I have three starting September 4th, which is my opening day. I have one starting January, and one in March, which is the way I wanted it since my daughter is expecting her second child early December. I needed to keep a spot open for my granddaughter (who is with me 3 days a week) until my daughter can join me in the daycare in the spring (we're running the daycare together). I only wanted to take on 3 plus my granddaughter until my daughter joins us. I even have a waiting list now, which blows my mind. When I started advertising in mid-July, I was counting on it taking months to fill, not just a few weeks.

I did discover, however, that I have an "angel" on this site who has been recommending me to all the people on her waiting list, and I think all except one of my signed families have come directly from her recommendation.... and here I thought I just just a kick-butt marketer LOL. She has been sending me families who share my philosophies (Emilia Reggio style, lots of fresh air, music, activities, child-led curriculum, arts and crafts, organic food etc.) so that meant the "weeding out" was already done for me. I have received lots of emails from my kijii ads, but the ones that are just "what are your rates?" don't tend to get back to me so I know they are shopping around. The families who have signed are a lot like I was 30 years ago, and they seem to appreciate my style, so I'm thrilled. They came in already pre-disposed to like me since I was recommended by someone they trust. I guess that's my advice on how to fill quickly: find a really popular, well-respected daycare provider to send you her overflow!