I'm Doomed!

[KIDZRMYBIZ]

I live just a few blocks from 2 big centers, and there are still 3 (down from 9) in-homes in my neighborhood, yet I am always full with a long waitlist.

IME, there are still lots of families out there that do not want their kids in massive groups, and want the siblings to spend the days together, but what it REALLY boils down to is money. I'm surprised someone hasn't mentioned that yet!

I don't charge even close to what the centers or even a 2-provider home daycare does, nor do I need to. That is the first thing a potential client is attracted to. Meeting me and seeing my program just seals the deal.

I'd find out what they are charging and make sure my rate is much better. And stay on friendly terms with the neighbor for those referrals. Who cares if you're not their first choice initially? Once they sign on, they'll be glad they did!

[midaycare]

Before I thought about doing home daycare myself, I had my son in daycare. I chose home daycare over centers. You couldn't have paid me to put him in a center. A lot of people feel this way.

[Blackcat31]

I don't see this a center vs home daycare problem.

There are LOTS of centers that are fantastic and come with high praises.

There are lots of centers with bad reviews.

There are lots of home daycares that are fantastic and come with high praises.

There are lots of home daycares with bad reviews.


I'm sorry but it infuriates me when people start making the comparisons between home care and center care.

There are just as many quality centers out there as there are home providers.

[Unregistered]

I agree, Black Cat, but I think many people do have a preference one way or the other.

[Blackcat31]

I agree, Black Cat, but I think many people do have a preference one way or the other.

True.
But that choice is simply a personal choice.
Like French Fries or Tator Tots.
Doesn't mean one is better than the other.
Just that YOU prefer one over the other.

Those that prefer center care aren't going to look at home daycares anyways so they would not have been potential clients for OP in the first place.

Same goes for those who prefer home care. They aren't going to be looking for center care so the fact that the OP's neighbor opened a center next door should really have no bearing on her business.

[craftymissbeth]

There are almost 40 daycares (only 3 are centers) in my small town of 13,000. Honestly, I don't consider any of them my "competition". They are, but we all offer different environments/policies/perks so I just keep doing what I'm doing and only do what's best for me, my family, and my dck's. Some of my "perks" are that I'm on the busiest street in town just half a block from the main gas station, my backyard is over 5,000 sq. ft., I only take ages 0-3 except in sibling sets, and I have a 250 sq. ft. Playroom that's totally baby/toddler friendly.

I think you should see how it affects your enrollment before you change anything about your program. You might just end up changing something that's important to a current or potential client, kwim? It also helps that centers generally charge much more than home daycares... so IMO it's good for you that just a few houses away is "cheaper" quality care.