Changing With The Economy...How Would You Feel?

[melilley]

All mine are 2.5 and under and when I opened in Jan of this year, I had 4 kids 20 months and under! I only take infants to 5 years not yet in kindy. I have only had one interview with and they had 3 year old and only around 2 more calls for around the age of three. I now have a waiting list for infants (I can only have 4 under 30 months and 2 of the 4 can be under 18 months). Seems like everyone needs infant care!
I would just tell them that due to the economy, you are now taking younger children. You have to do what's best for you! If they were in your shoes, they would almost definitely do the same!

[daycarediva]

I changed my ages from 2-5 to 18m-5. It isn't ideal, but it's all I am getting calls for now as well.

[Sugar Magnolia]

I used to be pretty strict about 18 months and over. I took the chance and enrolled some younger ones. It worked our fine! Now I am 12 months and over WITH THE ONLY RULE: Must be walking and able to self feed. If I had not lowered my ages, I'd only have 9 clients right now instead of 13. With the advent of free pre-kindergarten, I felt it was necessary. Most centers here don't take under 2 years, leaving a real void for care of 1-2 year old. A void I.was happy to fill. And profitable!

[daycare]

I used to be pretty strict about 18 months and over. I took the chance and enrolled some younger ones. It worked our fine! Now I am 12 months and over WITH THE ONLY RULE: Must be walking and able to self feed. If I had not lowered my ages, I'd only have 9 clients right now instead of 13. With the advent of free pre-kindergarten, I felt it was necessary. Most centers here don't take under 2 years, leaving a real void for care of 1-2 year old. A void I.was happy to fill. And profitable!

I have that same exact rule. Child must be able to walk and self feed.