycare center for many years, and very successful till the original owner sold it to an investor who ran it to the ground.
My website is www.sotelc.com, and you can find me on FB under Stars of Tomorrow ELC.

[sarahhardy2711]

How are the pictures on your website and ads are they showing your space and what you have to offer/. How to others advertise in your area? I think that local newspapers, lawn signs, library, church bulletins, word of mouth, plus everything else your doing is eventually going to get people in there.

[Miesele]

I have been licensed (for my home daycare) for a month now, and still don't have any kids. It's very disheartening, but you just have to keep at it. (At least that's what I keep telling myself). I told my husband yesterday, "I'm going to be an awesome provider, once somebody gives me a chance!" It's so frustrating.

It sounds like you are doing all of the right things, advertising as much as possible, calling the other centers was a GREAT idea! I'm just now working on getting a paid ad in a local online newsleter (Macaroni Kid, I don't know if you have that in your area).

Good luck!

MS.Laura, Thank you. Indeed, we will be fantastic providers once someone gives us a chance :-) Best of luck to you too, and keep me posted. I'll cross my fingers for us both!

[Miesele]

How are the pictures on your website and ads are they showing your space and what you have to offer/. How to others advertise in your area? I think that local newspapers, lawn signs, library, church bulletins, word of mouth, plus everything else your doing is eventually going to get people in there.

I have an ad in the local newspaper, brochures in every place in town (I'm right by the town center with quite a lot of foot traffic, but not the bad traffic!) Something's got to give?
I do have pics of the center on the website :-(

[Cradle2crayons]

How about putting up flyers at local pediatrician offices and apartments. Apartment complexes here have bulletin boards at the mailbox area.... Besides that and the open house I dunno.

[sarahhardy2711]

I have an ad in the local newspaper, brochures in every place in town (I'm right by the town center with quite a lot of foot traffic, but not the bad traffic!) Something's got to give?
I do have pics of the center on the website :-(

I saw your pictures and the space looks great. My only opinion is when I see a daycare that has no kids and looks like no ones enrolled it makes me wonder. Perhaps you could stage the space and take pictures. Just make it look a little warmer. Do you use pictures for online ads? That can really make a difference. Have you advertised under "new owner" just so people know? It looks like a great space and I'm sure you'll have clients, it might just take a little longer

[daycare]

Your website looks clean, easy to follow but the pictures you have posted make the place look like a ghost town.

Is it possible for you to borrow some kids and take pictures of them doing class time, crafts or activities and maybe get some art work on the walls?

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

It took me almost 3 months to get one kido when I restarted childcare three years ago and over 6 before I was full! Keep at it!!

[Miesele]

Thank you all for you input!
I will definitely get some children to engage in some activities, and take pictures of them for the website.
Thanks for the advice. I will keep you posted. Definitely not giving up!!

[Lyss]

The center is located in a residential structure, but is not my home. It has been a daycare center for many years, and very successful till the original owner sold it to an investor who ran it to the ground.
My website is www.sotelc.com, and you can find me on FB under Stars of Tomorrow ELC.

Are you using the same name of the facility as the one that was not successful? Definitely try some "under new management" or "new owner" signs like the pp suggested!

Your website looks clean, easy to follow but the pictures you have posted make the place look like a ghost town.

Is it possible for you to borrow some kids and take pictures of them doing class time, crafts or activities and maybe get some art work on the walls?

I agree. It looks like a great space but a little empty and bare. I'd put some art (from your kids, friends kids, have a craft station at open house maybe and put up what gets left behind...), stuff the cubbies with coat or extra clothes from your kids or friends kids... throw some toys on the tables/shelves...

I think it looks like a great place though, you'll have lots of fun there!