Federal Government Layoffs etc. affecting daycares in Ottawa?

[sunnydays]

I opened my daycare a year and a half ago and have really not much problem filling my spots. Although there have been layoffs in govt, I don't think the economy in Ottawa has been hit very ahrd compared to the rest of the country (because the biggest employer is govt and it tends to be more stable). I think the thing with govt layoffs is that those people often are able to find work in another govt department. Do some research in your neighbourhood and see how many caregivers there are....but there are quite a few in my area and I still had no problem. It also depends on what you are offering in terms of set-up, program, food, etc. It will be harder for you if you are in an apartment or soemthing like that. It is scary to leave a job to start your own business, that's for sure! Many people look for daycare months and months in advance though, so is there any way you could put up ads and try to fill those spots and see what the interest level is before leaving your job? Of course, once you have one child signed up, you are kind of obligated to go through with it as changing your mind would leave that family in a bad position. Good luck!