I am almost done my policy handbook and contract, and have a place space partially set up ready and would like to begin advertising by mid-February. And open in July/august.

However I still have to paint other playroom, safety check the house (in the process as my daughter is 6 months, and am putting In a mud room, and deck. Everything will be done well before opening.

My questions:
1. Has anyone else advertised without being 100% ready? If so, what do to u tell families?
2. Financial questions: I am going to request a security deposit of $500 (my normal security deposit fee) to hold their spot. Sound fair? I have a holding fee policy for mat leave/extended vacation but will not ask for that now because I am still on EI until July and cannot receive wages.

Any other advice on advertising early and opening later would be much much appreciated.

Thank