Hello Mamas,
I am needing help and advice in regards to a new business venture I have embarked on... I went to school to be an Elementary Teacher and am currently in my Masters program, however, I still have one more little one who is not in school yet so I have been working nights at a restaurant for the last 5 years. The late nights are getting to me and I am really eager to use my education so I have decided to open a preschool in my home. The licensing process took forever with all of the budget cuts that the state has incurred, but I have finally completed everything and am officially licensed with a classroom full of hundreds of dollars worth of supplies and a fully mapped out curriculum that aligns with the state standards for Kindergarten. We legally converted our garage into the classroom so that the program wouldn't have a "daycare" feel, so there was a lot of money that went into this whole thing. I am offering a 2-day a week program and a 3-day a week program, both are 9-12:30 and my prices are right in line with what the few others in the area are charging. Since there are very few preschools in the area that aren't just daycares I thought I would have no problem finding students but this has not been the case. I only had two "for-sure" students, and these were children of friends... now one of them just found out that their income qualifies them for the state preschool so I am down to one student. I have a professional looking website, a facebook page, and have tons of friends who have passed my links along via facebook or by email etc. I took out an ad in the Pennysaver yesterday that will run next week and I have placed flyers on community boards in the area...but so far I have not had any inquiries... I am starting to panic a bit and get very discouraged as the "school year" is set to begin September 6th. I feel like many preschools obtain their business through word of mouth so I know if I had at least a few students I could probably acquire more once they saw how great my program was... but I am beginning to feel like I am not going to have anyone (not to mention I am embarrassed to tell the parent of the one student that I DO have). Does anyone have any tips or even just words of encouragement for my situation? It makes my stomach sick to think of throwing in the towel on this whole thing after how much money I have put into it.... not to mention how excited I was to do something rewarding that I would love...
If I was looking for daycare/preschool - I would need it to be full time, not just 2 or 3 days a week - that is probably what is putting most people off. they want to be able to have their child in there any time between 6 and 6pm, not half days here and there.
How about hosting an Open House, as the other person mentioned? You could put flyers on the doors of homes throughout your neighborhood and invite friends to show off your new school. Offer something tempting like free ice cream to those who attend. This may help spread the word.
I also agree with the idea of leaving flyers at kid places like party spots and gymnastics centers. Offer to take their information and share it at your preschool in return.
Also, have you used Craigslist yet? That's another great way to advertise. We found our children's old daycare provider through Craigslist.
For what it's worth, my in-laws run a B&B. First year wasn't very busy but all it took was a few guests, word of mouth and some great reviews on TripAdvisor and now they're so busy they're exhausted. It may just take time, too, in your situation.
Good luck!
Wow, I wish you lived close to us! I'd have sent my son there!
I'm sorry, I won't be of much help, but the first thing that comes to mind is that initially, you need to advertise MORE. In the local newspapers, on the radio even. Costly, no doubt. And in the future, you will not likely need to advertise as much... but up front, I think that will be key for you. You mentioned that you put flyers up at local bulletin boards, and I don't know what all that entails, but I'd make sure to place flyers at any kid venues, ymca, dance schools, gymnastics centers, etc. Also, I'd ask the local elementary schools if there is a place to advertise there (if that's acceptable.)
Unfortunately, I think it is typical for the first year(s) to be a little slow until word does spread about the great school you have. I also think people are hesitant to try something that is 'new' for fear that it will be hokey, or flop. But there certainly are parents/kids who would prefer the environment you describe. They just need to meet you, see your place, and learn about your program. How about having an Open House? Advertise an open house for any prospective students/parents to come check everything out?
That's all I have for now... I'll keep thinking though. Keep you chin up... You are doing a great thing, and if you stay the course, you'll make it work!
I think MOST people use Pre-school for a daycare service, but that has just been my experience. You may need to get full-time hours in order to fill your class.
Hi Robyn -
Along the lines of what lee was saying...an open house...or maybe even a 'free' session on something fun for the kiddos...a free art and craft morning to get them in with kiddos to 'try' it?
Maybe a 'free' seminar for parents on 'positive guidance and discipline' techniques?
"teachables from trashables"??
"Ages and stages"??
Something to 'hook' them!!
Best Luck!
Michele/cat
Why only half days? Yes an open house like the others suggested for sure. Most people though really are looking at least for an all week program as most Kindergartens are 5 days a week with half days.. Why not do 5 days a week with the same hours?
Wishing you the best of luck!!! Looks like you've done everything to sperad the word. Have you tried going to a park and taking directly to other moms in your area? I really hope this works out for you. I wish there was a school/daycare like yours when mine were little. I would have loved it!!
I wish I could say something very encouraging. I can only say that it's getting harder and harder to make it in this field. When times are hard daycare/preschool is the first to either go to family for free or cheap or the parents look for cheap. There are people out there undercutting those of us that do this for a living. 1/2 days are difficult as well. I agree with the others that full-time is better.
Even at full-time, I've been contacted by 2 area daycare providers in the last month asking about my rates because they can't get kids. One of them is licensed and has been for a year and she's frustrated and scared because some of her kids are going to school. I've been frustrated too and even though I'm not really scared, I'm just so tired of having to compete with people that can spend so much more on their program than I can. People get excited and go all out like you did. I did too when I was young. But as my family has grown I have reached a place where I can't spend every dime on the daycare and essentially do this for free. I actually need to earn a profit.
Don't throw in the towel. But do consider if you can put the last leg of your schooling on hold or finish nights so that you can work full-time during the day. I assume since you are licensed that you can. Or did you do all that only for part days?
Go hang out where moms are - grocery stores, libraries, gyms, pediatritans offices, BabiesRUs, ToysRUs, McD or the like...and pass out flyers. Tell people you are starting a daycare nearby and to tell a friend if that particular person doesn't need daycare. You aren't going to get word of mouth exposure when you only have one "mouth" so to speak.
You can put up a flyer in most public places, again, like the grocery store or library.
gl
