How to word ads

[lizzlee]

Hi, everyone. I'm just getting started with my home childcare business. I advertised around the first of June on facebook and with a newspaper ad, with very little response, just one call actually and they didn't show for the interview. I'm getting ready to advertise in the newspaper again, and I could use any advice you all could give me. My last ad said "Immediate childcare openings in my home in the ........... area. I have over fifteen years experience teaching and caring for children along with a child development credential and training in early childhood education. I offer nutritious meals and snacks, lot of active play, and fun learning activities in a very small group." Then of course I listed my name and contact info.
I am in a rural area near a very small town, but I feel like there are people who need childcare because there are only three centers in our county and a handful of family childcare homes. I'm willing to do second shift and weekends, because our family is really needing me to be bringing in some income pretty soon. I have two teenagers that I homeschool, one of which is on the spectrum, and he really needs me home most of the time. I also have a 3 year old who I don't want to send to daycare/preschool for another year.
I really need to figure out how to make this work, and I would sure appreciate any advice on how to get clients. Sorry this is so long

[LysesKids]

Hi, everyone. I'm just getting started with my home childcare business. I advertised around the first of June on facebook and with a newspaper ad, with very little response, just one call actually and they didn't show for the interview. I'm getting ready to advertise in the newspaper again, and I could use any advice you all could give me. My last ad said "Immediate childcare openings in my home in the ........... area. I have over fifteen years experience teaching and caring for children along with a child development credential and training in early childhood education. I offer nutritious meals and snacks, lot of active play, and fun learning activities in a very small group." Then of course I listed my name and contact info.
I am in a rural area near a very small town, but I feel like there are people who need childcare because there are only three centers in our county and a handful of family childcare homes. I'm willing to do second shift and weekends, because our family is really needing me to be bringing in some income pretty soon. I have two teenagers that I homeschool, one of which is on the spectrum, and he really needs me home most of the time. I also have a 3 year old who I don't want to send to daycare/preschool for another year.
I really need to figure out how to make this work, and I would sure appreciate any advice on how to get clients. Sorry this is so long

What part of TN do you live in? I'm in Blount Co. My saving Grace is I live smaller town but close to a Major Hwy

I've discovered a lot of childcare homes in TN post on CraigList; it's how I got many of my parents, I also posted flyers where I could & hooked up to baby stores/birthing centers ( I do infants only). Question, is there an actual need for 2nd shift in your area (Hospital workers /Manufacturing etc) - I'm asking because I homeschooled my kids & offered 2 shifts & almost burned out by year 3 because my kids never got private time with me and I never got a break for "me time".

It can take months to even get 4 kids (I'm assuming you are running legally license exempt) And do you know that you can still take vouchers & be on the Food program? Subsidy won't pay near what licensed homes get, but if it's needed in your area it's a thought. I also have a website... just a thought

[Thriftylady]

I opened a year ago in a very tiny town. I am between two bigger towns (10 miles each way where people do commute). In a year, I have 2 kiddos and one of them is temporary. How is the economy in your area? We have a lot of people on state daycare here, and I don't accept it.

[lizzlee]

LysesKids: I'm in Fentress County, second or third poorest county in the state . I feel like there is a need for 2nd shift, we have a hospital, nursing home, and a few factories that do shift work. I'm not crazy about that option, I may not advertise that until later. Yes, I do plan to run legally license exempt. I don't want to have more than 3 or 4 kids in addition to my 3 year old. I did know about the food program, but not about being able to take vouchers, I need to check into that. Do you have to register with some sort of agency to take them? Thanks for the idea about flyers, I'll definitely try that!

Thriftylady: The economy is very poor here. The majority of people leave the county to work. Thanks for responding!

[LysesKids]

LysesKids: I'm in Fentress County, second or third poorest county in the state . I feel like there is a need for 2nd shift, we have a hospital, nursing home, and a few factories that do shift work. I'm not crazy about that option, I may not advertise that until later. Yes, I do plan to run legally license exempt. I don't want to have more than 3 or 4 kids in addition to my 3 year old. I did know about the food program, but not about being able to take vouchers, I need to check into that. Do you have to register with some sort of agency to take them? Thanks for the idea about flyers, I'll definitely try that!

Thriftylady: The economy is very poor here. The majority of people leave the county to work. Thanks for responding!

Yeah Fentress Co would only pay you 53 a week ( at most) for an infant & it goes down the older the kids get... parents would have to pay the difference for subsidy & what you actually charge; pain in the tush to get the pay - I stopped offering it because most the moms that qualified ended up going to the centers because state tends to pay more to them so moms pay out less, however since centers can only run 12 hrs, they can't do 2nd shift - that might be your spin if you decide to take subsidy.

Parents have to take all your info to their families first worker (including your social security #) and then DHS will set up a time to come out & make sure your home qualifies under state rules ( inspection)... food program has a checklist they go thru also if you are License exempt. You might want to do a small website because my parents tell me that the info on mine is part of why they chose me.