Calling for Infant Spots Months in Advance

[Claraskids]

Hey Clara

Remember the old song "Don't Worry - Be Happy" well if the phone is ringing with folks inquiring about spots -- Be Happy!

Thank you so much for the smile this morning!

Ironically, the calls are still coming in for infants for this fall; but one of my current infants just gave two weeks notice due to dad losing his job. Advertising like crazy to fill that immediate spot... couple of interviews already set up.. fingers crossed.
I do emphasize to prospective parents that I am a infant/toddler focused daycare, not a preschool. Preschools are a dime a dozen here, infant care is not.
So appreciate everyone's advice and suggestions. Taking it all in and working on my own version of wait list/deposits/etc. Don't know what I would do with out all you knowledgeable providers here :hug:

[thrivingchildcarecom]

I actually have what I call a Pre-Enrollment Program (PEP) that I created out of the need in my community to lock down an infant spot months (sometimes several) in advance. I agree with you that the closer to the actual care date is optimal, but with a shortage of infant spots many parents don't want to have to search and settle if they wait too long.

Hence the birth of the PEP program. We accept pre-enrollments 3-6 months prior to the child care need. I even had a parent pay the full tuition each month until they actually used the spot. I thought that was a bit much so I amended it to charge only $100 a month to hold the spot. Last year I amended that to charge a fee equal to one weeks tuition for each month we hold the spot. So if your infant tuition is $175/w the parent would need to pay $175 for each month you hold the spot for them. It is still way less than the full tuition that you would be receiving should a parent enroll in the spot tomorrow. Which, by the way, is what I inform the parents at the tour. Also, the PEP (holding) fee does not go toward the tuition and is forfeited if the family ultimately does not enroll.

One way I make this work without loosing too much $$$ waiting for a spot to actually be occupied is to anticipate the open spots. So for instance, in CA a child is an infant until 24 months. I anticipate the children that will be turning 2 yrs old 3-6 months in advance and begin advertising for that infant spot way in advance so that I can hopefully pull in that expectant or new parent to pre-enroll for the spot.

If you would like more details of how I work my PEP program, just send me a PM with your email and I would be happy to share.

[Unregistered]

I do the same, but 50% of the weekly fee, plus two weeks plus enrollment fee. Mine is all part of my contract. My group is generally stable for years at a time, so I anticipate openings and fill in advance.

I actually have what I call a Pre-Enrollment Program (PEP) that I created out of the need in my community to lock down an infant spot months (sometimes several) in advance. I agree with you that the closer to the actual care date is optimal, but with a shortage of infant spots many parents don't want to have to search and settle if they wait too long.

Hence the birth of the PEP program. We accept pre-enrollments 3-6 months prior to the child care need. I even had a parent pay the full tuition each month until they actually used the spot. I thought that was a bit much so I amended it to charge only $100 a month to hold the spot. Last year I amended that to charge a fee equal to one weeks tuition for each month we hold the spot. So if your infant tuition is $175/w the parent would need to pay $175 for each month you hold the spot for them. It is still way less than the full tuition that you would be receiving should a parent enroll in the spot tomorrow. Which, by the way, is what I inform the parents at the tour. Also, the PEP (holding) fee does not go toward the tuition and is forfeited if the family ultimately does not enroll.

One way I make this work without loosing too much $$$ waiting for a spot to actually be occupied is to anticipate the open spots. So for instance, in CA a child is an infant until 24 months. I anticipate the children that will be turning 2 yrs old 3-6 months in advance and begin advertising for that infant spot way in advance so that I can hopefully pull in that expectant or new parent to pre-enroll for the spot.

If you would like more details of how I work my PEP program, just send me a PM with your email and I would be happy to share.

[Nisaryn]

I actually have what I call a Pre-Enrollment Program (PEP) that I created out of the need in my community to lock down an infant spot months (sometimes several) in advance. I agree with you that the closer to the actual care date is optimal, but with a shortage of infant spots many parents don't want to have to search and settle if they wait too long.

Hence the birth of the PEP program. We accept pre-enrollments 3-6 months prior to the child care need. I even had a parent pay the full tuition each month until they actually used the spot. I thought that was a bit much so I amended it to charge only $100 a month to hold the spot. Last year I amended that to charge a fee equal to one weeks tuition for each month we hold the spot. So if your infant tuition is $175/w the parent would need to pay $175 for each month you hold the spot for them. It is still way less than the full tuition that you would be receiving should a parent enroll in the spot tomorrow. Which, by the way, is what I inform the parents at the tour. Also, the PEP (holding) fee does not go toward the tuition and is forfeited if the family ultimately does not enroll.

One way I make this work without loosing too much $$$ waiting for a spot to actually be occupied is to anticipate the open spots. So for instance, in CA a child is an infant until 24 months. I anticipate the children that will be turning 2 yrs old 3-6 months in advance and begin advertising for that infant spot way in advance so that I can hopefully pull in that expectant or new parent to pre-enroll for the spot.

If you would like more details of how I work my PEP program, just send me a PM with your email and I would be happy to share.

See I would LOVE to do this!!! This is great idea, for me it probably wouldn't work out right now. My oldest DCK only just turned 1yr so they would be paying to hold for an entire year! Once he is a bit older thought I am totally going to try this though! Great idea!happyface