How long would you hold out?

[betsy]

So I just started up my Dayhome in March of this year. Right off the bat I got 2 great kids (siblings, with great parents), and one shortly after that. I was set until June, when my siblings mom decided to quit her job.

Now it's almost August and I still haven't found any replacements, and I'm starting to panic... Hubs and I are getting worried about money and are going to have to start dipping into savings soon if nothing changes.

I'm only open Monday-Thursday, which I'm sure is what people are getting hung up on, but I also charge a bit more than most in the area (technically the same monthly, but for 4 days/week instead of 5, so more overall).

I run a preschool-type program, and am very Eco-conscious (not all organic, but some, I also go by the dirty dozen/clean 15 lists, no artificial sweeteners, mainly homemade, avoid the heavily processed stuff, don't microwave in plastics, use ecofriendly cleaners, etc.). I've communicated it in my ads, and also added a line stating that I can make arrangements for teachers.

Some of that stuff is new (or newly included in my ads), so I know I need to give it some time still, but I'm wondering how long you'd wait before making some changes?
I really don't want to decrease my rate, nor do I want to work Fridays. But the pressure is getting to me and I feel like I'll need to do something soon.

Unless you're trying to target a specific group of clienteles - the eco-friendly fanatics - perhaps your ad is turning off those that are on the other side of the fence (and could be that you come across as a fanatic to those neutrals on the issue). I'm saying that too much focus on environment-issues on your ads may be back-firing.
A lot of parents wouldn't want to have their children "brainwashed" by someone else's ideology if they hardly share the same for one thing,( and you may be coming across as an activist from your ad), and a lot of parents just want a care-free, relaxed and fun place for very young children without the undertones of politics and causes being fought for, is another!
I'm not sure if I'm articulating it right.....

That, and your days of operation is hurting you, imo. Since you're open only Mon-Thurs, your would-be prospects will be those that need care only on those days.

[MonkeyPrincess]

i also say hold out! What fellow DCP friends of mine and I have found out, in the daycare business, it can be feast or famine. Meaning there are times when you are bombarded with calls from people looking for daycare even though you are full and sometimes when you are actively looking and advertising like crazy, you won't get many replies. It's true what others have said, it does come in waves, and it is very easy to lose your patience when you aren't getting many bites. I understand that you want a good income, especially if you need 2 incomes in your household. If it were to come down to your savings being depleted, maybe you might want to consider working Monday to Friday, just to stay out of financial trouble. I know you don't want to work the 5 days, but I would rather that then to see you get into money problems. I sincerely hope you aren't faced with that though! Would you consider taking in a child whose parents only need you for a few days if that were to come up? (like 2-3 days) Even that's better than nothing at all, but that's just my opinion, honestly.

Let us know what you come up with.

[2cuteboys]

Unless you're trying to target a specific group of clienteles - the eco-friendly fanatics - perhaps your ad is turning off those that are on the other side of the fence (and could be that you come across as a fanatic to those neutrals on the issue). I'm saying that too much focus on environment-issues on your ads may be back-firing.

I don't actually have everything I listed for 'Eco-friendly' in my ad, I think it's just limit sugar, no artificial sweeteners and mainly homemade food. I just listed it all here so you ladies would know I wasn't full of BS.

I did briefly consider taking a couple if children mon-fri, but it would have been the extra day, plus 1/2 hour past my closing time, plus bus stop drop offs (which we don't currently do). I'd be willing to do one, but not all. I mentioned it to a friend though, and they've been having issues with their daycare, so they are going to come here starting in September. It works out well because with only 1 extra, I can still do my groceries Friday and prep so I don't have to do as much on the weekend. Plus she's looking to get a .8 position in the new year, so there's the possibility of dropping down to Monday-Thursday again.