I Gave A Parent Notice And Now They Are Badmouthing My Daycare

[countrymom]

since you have been running for 23 yrs. maybe its time for a revamp of your program. I would take down your ad for about a week, let things calm down. But in the mean time, I would freshen up things around my house, like new colors, placement of furniture.

Also maybe change your daycare name (if possible) sometimes a change is good. Also, I dont charge a different rate for children, its one rate, and its 30 dollars a full day up to 9 hours. I'm in the middle of the rate, and thats fine.

[SilverSabre25]

since you have been running for 23 yrs. maybe its time for a revamp of your program. I would take down your ad for about a week, let things calm down. But in the mean time, I would freshen up things around my house, like new colors, placement of furniture.

Also maybe change your daycare name (if possible) sometimes a change is good. Also, I dont charge a different rate for children, its one rate, and its 30 dollars a full day up to 9 hours. I'm in the middle of the rate, and thats fine.

I like countrymom's suggestion. If you keep the name, what if you style things, "Grand RE-OPENING! Experienced caregiver with 25 years of childcare experience is pleased to announce her Grand Reopening!", etc.

[countrymom]

ok, I just went and read your ad. Oh, hunny please take it down, all of them. If you need help writing a new one, I would gladly help you.

also
your front yard doesn't look inviting. Yes I know that you play upfront (I have a front porch too) but it needs work, like, the grass needs to be cut and weed wacked. The bare spot needs to be fixed. If the kids are using it, then I would get rid of the grass and put peastones or artificial grass (ok if you have that kinda of money) get rid of those foam pieces, they breed mold and look cheap to me. I would add, pots of flowers (kids can help you water them) add some kids chairs and table of the porch. It needs color. I also think your sign looks blah, I would think something bright fun looking would draw people in, your sign looks stale.

on the inside, get rid of the pics. Your dogs look scarey (I don't like dogs), also you need to show the main floor. You don't need to hang things on the wall (I don't have anything) but it doesn't look kid friendly. Like where is a book case, or a kitchen center. Maybe even a different paint color on the wall.

like I said before, sometimes we just need to revamp our area and it will be better.

[countrymom]

I like countrymom's suggestion. If you keep the name, what if you style things, "Grand RE-OPENING! Experienced caregiver with 25 years of childcare experience is pleased to announce her Grand Reopening!", etc.

yes, that would be awesome (I didn't have enough coffee yet !)

[Cat Herder]

I know other daycare providers talk about me. They have even called me on three way to fuss at me for my rates. I appreciate someone letting me know that it happened to them, but I know the other providers are upset with me about my rates.

I really don't think that one or a few providers offering lower rates will make a difference overall on the whole of the daycare business.

My two cents Having lower rates does effect the other providers in their reimbursement rates. States take an average of the rates across a given county, then base those reimbursements on the median.

Remember the grading curve in school? You are the weak link in their eyes and are going to be their favorite target for a while. Keep your chin up, don't take it personal and raise your rates as soon as humanly possible. lovethis

As far as "toxic chemical available to kids"... I was hit with one of those for having a bottle of Johnson's Baby Oil by the bathtub when I ran to open the front door..... WITH a wet, freshly bathed & oiled infant in my arms.

It depends on the mood and personality of the licensor.... luckily "Mrs. Snotty McEscalade" was let go soon thereafter. Wonder who could have organized a campaign to file so many complaints on her...... :confused::confused:

Bottom line: Every provider I have ever known has had a terminated client badmouth them... If it has not happened to a few here yet.... just wait for it.

(FTR: I have never used craigslist.. )

[MotherNature]

I flagged 3 different ads. I agree with the others about your personal ad though. It seems overly wordy. Keep it concise, highlight the good points & leave the details to interviews. Good luck!

[daycare]

I know that both BC and MV are really good at helping with website....

I looked at yours and what I did notice, is that you put tons of information about your curriculum, which was great, but it is not on your website. I would make my craigs list ad shorter, directing them to your website.

Have you ever heard of SMORE.com check it out. It will help you make a very professional FREE ad for your craigs list ads. I love it. It even keeps track of the people that visit your ad/site.

I am no expert, but if you would like some help with your website, I would love to help you. PM me if you want to see mine....

Hope that you are feeling better today.....:hug:

[LaLa1923]

I know that both BC and MV are really good at helping with website....

