6-4 Hours?

[daycarediva]

I am seriously considering reducing hours in the next month or two. I have been cleaning house as it is, so it would be an almost entire new group of kids if I made the switch.

I have been marketing specifically to 7-3 employees. (We have four major hospitals in driving distance, and a host of factories and shift type work). All allowed me to put up flyers, I have received 6 calls in the last two weeks, 4 led to interview, 1 new enrollment starting next week and 2 on my waiting list that want FT as soon as I have an opening.

I have 9 dcks (6 each day, 1 SA) 5 get picked up by 4. The last problem family is full time and a 6pm p/u (another reason I want to let them go). I WILL be letting them go as soon as my new dck settles in.

SA is 5:30 p/u and he is aging out (but if I had everyone switch over I would let him go). That leaves two with a late pickup schedule (5:30), and they ALTERNATE DAYS so each day I would remain open an additional 90 minutes for one kid. The ONE kid who would be left on my waiting list at this point wants FT and would replace both kids.

My concern is- the long term sustainability. Letting last two that alternate days are good kids from good families, so that isn't the easiest decision to make. It's very specific care and I will be limiting myself to clients as well. I didn't reduce my rates for it, but from what I hear, it's very hard to find someone who opens that early (earliest d/o is 6) but I am already up and showered. My kids are all up and getting ready, all SA so pretty independent.

[Sugar Magnolia]

That sounds like a great idea!! I get calls for 6am care.but can't accommodate them that early. I hope this works for you!:hug:

[CraftyMom]

I also shortened my hours recently and it worked out very well for me, I now open an hour later. It worked out that I didn't lose anyone over it, as the new hours fit for them. My only worry is that when someone leaves it may be harder to fill a spot with a later opening time. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it Enjoy your new hours! It was a stress reliever for me in one area

[Annalee]

I am seriously considering reducing hours in the next month or two. I have been cleaning house as it is, so it would be an almost entire new group of kids if I made the switch.

I have been marketing specifically to 7-3 employees. (We have four major hospitals in driving distance, and a host of factories and shift type work). All allowed me to put up flyers, I have received 6 calls in the last two weeks, 4 led to interview, 1 new enrollment starting next week and 2 on my waiting list that want FT as soon as I have an opening.

I have 9 dcks (6 each day, 1 SA) 5 get picked up by 4. The last problem family is full time and a 6pm p/u (another reason I want to let them go). I WILL be letting them go as soon as my new dck settles in.

SA is 5:30 p/u and he is aging out (but if I had everyone switch over I would let him go). That leaves two with a late pickup schedule (5:30), and they ALTERNATE DAYS so each day I would remain open an additional 90 minutes for one kid. The ONE kid who would be left on my waiting list at this point wants FT and would replace both kids.

My concern is- the long term sustainability. Letting last two that alternate days are good kids from good families, so that isn't the easiest decision to make. It's very specific care and I will be limiting myself to clients as well. I didn't reduce my rates for it, but from what I hear, it's very hard to find someone who opens that early (earliest d/o is 6) but I am already up and showered. My kids are all up and getting ready, all SA so pretty independent.

Sounds good to me! I open 6 - 4:30...I thought I would gradually have to change that to stay full, but it hasn't been an issue for many years.

[childcaremom]

My dream hours.

It sounds like you may have found a niche market with early hours. Not everyone is able to accomodate that so I think that will give you an edge moving forward, as well. If you've already gotten lots of calls just from the past few weeks I think it seems like there is a need for that.

I hope it all works out for you!

[CraftyMom]

I have been marketing specifically to 7-3 employees. (We have four major hospitals in driving distance, and a host of factories and shift type work). All allowed me to put up flyers, I have received 6 calls in the last two weeks, 4 led to interview, 1 new enrollment starting next week and 2 on my waiting list that want FT as soon as I have an opening.

Hmmm good idea! I also live within minutes of 3 hospitals, never thought of that! Who did you ask and where did you hang flyers? Employee lounge? Main lobby?

[daycarediva]

Hmmm good idea! I also live within minutes of 3 hospitals, never thought of that! Who did you ask and where did you hang flyers? Employee lounge? Main lobby?

I asked the front desk. At the closest hospital, she directed me to each departments employee lounge area. I left flyers and business cards on their bulletin boards. I also donated a few books and puzzles to the waiting room in the pediatric department of each place (with a home printed sticker with my business name and logo).


The rest allowed me to leave them on the bulletin boards near the cafeteria and employee entrances.

SO worth a shot! I am SUPER excited about getting 10 hours/week back to myself! My kids come home at 3:30 and everyone would be leaving right after that! happyface

[e.j.]

My concern is- the long term sustainability. Letting last two that alternate days are good kids from good families, so that isn't the easiest decision to make. It's very specific care and I will be limiting myself to clients as well. I didn't reduce my rates for it, but from what I hear, it's very hard to find someone who opens that early (earliest d/o is 6) but I am already up and showered. My kids are all up and getting ready, all SA so pretty independent.

You may be surprised at how sustainable this can be for you. When my kids were young, I wanted them to have the house to themselves as much as possible so I planned my day care hours around their schedule. They didn't get onto the school bus until 8:50 and they got home at 4:00. My day care hours were 9-4. To this day, my husband tells me he can't believe I've managed to keep the day care as full as I have, especially given my hours. (I open earlier now at 7:30 but still close at 4:00 and don't work on Fridays.) I have a lot of part timers and will take drop-ins but it has worked for me for the past 17 or so years. I would think with 4 hospitals and lots of factories around you, you have a good shot at sustainability.