Too many daycare in the area... Having second thoughts on opening!

[horsegirl]

We have quite a few daycares in our area in BC and I have found from many years of experience that if you offer something extra---preschool type of learning for a few hours, theme days, French lessons, music lessons, lots of outtings to parks, it seems that the parents like this. Also, get involved with the local churches and Moms and tots groups. Hand out cards at the shopping centre or grocery store. Take your daycare children to the grocery store in the buggy and holding on to the side and let everyone notice you teaching them about fruits and vegetables. Just some ideas that have worked for me over the years. You really need to sell yourself and let the parents know why they should choos you for a caregiver.

Good Luck

[Tot-Time]

Oh boy! Deciding whether or not to go back to working in a centre or opening your home daycare can be a difficult decision! I feel for you!

I too am from an area that has an over abundance of home daycare and centres. There are a minimum of 8 daycares on my crescent ALONE with 2 daycare centres in walking distance! Let alone the many other home daycares in the area. I moved here 4 years ago and up until December I had a waiting list of children waiting to get into my daycare. All of a sudden in January the inquiries dropped and finding children has been more of a struggle for the caregivers in my area.

My suggestion would be to network with caregivers in your area before you give up (if finances will allow). Through networking you can receive some advertising tips, possibly some referals, and determine if it is a mistake or two you are making during the interview process or if there are several caregivers in your area also struggling to find children.

I agree that you need to advertise that you are ECE, have a website (if you need help I might be able to give you a few pointers), develop a program, your schedule, etc. As an ECE I believe you should have a structured circle time with learning, have a meal plan etc. All these things will help make your daycare 'stand out' a little.

Another thing I would suggest especially when starting and you want to make a professional presentation during your interviews is to have a portfolio. I had many families who were impressed by my portfolio and it helped me during my interviews.

[lotssoflove]

my area is FLOODED with AHDC! Theres like 12 on the school daycare list alone and three more new ones opening up. Dont be too concerned. It really is timing. Are you near a school at all? If so most have a daycare list they supply the parents. Go in and see if you can get on it. Also, visit some play groups. The more people you now the more the word will get around.
GOOD LUCK!

[Skysue]

Hello everyone,

I am posting this to see what your thoughts are. I was an ECE at a daycare before i had my once i had her i decide to stay home with her and watch her and my 4 year son grow. I miss working in the daycare field so i thought it was a good idea to open one at home. I finished my mat leave in jan 2011 posted an add everywhere got lots of interviews but no replies back. But now im relizing that there are too many daycares in my area alone. Now im regreting on let my job go and getting a little stress on what to do? any suggestions?

Don't give up based on that! Make your product better, call all the ladies that do daycare on your street and bring them to your place for tea. Ask them if they have any suggestions on your space let them know your credentials and let the referrals flow! What better way to network yourself, also ask them to be back up providers incase of illness, appt etc… and you as well! If you can’t beat them join them!