Where Are The Kids?

[mismatchedsocks]

Just keep at it. Sometimes it takes a while, sometimes you can be full right away. Just a hint, offer something that no one else does, what does your program offer that no one else offers? What is one thing you think puts you above the others. Imagine you are looking for daycare, what would you need to know before even calling, just from reading ad?

Here from the surveys I asked my current families they worry about safety, hours, flexibility. So I make sure to mention in my ad my yard is fenced in, my driveway is fenced in, I am flexible with starting and ending hours, and will send emails or texts throughout the day if they want that. I also have a website that offers an overall of my program, some pictures of toys, kids, and activities that we do.

[PitterPatter]

I have used flyers (WIC sites, clinics, schools, grocery stores, laudro-mats, college bulletin boards, YMCA's, apartments lobbies, etc)

I have sent out advertising postcards using bulk mail rates (mailing lists were from ECE classlists, WIC receiptiants, Social Services etc)

I have also given current clients discounts for referring a new client.

I have donated T-shirts with my logo to area fundreaisers as door prizes and drawing gifts.

I have partnered up with friends who sell Party-lite, Avon, Tupperware, Scentsy and other things for then to hand out my flyers and give my T-s away as party gifts.

I've even done an open house in the past with some success. My provider friend does a neighborhood funhouse party where she rents a bouncy castle, sets up party type games on the lawn, cooks free hotdogs and cotton candy and throws a block party to basically advertise her business. She does it every year on the first day of summer. It is tax deductible and fun for everyone!

I also have a large fence banner and yard signs that I put randomly around town like garage sale signs. (I move them to new locations that coordinate with community events)

My current daycare parents also sport window clings for me.

Can I ask where you have your shirts made? I have been wanting to do this but can't find a proce range in my budget. Thanks!

[MommyMuffin]

Can I ask where you have your shirts made? I have been wanting to do this but can't find a proce range in my budget. Thanks!

I made a shirt on vistaprint, it was really cheap

[Mommy2One]

Here I am! Here I am!

I have the opposite problem – I’m a parent that can’t find a daycare provider! I hope you don’t mind that I’m posting here but I thought a view from the other side might be helpful.

I discovered this site when I was going Google crazy trying to find other resources besides Craigslist and I’ve ended up reading a lot of the forums and learning a lot. Reading about all of your daily activities and drooling over your nutritious menus in the recipe section has made me realize just how much the SAHMs that we’ve interviewed in our area are lacking. We have plenty of “I can care for my child so I can open a daycare to make a few bucks” types but I haven’t had much luck finding an in-home, organized, reliable, professional care provider in our area.

I don’t know if I’m a typical parent, but I wouldn’t see most of the places mentioned here (but now I know I need to be on the lookout for them!) My coworkers commute from other parts of town (on average about an hour away from where my family lives, we all kind of meet in the middle). One set of friends lives an hour and a half away, the other sends their daughter to a national chain. We don’t attend church and don’t have any kids in school. We’re not on WIC so I wouldn’t see flyers there or get mailings from their list. I’ve never seen an area for flyers at my local stores but I’ll keep looking for them and I’ll be sure to check the next time we’re at the pediatrician.

As a parent who is, admittedly, somewhat adrift from the community I live in, I would recommend being Internet searchable. I think the suggestions for a website that comes up on a Google search are great ones. On your website I would love to see your qualifications and reason for choosing this profession, pictures of the kids play area, sample menus, a description of a typical day and testimonials/reviews from current/past parents. I would also try Craigslist – it’s free, very area specific and an ad doesn’t take long to create.

It’s my first post so please be gentle!

[Blackcat31]

Can I ask where you have your shirts made? I have been wanting to do this but can't find a proce range in my budget. Thanks!

I actually did them myself. I scanned and my logo and then made edits using Microsoft Word and then printed it out on the iron on transfer paper and then ironed on my own T's.

I looked at Vistaprint but they only have big boxy T's and I prefer the girl fit. I also looked at Cafe Press. The are expensive but cute though!

[mismatchedsocks]

http://www.koalateekidswear.com/

I have mine made up from here. I have bright blue shirt with white handprints and my daycare name and phone number printed on it. We love them, and I keep them here so its easier for the kids to not worry about what days to bring them. I got Kids XS ( fits babies up to age 3ish) then I got some kids small. I even asked my daycare parents if they wanted some and they ordered some too.

I got myself 5 of them all different colors, and use the Non blue one on regular days. So its my uniform!

[TBird]

I actually did them myself. I scanned and my logo and then made edits using Microsoft Word and then printed it out on the iron on transfer paper and then ironed on my own T's.

I looked at Vistaprint but they only have big boxy T's and I prefer the girl fit. I also looked at Cafe Press. The are expensive but cute though!

Actually Vista Print has a woman's T now! It's more expensive than the boxy-looking one but it's there!

[Blackcat31]

Actually Vista Print has a woman's T now! It's more expensive than the boxy-looking one but it's there!

Cool! I will have to check it out. Thanks!