I went thru a year dry spell and just the last couple months have been getting so many calls its crazy. But I do hear you about the ads people are posting. But like dh says you get what you pay for and most providers close shop when they realize its not all hunky dory.

I don't ever advertise online, ever. And I live in a small comunity. I have a sign on my front lawn and its the best advertising ever. I have so many people tell me how they drive by and see me with the kids. Or many tell me that they like that I've been here forever. It makes a huge difference. I know people don't like to advertise on their yard, but if they don't know about me then how would they ever call me. I even have people stop by (that was last week, but it was school agers and I don't watch school agers) and because everyone knows about me, they have friends who need care. Try this route, at first people where like "I didn't know there was a daycare" to now "wow you've been here a long time"