I've been doing this for 4 years. I have 2.5 spots to fill. One family left for mat. leave, my part timer is moving and the last spot was just vacated due to a family needing longer hours (11.5 hrs in the day...with the same fees...I wasn't going to do that). So I've always run a great program. Excellent references, etc. BUT....I cannot fill the spots as fast as I could in the past.

It is definitely a slow period for myself and the other daycare providers in my area. I'm upgrading my graphic skills in January. Then if I am still unable to fill spots, I'm going back to my graphic design career.

Thank goodness we have some savings. However, I hate to keep dipping into it. I love this job, but I hate the uncertainty of the finance side.