I wouldn't jump to lower your rates at this point. If you do and then some families sign on, you may end up regretting it later on and it is harder to raise the rates substantially once they are already with you ($1 per year is fine, but it would be hard to justify a $3-4 jump). Hang in there and you will find the right families! When I started I had several interviews that went nowhere...they may not say it's because you are new, but they might still be thinking it. As Playfelt suggested, maybe you could consider taking at least one 12 month old to get started...once you have a child in care, it is easier as you have a reference.