What Makes Your Daycare Stand Out?
I read an email the other day and was really taken aback by the author's view of how parents select daycare. It seems she, a home daycare owner, feels that parents flock (in packs and herds no less) to daycare facilities that have well-groomed, fancy exteriors and the latest equipment, even though, she also assumes, these daycares are plagued by the same problems other centres face.
She also said in effect, that parents simply go where the Jones' go rather than make their own decisions. Having dealt with parents for over 25 years in the field, I can tell you most often this is simply not the case.
Yes, parents use word of mouth when searching for care. If a neighbour tells them the daycare down the block has all the latest and coolest toys and equipment, she is most likely also telling them that their child loves it there. Parents don't recommend a daycare they are unhappy with. To assume that parents do not execute due diligence when selecting daycare is to also assume that parents simply don't care where they leave their child. Wow!
If a daycare offers programs others do not, good on them. They have done their research and looked into what programs will help the children and entertain them at the same time. They have found outside services that can be incorporated into their program and parents' love it. It all boils down to good business practices.
If a dayhome operator is fortunate enough to have a backyard pool and offers swimming lessons to the children via an instructor who is paid to come in and provide those lessons, right on. They are doing what it takes to offer a program others are not and that parents love and are willing to pay extra for.
In fact, I wrote an article for Source Magazine, Child Care and Schools about that very topic, titled: Increasing Enrollment.
Daycare operators large and small, if you can find a way to make your program stand out and it in no way compromises the integrity of your overall program, go for it. If parents and the children enjoy the special service or program, you've found a way to make your business successful. Looks to me like everyone wins.
- Other articles that might be of interest:
Boosting the Bottom Line by Adding Services for Busy Families
- Also visit our Learning Centre for a lot more articles on marketing your facility and selecting and monitoring your child care arrangements.
- Just starting your Child Care Business?
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