-
Starting to feel at home...
Daycare Open House?
I was just wondering if anyone has had a daycare open house? Was it successful? Any advice on how to make it successful?
I have a space that will be available in the near future and I was considering advertising an open house for a couple of hours next weekend. I am very weak at interviewing and I thought this might be another way for families just see if my daycare is right for them without the interview process.
-
-
I now people that have done it. Some had success when breaking into a new market. For others all that came out of it was finding some daycare friends since the only ones that came to the open house was other curious daycare providers. It doesn't really stop the interview process because rarely do they sign up at the time of the visit but they decided if they want to come back for an actual sit down interview. So all you are really showcasing at the open house is your setting as in trying to sell your daycare space over someone else's daycare space. At the same time it just might work since once you get the people in the door you have a better chance of them wanting to procede. It isn't something I have tried myself but at the same time unless you plan to go all out on a fancy party so to speak to go with it then you really have nothing to lose to do it. Keep your time flexible enough that people have a better chance to fit a visit into their schedule. Think of them having kids so during an afternoon naptime might not be the best time or make it a longer time frame and just plan on hanging out in your basement for the day.
-
-
Starting to feel at home...
-
-
I am a new provider and I did host an open house just through a parent group I belong to. I had two mothers and babies come and I think it was worthwhile just to help get the word out there if nothing else. Neither of them placed their kids with me, but neither of them were looking for something immediately and did not know yet their exact needs. I am not good at interviewing either and I'm not sure I did any better with the open house. However, it is a way to get people in who wouldn't have come because they are not looking actively yet...then they can spread the word to others if they like what they see. I think you have to try everything you can think of sometimes. I do have two kids now and am just looking for one more, but don't need him/her to start until summer or fall, so I think I have been pretty successful so far
-
-
ok Nicole to funny, I have the 6 seater runabout. I like it and I don't. I bought it right from the people who make them in the states. But I find I don't use it in the winter so when I do pull it out I forget the strategy I have to use to load it. Heavy in front first and then work my way back. The small black bar keeps getting stuck on mine. Now I have a wheel doing funny things. But everyone stares thats for sure! I like having everyone in the stroller that wayI don't have to worry about one taking off. That I'm paranoid about! I have to say though its fantastic in the winter even in slush!
Anyway somewhere else on here I've written what I do in interviews you need to read it, not sure where, one of the business daycare sections, I don't know you requested help though. When people come to my house they usually say what a great set up I have, so this has helped me to feel like, well, your lucky to be in my house! I've lost one to grandparents, and my girlfriend same thing. I now have an opening I need to interview for and one in sept. I was getting a lot of mails from ccprn and daycare bear, but now that I'm looking nothing! Its funny how it goes in waves. Oh well, I'm in the middle of renovating, I mean my husband, the basement. Its going to be fantastic, I can't wait. We are in my living room right now, which is working nicely, however I want more room.I don't know where I'm going with this stuff I have to go clean my disater of a house from march break madness, vaccumm etc. I'm all for an open house for c/givers though when my basement is done! Talk tonight! Where are you located Nicole?
-
-
-
-
Starting to feel at home...
I talked with hubby and decided to go ahead with the open house idea, it does sound fun to meet other caregivers if that is all that showed up btw, if any caregivers are in the area, please do visit
But then I got thinking ... once upon a time I used to have the street I lived on and well I had to remove that information from my website. I started to have random people, finding my house (I have a magnet on my garage with my daycare name) just showing up at my house and demanding an interview. One time I wasn't even home, my husband tried his best to get rid of them, he ended up telling them what park I was at and then even came to the park for the interview they were so insistent. So, I got thinking, do I really want to have my address on my website so that people can come to an open house? Oiye. Right now I just have my postal code and to email me for a full address, so I might not have anyone anyway, lol.
I received an email last night from a family that I interviewed at christmas, I told them that I now had a space available and they have expressed an interest to take it, even if it means they have to pay a reservation fee. So, I might just follow through with the 3 interviews I have now and make a decision at the end of the week. One of the interviews is with a cousin of a little who is starting in September and they have expressed an interest in having the boys together. So I am crossing my fingers that the space will be full soon.
-
-
A lot more parents would be interested in an open house when the weather is nicer such as going for a walk and stopping in. Not to mention not having to fuss with boots and bulky coats at the door. Could you wait till later in the spring to do the openhouse.
-
Similar Threads
-
By Dlaurin in forum Opening a daycare
Replies: 0
Last Post: 03-11-2021, 08:02 AM
-
By Julie in forum This and that
Replies: 10
Last Post: 10-01-2014, 09:09 PM
-
By Teagansmom in forum Opening a daycare
Replies: 4
Last Post: 01-14-2014, 01:29 PM
-
By apples and bananas in forum Managing a daycare
Replies: 11
Last Post: 12-18-2012, 10:05 PM
-
By mustbenuts in forum Parents' experiences with daycare providers
Replies: 18
Last Post: 11-02-2012, 01:10 PM
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
Forum Rules
|