As competition in the childcare sector grows, new daycare programs must find ways to stand out from others. Whether trying to outshine other daycare centers or in-home care providers, you’ll have to offer the best to win over more parents and families.
Well-established daycares offer competitive rates, convenient hours, premium quality, unique programs, and services, plus perks like flexible payment options and sibling discounts. As a new daycare program, resources might be limited. Thinking futuristically, therefore, could be the answer.
Given this background, how can a new daycare program stand out and attract new clients?
5 Smart Daycare Tips on How to Target More Parents and Families for Enrollment
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Maintain impeccable cleanliness and safety
Safety is a top priority for parents. A clean environment for their children is pretty high on the list, as well. To attract these conscientious parents as new clients for your daycare, ensure that your business is well covered in terms of safety and cleanliness. Here are a few things to consider:
- Each child should have their own crib or cot and bedding.
- Follow the child-staff ratio guidelines (or go above and beyond).
- Give the toys a daily disinfectant spritz, make a schedule, and stick to it.
- Have a detailed emergency plan for serious or dangerous situations that may occur.
- Have clear procedures for allergies, to prevent illnesses or trips to the hospital.
- Keep cleaning products and medicines locked up.
- Keep stairwells gated, to avoid falls and/or serious accidents.
- Keep doors locked, and give the parents and staff a secret code that you change every so often for added security.
- Make sure all windows are shut, as curious children can be tempted to try to climb out.
- Ensure that your staff is trained in first aid and CPR, in the event it’s ever needed.
- Set up a separate area for infants to avoid over-eager toddler hugs.
- Take a walk around your space regularly, to check for and avoid any hazards.
- Wash those hands, people! Especially before mealtimes and after diaper duty.
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Attract and retain the best and brightest [staff]
As highlighted by Business Insider, the childcare industry is experiencing a dire staffing crisis. Even so, you can still attract, hire and retain the best daycare staff. How so?
Treat your staff like the superstars they are, by investing in their training and other resources. Show them support by:
- Being there for them when they need an extra hand.
- Building strong, supportive relationships with them.
- Giving them the recognition and rewards that they deserve for all their hard work. After all, most daycare workers are not paid enough, as noted by the New York Times.
- Having a staff appreciation day (or week!) to show them how much they mean to you.
- Keeping them in the loop on your vision, goals, and policies.
- Organizing some fun activities to keep work interesting and morale high.
Not only will doing these things make your staff feel appreciated, but the parents and families that visit your daycare will see it, too. Happy employees mean happy children. Happy children mean happy parents and families, which means a successful daycare business for you. So, give your team the appreciation that they deserve – and watch your enrollment numbers increase.
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It pays to be consistent with your daycare policies
As with any small business, maintaining a profitable business, growing your clientele, and balancing a home/work life can be challenging – stressful even. One way to achieve healthy work stress, protect your daycare program, and put parents at ease is by clearly outlining your policies. Keep a regularly updated parent handbook to set your childcare center apart from the competition. Have parents review and agree to the guidelines listed in your manual before enrolling.
Cover both state-mandated policies and your own unique policies in your handbook, including:
- Curriculum
- Emergency plans
- Feeding and nutrition
- Fees and payment
- Handling tough kids and situations
- Hours of operation and daily schedule
- Immunization requirements
- Parent communication
- Pick-up procedures (who’s allowed and how you verify identity)
- Program closings
- Safety and cleanliness
- Sick child policy
- Sleep time
Ensure your policies are based on research and can be clearly explained to parents. They’ll appreciate the thought you’ve put into running your center and feel confident entrusting you with their precious little ones.
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Create a well-thought-out curriculum
While in your care, parents want their children engaged, educated, exploring and entertained. So do you. To do so, keep them actively engaged and learning with well-thought-out daily schedules filled with play and exploration.
Stock up on age-appropriate toys and materials, and make sure to get those little ones outside for some fresh air and sunshine. And remember, balance is key – no need to overdo it with the activities, but a little planning goes a long way in keeping little minds and bodies happy and healthy. You’ll also get bonus points for documenting all their fun for proud parents to see!
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Your website is the online face of your daycare business
If your daycare doesn’t have a website, change that immediately. A website is crucial for making your business discoverable online, and it gives parents all of the information that they need to make informed decisions. Plus, having a website makes your daycare look more professional and trustworthy.
Your website should incorporate the following:
- Pricing and services that you offer
- Photos of your classrooms and a look at your amazing curriculum
- Details on your enrollment process, so that parents will know what to expect
- Contact information for parents to get in touch and ask questions
- All the things that make your daycare stand out from the rest, like the action-filled daycare calendar that you use, or the rave reviews from happy parents
One more thing: Parents want to know what their little ones have been doing during the time that they’re away from them. So, keep parents in the loop. Pick-up time is a great opportunity to show off their toddlers’ art projects. Give them to the parents in a special folder that they can take with them. And always, if parents have any questions or concerns, don’t brush them aside or be vague. Address them fully, and honestly and satisfy their curiosities or concerns.
Wrap-up
Want to entice parents to entrust you with their children? Give them peace of mind. Parents who are pleased with the top-notch care of their children will share that information with other parents, who will also share it with others. Follow these tips to make your daycare program shine, and watch as enrollment increases – and perhaps even soar!
About the Author
Sandra Chiu works as Director at LadyBug & Friends Daycare and Preschool.