Is there a slow and peak period for getting clients?

[Fireyesblue]

I am opening my daycare for October and I just started to advertise (website, etc.) for those with experience, would opening in September attract more clients with back to school? I am worried I may miss out with an October start date. I have the ability to start in September if it would mean higher success rate at obtaining clients; but my husband is on holidays one week, my daughter turns 1 and I have a few medical appointments lined up. Thoughts? Is September a peak period or is it really just hit or miss? Is the summer a slow period with everyone on holidays - I know I need patience but it's nail biting! Lol.

[mickyc]

Personally I don't think it matters too much if you aren't taking school aged children. A lot of spaces will open up in September so you will have more competition for spots out there. I find that parents tend to leave it until August before they get too serious about looking for September likely because they are busy on holidays. It can be hit or miss. Last year I had a spot in Sept and I didn't fill it until October. I had spots open in Feb and again in May but found most were looking for care to start June/July. It is all over the place sometimes.

If I was you I would just pick a start date that suites you and your family and stick to it.

[madmom]

I would put out feelers and see what you get, it can take me months to fill a spot. Good luck

[Fun&care]

There are always peak and slow times in this business but I find them to be kind of unpredictable and variable from one year to the next. This year I got lots of inquiries in the winter and spring,yet almost nothing at all in the last 3 months. Typically it takes a few months to fill a spot regardless though because my area is pretty saturated with daycares so make sure you can be flexible financially for a while before you get settled in.

[Fireyesblue]

Thanks Ladies!