How many inquiries do you receive?

[Suzie_Homemaker]

Start building network locally.

Create group on FB for local carers. You admin. Suggest in time add one more admin because FB can have quirk where it random removes member and if it random remove admin, you are stuck and need different admin to add you back.

Sounds odd but look on Kijiji and find ads for other carer in your area and message them. Explain that you are looking to create a network of providers so you can all support each other. Like having virtual work colleagues. Go slow. Invite them to join group.

Be watchful. People will show who they are in time. Figure out who is professional. Who knows regs. Who is experienced. Who is real. Learn which people not trustworthy and avoid them. The group will grow. Each carer you add will know other carers. Start slowly. We did a monthly supper to meet and interact with adults. Someones 4 people can come, sometimes 24. But it build network.

This good for lots reasons.

Helps to have someone to check ideas with
Helps with new curriculum ideas
Helps to encourage level fees
But really good for word of mouth.

I get lot of call and e-mail but I well known locally. If I get calls and no places to offer, then I pass on. You need to position yourself so if you have opening, other providers who are full, are passing your name to parent. In time, you can return favour if they have place open. I get lots of e-mail for local carer who have opening and letting me know so I can refer callers to them.

Something always come along. Try not be tempted in meantime to take person you know not really right person.

Some will be interested, some not so much.