Still no daycare children ... not even a call or email?

[dayna142]

I don't get it ... I put up my ads just over 2 weeks ago and I still have not received one phone call or email :no: I'm so excited to work with children and I know I have to be patient but I thought I would have at least a call or email by now.... ? Is it normal not to any reply's yet? Thanks

[bright sparks]

Where are you advertising?

[dayna142]

I'm on here, Kijiji, used ottawa and I made a website ... I'm going out later to try and put up my ad at the grocery store but I have been told they don't last because other daycare providers take them down ...

[playfelt]

I have had some success posting an ad with tearoffs on the ends of the supermailboxes. Not all mail folks leave them there but some do. It attracts people out for a walk, spouse going to catch the bus since the pathways are the route to the bus stop in many cases.

What part of Ottawa are you in again? I am in Orleans.

[sunnydays]

2 weeks is not very long, so don't worry! I find it goes in waves. There will be nothing for weeks and then all of a sudden I will have three emails/phone calls on the same day. I am also advertising a spot right now and it has been a bit slow. Well I had some people contact, but they didn't mesh well with my hours, ages, etc. Hang in there!

[Sandbox Sally]

can we help you troubleshoot your ad? Maybe different wording could help? Do you have a hook? I think I stand out because I emphasize xyz, where other people emphasize prq. Know what I mean? Can I have a look? Do you have a website?

Sometimes it takes a while. Hang in there.

[someone]

I'm not sure what it's like in Ottawa, however I've spoken with people who consider starting daycares and let them know it can take a few months to get your first child(ren). Also figure the first year to be the most difficult.

Also, go to playgrounds and speak with other providers maybe they know of people who are looking because they are full. I try to work with other providers in my area and help them too. I don't look at it as a competition for families, but helping families and providers get together in a way that will work best for the kids.

Hang in there and don't give up it will work out!

[dayna142]

Thanks everyone, I'm not going to be giving up. I love children. I'll try to put up my ads on mail boxes .. that is a good idea. I'm in Blackburn Hamlet (East End Ottawa). I would love to get to know other daycare providers in my area.

[Skysue]

Do you have kids of your own?

[dayna142]

Yes I have two children. One is 5 and in school and the other is 1 1/2 :)

[Skysue]

Just sent you a pm!

[PattyCake]

Maybe try posting your advertisement at a local school, library, or community center. :)

[dayna142]

Thank You I will. Thanks Skysue :-)

[lainey76]

I checked out your ad in the fb group and your web site has a few errors (spelling/grammar) I suck at grammar and spelling so I always have someone proof read my ad's .

[Sandbox Sally]

I checked out your ad in the fb group and your web site has a few errors (spelling/grammar) I suck at grammar and spelling so I always have someone proof read my ad's .

You did? I saw no spelling or grammar errors, and I am kind of rabid about them.

[sunnydays]

I looked at it too and didn't see any errors (except one "10 years experience" that should be "10 years of experience"...but this would probably not even register as an error for most parents looking for care). I am wondering, since you are right on Innes, do you have a backyard or fenced outdoor playspace? I didn't see any pictures taken outside, so was wondering if that might be a concern for some parents especially since you are on a busy road? It's good that you only advertised 2 spaces, so it is definitely not obvious that you are new...so I don't think that is why they aren't contacting you. Your website looks nice :)

[jammiesandtea]

Did I miss a link to a FB group or website? Or was it shared privately?... :)

[dayna142]

I don't think it is shared privately ... ? I might not be part of all the daycare facebook groups. A yard is my biggest downfall :-( I don't have a yard. I didn't think it would be a big deal because I get out a lot! We don't have to take the busy road to get to a really nice park. I was told to go to the park and take some pictures of where I take the kids to play. I'm doing that later today as it is a really good idea. This is what I want to do so I'm not going to stop. It is just going to take the right parents to come along and like what I do have to offer.

[sunnydays]

That's a good idea...taking pictures at the park. If the parents like you enough and what you offer, they will be willing to let go of the fenced yard idea as long as they know you get out every day. It just might make it a bit harder. Again though, if nobody has even contacted you, they don't necessarily know that you don't have a yard (unless it's just because of the road you live on). By the way, I just looked you up on Daycare Bear based on where you said you lived...that's how I saw your website ;) Good luck!

[dayna142]

I thought I should mention I'm not completely new to this. I have had one daycare child but the family moved . I also babysat a lot but it was always different children and all hours of the day/night. I also volunteered at a daycare for almost one year.

[jammiesandtea]

Thanks sunnydays, I just did that too. :) Good luck dayna 142! I hope some great families contact you this weekend. :)

P.S. I'm still confused on the facebook group(s) mention? Is there a daycarebear fb group? I just did a search there and didn't find anything...

[dayna142]

If you type ottawa daycare into the search box on facebook there is a group where you can post your ads. There is also a group for daycare providers support ...

[jammiesandtea]

Thanks dayna142! :)

[lainey76]

In the sections of her website there was the following errors.

In the about me section
- A Nutritional - take the capital N out change to nutricious

More section

- clean up, toileting and quit play. - quit= quiet
Nap time, quite play, soft music - quite= quiet

Menu
-1 space after each comma(,) spaghetti, meatloaf, ect.....
All lunches come with veggies and ends with some fruit - try Lunches served with veggie and fruit .

[lainey76]

Sorry Dayna , lol I don't want people to think I'm crazy :)

[dayna142]

lol :-) That is fine. I would much rather know where there is mistakes then no one say anything. I will take help when it's needed. Thanks :)