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Hey everyone. I am so frustrated and can't figure out why I haven't had any interest in my program. Am I just late in the game because everyone has already found daycare with school already starting? I have done everything as far as advertising...I mean everything. I only had one call for a part timer from my craigslist ad...she never called back for a visit. Not one call after that. Just can't figure it out. I wonder if it's cause I'm competing with the other providers in my area who've been around a long time?:confused:
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Does your CCR&R know you have openings?- Unless otherwise stated, all my posts are personal opinion and worth what you paid for them.
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Yes, Catherder....I registered with them a week and a half ago. My husband thinks that because I'm only taking 2-5 year olds that I'm being too picky, but I am worried about taking babies and then having preschoolers also enroll. I have read the many posts on here about that and opted to avoid the added stress. I just hope I start getting calls.Comment
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Preschoolers vs Infants....I think it depends on the individual. Me, I prefere under 2's. I also know that if I limited my ages like some have, I would not have any business. I tend to start the children as infants and have them till they go to school. I don't normally have turnover unless someone loses their job.Comment
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Things to try...
I have a church preschool in the area that does not provide daycare that will refer me. I also have a website with a blog and pictures of the daycare and have done all the free marketing with yahoo & google so that my name pops up when searching for daycare around my location. I also found a facebook page for my subdivision, where I can post openings/website. I actually have a waiting list and can be a little picky when it comes to full time vs. part-time & ages. Good Luck!Comment
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Maybe you could go to the local elementary schools and see if you can leave a flyer or your business cards with them so they can refer parents to you. I know a lot of parents ask the front desk for local daycare providers. Good luck!Comment
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I only do 2-5y and I'm only open 7-4:30 and it took me 6 months to get more than one. I had one right away for two days a week and then nothing for 4 months and then one more and then nothing for another few months then bam, 6interviews in 2 weeks and I enrolled the rest. But I can happily say a year later I have 6 full time and 1 part time kid.
I knew it would take awhile since I was limiting myself but it's been worth it. I'm not worn out from taking anyone and any age.
I also have a website with lots of info and photos and my childcare is set up as a preschool. I think that really helps.Comment
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I am also in CA and I cant get my spots filled either. Just like you I take only 2-5 yrs old. Actually 20 months to 5 yeawrs not in school.
I have had only very few calls over the 4 months that I have had spots to fill. They are still open, but I ended up taking on a 14 month old to fill the spot.
I had one lady who seemed very interested, but then flaked on the interview. I think that was the most action that I have had in almost 4 months
I have ads everywhere, fliers all over town, website, craigs list, fiji, daycare bear, here, ugh I know there are more, but i have not gotten anything.
However, I am also only private pay and do not take state asst. So I don't count those calls.....Comment
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I was trying to keep all my kids over 2, and had many openings for a long time. I finally took 4 infants that are now over age 2, and now I have calls all the time for babies. I figure they turn into older children and I love the infants, growing up in your care.
Is there a free preschool in your town? Are there alot of preschools?Comment
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I have had a provider down the street call me and ask me if I am getting calls for preschoolers. It took me about 10 months to get 3 preschoolers. When I first started I got 1 because the family moved to my area. The second preschooler started in my care when he was 17 months old. And the 3rd preschooler came because of a referral from one of my dc babies.
I learned that you have to grow your daycare. My first baby just turned 1 and is now in my toddler group
! It is fun watching them grow and this time next year I will have:
(2) 1 year olds
(1) 2 year old
(2) 3 year olds
(2) 4 year olds
I wanted toddler as well when I started but I quickly learned that it is hard to fill those spots so I started to "grow" my daycare.Comment
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this is exactly what I was going to say!I have had a provider down the street call me and ask me if I am getting calls for preschoolers. It took me about 10 months to get 3 preschoolers. When I first started I got 1 because the family moved to my area. The second preschooler started in my care when he was 17 months old. And the 3rd preschooler came because of a referral from one of my dc babies.
I learned that you have to grow your daycare. My first baby just turned 1 and is now in my toddler group! It is fun watching them grow and this time next year I will have:
(2) 1 year olds
(1) 2 year old
(2) 3 year olds
(2) 4 year olds
I wanted toddler as well when I started but I quickly learned that it is hard to fill those spots so I started to "grow" my daycare.
but didn't have time to do it.Comment
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