Having a hard time filling my spot!

[FS2011]

I have had tons of success advertising online using Facebook as well as creating a website. At first I used Facebook as a personal page, creating my name or parts of my real name and my profile picture as my daycare signage, this way people could identify my daycare as well. I liked local groups, connected with moms swap sites etc posting under that name and eventually I was getting messages constantly for daycare. I then started a "like" page. This also works because you can write all your info and post centre pics etc. A free website has also been a bonus. Now a days, people want quick reference. They want to meet you Without leaving the house. It's been a great tool. I use yola, it's easy and you can post to Facebook to update that way. Good luck!!

[FS2011]

One more thing, I check craiglist and kijiji daily and it's literally the same daycares posting day and day. It just looks desperate, I wouldn't push it. People search through pages and pages looking, no need to be at the top.

[MunchkinMinder]

I'm having the same problem in my Calgary day home. I had a full day home about 6-8 months ago but in the past couple months I had on family pull out because of the older child having to change schools and I had to terminate another due to non-payment...now I'm down to just 1 ft dck and a couple drop-ins...and when I do get calls or emails they will set up appointments to come by for an interview an no-show. I would totally understand if they found alternate care but at least let me know so that I'm not waiting around for them..very frustrating, and completely felt alone in this problem of finding new children until I read this thread...thanks for posting!

[Spixie33]

It seems slower than molasses around here and I am just north of the GTA. I used to get calls even when I wrote I have no openings at present but now I have an actual opening and I get zilch response
I am kind of worried with the economy taking a turn and the dollar dropping that some of the existing parents might lose their job too and then I would be even further behind. I hope it doesn't come to that

[lori123]

One more thing, I check craiglist and kijiji daily and it's literally the same daycares posting day and day. It just looks desperate, I wouldn't push it. People search through pages and pages looking, no need to be at the top.

I don't know about looking...desperate. ...but laughs, yeah, i guess i am desperate! I literally see my bank account draining and I need one more to make it work out for me. Its a scary situation thinking about it. I feel like I need to post close to the top couple of pages on kijiji/craiglist which means reposting every couple of hours or more bc everyone else is doing the same. This is the first time that I have ever had to advertise and I hate it!! I've always done word of mouth and close references of friends of friends but it seems now everyone in those groups are done with having children. Time to branch out.

Its so true - misery loves company and its nice to know I am not alone in this matter. Its been a couple of really tough months around here and I just keep either getting calls for extremely cheaply wanted daycare for part time hours which I just can't do....like I am seeing $15/day for daycare....how can I compete at 35-40$ that I ask for. Sighs. Sorry to vent so much! Today has to be better day! L xo

[Skysue]

Lori I'm offically full! So happy! I go the 2year old I needed!

[mom-in-alberta]

$15 a day????? WTF????
How can anyone make any money that way, other than taking in 10 kids at a time?!? Even at that, it costs close to that just to feed a kid for a day.... Grrrrr to all the providers who undercut, just to get clientele.

[lori123]

tell me about it - that is what i am seeing - 15 to 20$ in my area being advertised! that is just incredibly low....i don't know how they can make any money and i would hope that the parents would understand its not a place where i would want my child!

Skysue! That is amazing! Good for you! Your "no show" finally showed up???? How wonderful! That is exactly what you needed....laughs, ok, now send me your luck my way because I still need one more child....

I had one interview on Friday night and it went well but she has 2 kids and I only have one spot which means I would have to term one family who keeps coming late to pick up. I somehow doubt that will happen though. One woman emailed me and said she would call me today....and I'm waiting....patiently !! (or trying to be patient anyway!!) Keep your fingers crossed for me!
L xo

[Skysue]

Yes they called on Sunday! Sending luck and prayers your way! Xo

[lori123]

Luck and prayers may have worked - I had a call tonight for a little boy starting end of October.....intervie w this coming Sunday.... Hurray! Here's hoping! Thanks for all the words of encouragement!