Facing closing my daycare due to low numbers

[childcare]

Thank you ladies. I'm sorry some of you might be in the same boat as me but it makes for a difficult decision for me to make as a childcare provider and business owner. I am currently preparing to close and work as a nanny again but I'm holding on to my daycare business by a thread and doing my best to stay afloat. I had 5 kids a short while ago, and I had a replacement baby for one that left but she decided to "stay home" with baby and the other child went to part time and the other baby went to a center (which I knew about) and had a replacement baby that bailed. So that leaves me posting ads wherever I can. I am fairly new to the daycare business and I really have enjoyed it, but at this point I am getting stressed with the whole thing. I only have 2 full time kids and it doesn't make sense to be open. I have only been with 2 a short time but absolutely no replies on my ads. I'm sorry for sounding negative but I guess I'm just needing to vent and hope to hear some words of wisdom.
Thanks ladies!

[Peacefulbird]

I was thinking in closing last year. Because after always being full house and a long waiting list (six children) suddenly the changes of regulations and I knew last year I will be loosing three to jk. I starting looking right away. Whenever I had opportunity to advertise I did. I had few other ideas too that luckily I didn't need to use.

Anyway, two baby spots were filled in no time six months before the older kiddus left (due to families in care also using fb helping me to advertise ). And the almost impossible to get (like winning a lottery ticket those days) a two over two's.

I have worked very hard to create a good reputation but, overall what helped most was using my communication skills with families in my community, the old "face to face interaction". I go out every day even just for a walk around my community.

I have also researched in the field and I did step up a bit further, the competition is hard especially when in my neighbourhood they created new daycares and preschools offering "rich and quality environments".

But honestly, nothing bits up the personal connection you create within your families and community.

Fortunately, I didn't have to lower my rates as many are doing in my neighbourhood and I started building up again my waiting list for next year when I have two children going to Jk.

But now who knows, with the conservatives in charge they're speaking about changes again�� hopefully for the best.

Just a question. Were you taking care of 3 infants? In Ontario we can't now. One thing I did notice is that parents are more informed and like to be involved, any little flexibility in regards of baby ages and regulations it inmediately rise red flags to them it is considered "illegal" Obviously, they won't go upfront and tell you that but, they will move on and find other places (and it doesn't matter if you're the sweetest person), in Ontario the ministry of education has been using many channels to reach and inform parents. Also insurance companies are very clear on that too.

I have an "open door" policy and I constantly let parents know that I'm open to any reasonable suggestions and questions. But, basically I focus most of my work energy to my group of children, the happier they leave to go home the happier the parents are with my care;0) I hope it helps.

Be positive work towards, improving your program whIle you have this time and when you get a request the results will show. Search a bit what other centres and programs are offering that attracts parents, you can also go to worshops and enrich your program, maybe that will also help. Built an "unique personalized" program.

Good luck.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I think we all have experiences times when enrollment is low, when ads aren't being answered and we question if we can survive financially much longer.

There isn't an easy answer I'm afraid. Maybe it will help a little to know everyone experiences this at some stage.