I looked at yours and what I did notice, is that you put tons of information about your curriculum, which was great, but it is not on your website. I would make my craigs list ad shorter, directing them to your website.

Have you ever heard of SMORE.com check it out. It will help you make a very professional FREE ad for your craigs list ads. I love it. It even keeps track of the people that visit your ad/site.

I am no expert, but if you would like some help with your website, I would love to help you. PM me if you want to see mine....

Hope that you are feeling better today.....:hug:

I pmed u a while ago!!! I'd love to see it. I need a website

[Memc2001]

What a**holes. I will flag it. Tell me where to go!

[sleepinghart]

~Hi permanentvacation ! I'm just wondering, only if you don't mind my asking that is, when did you start getting the angry/unnecessary phone calls from these other providers? Also, were you full before having to take-off to have surgery- and were you satisfied/happy with the way things were going with your daycare before you had to take those few months off.....Basically all was well before then? I hope things continue to go extremely well for you!

lovethislovethis

[Angelsj]

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/kid/4133040561.html

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/kid/4136148642.html

It changes

$50 week and YOU provide diapers (the OP)?? Can I hire you?

[melilley]

I agree with pp's who said to make your cl ad shorter and put a link to your website. Also a lot is two words not one, I notice that you put alot instead . I would also put more pics on your website highlighting your daycare. (I can't talk, I just looked at my website and I have pics with snow on the ground from last winter! I don't look at my site too often. )

As for having the dog at daycare, I have an 85 lb lab and all of my dc parents love him. Some even considered getting a dog after meeting mine. Like you said, some families will fine with it, others not, but then they're really not the right fit if they don't accept my dog.

[Sugar Magnolia]

ok, I just went and read your ad. Oh, hunny please take it down, all of them. If you need help writing a new one, I would gladly help you.

also
your front yard doesn't look inviting. Yes I know that you play upfront (I have a front porch too) but it needs work, like, the grass needs to be cut and weed wacked. The bare spot needs to be fixed. If the kids are using it, then I would get rid of the grass and put peastones or artificial grass (ok if you have that kinda of money) get rid of those foam pieces, they breed mold and look cheap to me. I would add, pots of flowers (kids can help you water them) add some kids chairs and table of the porch. It needs color. I also think your sign looks blah, I would think something bright fun looking would draw people in, your sign looks stale.

on the inside, get rid of the pics. Your dogs look scarey (I don't like dogs), also you need to show the main floor. You don't need to hang things on the wall (I don't have anything) but it doesn't look kid friendly. Like where is a book case, or a kitchen center. Maybe even a different paint color on the wall.

like I said before, sometimes we just need to revamp ou:hug:r area and it will be better.

Permantvaca,
This is hands down the BEST reply on the thread.
You need to revamp the space, the photos are absolutely unappealing. Is that your entire outside space? The outside needs a major facelift. Your space has great potential, and I bet many of us would love to help.

You only have one child enrolled right now? How old is he/she? A three to five year old child would make an EXCELLENT consultant. I constantly seek the input of my kids in room arrangement, toy selection, etc. I do think the walls need color and decor. The kids art work can be displayed easily. I use magnetic strips and magnetic clips for that. I don't like the plastic.drawers to store toys, open low shelves are way better for ease of.access. I also don't like the dogs shown on the sofa, its kinda gross if kids use that sofa too. I would mention dogs in your ad, I'm sure they are nice, but the photo is detrimental.
YOU CAN BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR PROGRAM! You need to let the past go and focus on the future. Those people with the bashing, forget about them, karma has a way of.dealing with them. Mean people ****. Put all your focus on improving your space and new photos and ads. Best wishes and hugs!!

[Sugar Magnolia]

I know that both BC and MV are really good at helping with website....

I looked at yours and what I did notice, is that you put tons of information about your curriculum, which was great, but it is not on your website. I would make my craigs list ad shorter, directing them to your website.

Have you ever heard of SMORE.com check it out. It will help you make a very professional FREE ad for your craigs list ads. I love it. It even keeps track of the people that visit your ad/site.

I am no expert, but if you would like some help with your website, I would love to help you. PM me if you want to see mine....

Hope that you are feeling better today.....:hug:

..
Daycare, can you pm me your website too? I'll send you mine....

[daycare]

I pmed u a while ago!!! I'd love to see it. I need a website

weird, I did not get a PM from you.....