How Often Do Your Numbers Change?

[Christina72684]

I feel like this is a constantly changing business. We had low numbers and then got more and more to the point we were full. Then we lost 2 full timers, a part timer, and were starting to get worried again. Then today we a phone call for 3 of our kids from the summer to come back (2 FT and an AS), and then a few hours later a family with 3 AS wants to start. Now I'm worried because I might have to hire another PT worker, but I could REALLY use the help with the AS so I'm okay with it.

Do most places change up and down like this? It always worries me when we lose someone (usually its because of a job change), but makes me feel good when we get more

[WImom]

I never used to but this year I have been up and down. I usually lose most in the fall when they go off to all day K4 and K5.

[TwinKristi]

Oy! This is the only part I wasn't really anticipating. I went from empty to full to empty again and now I'm starting to get more calls and interviews again. I've had more calls and interviews this month than I had all last year! I only had 1 FT and 1 AS and was really stressing but just picked up another FT! Whew! Hoping that I can fill this last spot eventually and I'll be golden! It was quite a loss in income very quickly and right before the holidays!

[daycarediva]

I am pretty steady. I replaced a lot of kids this year (termed a bunch). For the most part, my clients have remained long term. Since opening here/moving (full at opening) I have never had more than one space open at a time.

I always advertise and interview FOR my waiting list though. I never stop interviewing and ALWAYS take an interview if I can get one.

[coolconfidentme]

I termed a bunch of parents & lost a few right after. I took a big step back & started interviewing for quality parents who worked with me, not against me. It's a slow road in the right direction. Now I have 100% of my parents thank me for taking good care of their child! lovethis

[Maria2013]

I feel like this is a constantly changing business. We had low numbers and then got more and more to the point we were full. Then we lost 2 full timers, a part timer, and were starting to get worried again. Then today we a phone call for 3 of our kids from the summer to come back (2 FT and an AS), and then a few hours later a family with 3 AS wants to start. Now I'm worried because I might have to hire another PT worker, but I could REALLY use the help with the AS so I'm okay with it.

Do most places change up and down like this? It always worries me when we lose someone (usually its because of a job change), but makes me feel good when we get more

I usually lose kids to kindergarten and replace them with infants so I'm covered for a few years....I have ran into the one opening I couldn't fill, due to either picky-ness (on my part) or age ratio but it's usually temporary and gets taking care of as soon as I can take the next infant, so I've been pretty lucky

[originalkat]

I am usually steady in my numbers until August of each year when I lose kids to KG. I re-enroll with kids that fit into what I am looking for the next school year. Each August I have 3-4 openings and fill them from my waiting list typically.

[Blackcat31]

I usually have 2 or 3 kids age out in June in preparation for Kindy. Some stay until right before school starts though.

I usually fill the spaces pretty quickly and if worse came to worse could always start accepting infants from new families but haven't had to yet.

I have a couple months every so often (usually summer) where actual attendance is low because I have several teacher families. They still pay for their space so even though attendance is down, the paycheck doesn't feel it.

It seems that there are slow years and crazy years and the pattern seems to have no rhyme or reason, it's just that way for all providers in my area.

Right now we seem to be in a busy season as the number of new providers opening up is crazy. Few make it past the first 2-3 years though.

I am grateful though to have been in the business long enough that I don't have to advertise and I don't have to worry about filling spaces as my wait list has grown over the years.

[Cat Herder]

Normally I have a huge turnover about every 3-4 years as they head off to Pre-K. I only enroll newborns. My wait list is mostly TTC families these days....

Our K-3 and Pre-K was lottery based (one opening per 10 kids was last estimate) and in previous years most of my kids made the cut.

This year none of them did, because they added a "financial need" hoop to the aplication (just like the college scholarship funds ) and went to half days.

I had to make emergency changes and offer a full Preschool Program (unfunded ) to meet the kids needs.

For the first time in the history of my daycare I will be throwing 5th and 6th Birthday Parties.

Times are changing.... I am trying to keep up.

[_Dana_]

I always advertise and interview FOR my waiting list though. I never stop interviewing and ALWAYS take an interview if I can get one.

Diva,

This sounds like smart planning and marketing. What wording do you use in your advertising? Do you say something like "always accepting applications for waiting list" or something to that effect?

[Blackcat31]

I always advertise and interview FOR my waiting list though. I never stop interviewing and ALWAYS take an interview if I can get one.

Yep. Things change faster in the daycare world than the weather does so ALWAYS ALWAYS interview.

I have two next week. I am full and have a waitlist but I still ALWAYS interview interested families.

Makes the transition when things happen unexpectedly much easier to sail through.
Leaves very few "trying times" for you to endure.

Plus, it is GREAT to keep your name/business out there for others to be always talking about.

[childcaremom]

Yep. Things change faster in the daycare world than the weather does so ALWAYS ALWAYS interview.

I have two next week. I am full and have a waitlist but I still ALWAYS interview interested families.

Makes the transition when things happen unexpectedly much easier to sail through.
Leaves very few "trying times" for you to endure.

Plus, it is GREAT to keep your name/business out there for others to be always talking about.

So do you tell them that you are full when you are interviewing? Or do you tell them that they are going on a waitlist?

I, too, think this is a good idea. As much as I hate interviewing, I hate having unexpected openings.

As for the original question, I have fluctuated a lot this past year. I think it's just the nature of the business but it can be frustrating.