Quote Originally Posted by cdngirl View Post
As a provider trying to fill under 2 spots in the 'north of Toronto' area I'm SO frustrated that other providers in my area are still charging low rates, and actually noticing the rates getting lower! Why?!
I've been trying to raise my rates slightly especially with our new restrictions but I'm just NOT getting any interest when people in my area are charging 5-10 less a day As well, my area seems to lack demand in general compared to 4-5 years ago when I used to get a lot more enquiries.

Honestly I'm sick of competing with providers who lack business savvy, or just doing it as a hobby as they are stay at home moms who want to make a few extra bucks.

In the last few years I worked really hard to make my daycare show well and people who visit really like my setup. They like that I take fewer kids and offer personalized care since other daycares they visited have too many kids for their liking. But it seems all in vain as I feel they go with the cheaper daycare in the end. Don't they understand that if they want low ratio they may have to pay more?

I know eventually my spots will be filled with the right families but I'm feeling really frustrated right now. Thanks for reading
I hear you. I think your struggle to fill spots for under twos is probably more to do with demand for your area though. There are those same issues with providers undercutting with low rates everywhere and it did and still does inpact many. With the new change in the under 2 law though, there would be more than enough under twos to go around as there is no where near enough spots available now. The low rates wouldn't effect this, just that they may possibly be filled first, if every parent prioritized rate over care which many dont. It does sound like supply and demand for your area is out of the norm and that there simply arent enough families to fill the spots. Best of luck to you!