Closing...

Hang in there (if you can). Sometimes it is really slow. I was advertising last year from April and didn't find people until September. Months were going by without even a phone call and I was starting to have my mom jokingly ask me if I had any calls yet. It was frustrating. I think things pick up around the fall when kids go back to school. A lot of parents have a lot of vacay in the summer I guess or time their maternity leave to end after the summer.

I did door to door flyers, mail box signs, etc but I think one of the best things is just to network and tell anyone and everyone that you are looking when you talk to other moms and providers. I found it useful to go to mom playgroups and chat with them too. Sometimes the mom's there need daycare or are going back to work soon or else they might know someone who does so give a card. I hope you make the best decision that you are happy with :)

Sadly I think my time has come to close down ...There has been 0 calls in for care even the agency has nothing on kijiji there are 50 providers in my area trying to fill spots thats just crazy our town has just had 2 more places doa big lay off
Now I need help with a way to let my parents down ..feeling so many emotions right now :(

Ladies I know it maybe a lot to consider but have any of you thought of offering your services on the weekends? You just may be able to get a ton of calls if you offer space for part time hours & or possible shift work. The job market is crazy tight right now and I wouldn't like to see any of you quit and loose out on some revenue vs no revenue.

I wonder what OP did? Did she closed down? I wish she didn't and doing very well now. Good luck to anyone who needs to fill a space.

It does seem tough right now - hardly any bites for months at a time. I also see tons of providers with openings in my area so at least I know it isn't just me.
I hope everything goes well for you Mamaball. You must be pretty stressed out. I wish you all the best and hope things turn out well for you:)

this must be such a hard choice!

Thanks ladies ..I really don't know what to do I feel so bad for my son he enjoys the little ones around and having me home and the parents trying to find another provider that they connect with stress is right Spixie33

Hi Ladies what would be a fair amount of notice for closing my daycare ?

Wishing you luck in getting some hits for the new year but if not then I would try to give them two months warning but then be willing to let them go with 2 weeks notice whenever they find the care they want. For some it could be right away and some make take longer to interview more people. As well coming up on Christmas it would be nice to tell them but let them know that you will continue for Jan/maybe even into Feb so they can enjoy Christmas and worry about it in the new year. That being said I would continue as long as you want to without saying anything till you have figured out what you want to do instead. That way you will keep the income as long as possible and get to enjoy your Christmas too. Good luck with the decisions.