This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

You're in ECE because you're passionate about nurturing young lives and aiming for nothing short of excellence in your childcare business.

If you’re like most childcare business owners, you desire to take your program to the next level. You’re always looking for ways to increase parent satisfaction while maximizing your revenue and impact.

So, grab your favorite refreshment—coffee, tea, or a good ol' juice box—and let's dive into these essential strategies to skyrocket your childcare business.

Before we get started,  If you’re new to my site, don’t forget to snag my FREE Interview Guide to hiring quality staff for your program before you leave!

Now Let's explore 7 Essential Strategies to Take Your Childcare Center or Home Daycare to the Next Level.

1. Boost Your Advertising Game

Paid Advertising

Harness the power of platforms like Facebook and Google Ads to reach parents effectively. For example, you can advertise to certain zipcodes to focus on neighborhoods near your center or daycare.

Post on Facebook and ask parents to share it

Create an eye-catching post about your child care program and email your parents about the post and ask them to go to your center's Facebook page and share the post. You can download my free “Share Our Facebook Post” parent email template here.

When creating your post, include pictures and give details about what sets your center apart from the rest and what gift or incentive you are currently offering to new families. For example, free registration through [date].

To learn more in-depth strategies about using Facebook in your childcare business, click here to read my article, Boost Your Daycare’s Reach with Facebook: Tips and Strategies

Local Business Partnerships

Stop by local businesses with cookies and introduce yourself and your services. Ask if you can leave a few business cards and advertising flyers.

Developing relationships with local schools, churches, and pediatrician offices will have them refer your center or program to their families when asked for referrals.

Create a Parent Referral Program

Offer a tuition discount or other incentive for every new family that enrolls because of a referral from a current family. Email the details of the referral program to your existing families and post it on social media.

Create a flyer for your door and front counter to spread the word. You can get my free Parent Referral Email Template here.

Create a Staff Referral Program

Offer staff bonuses for referring new families. For example, your referral bonus may look like this… $100 bonus after the new family's first week of enrollment, then a $100 additional after the family has been enrolled for 90 days. Make sure you spread the word to your staff. Post it in the break room, email them, post it in your private community group, and pass out a flyer.

2. Maximize Enrollment with Flexible Options

Extended Hours

Many working parents appreciate childcare providers who can be flexible with drop-off and pick-up times. You could even offer extended hours or weekend care for a premium rate.

Part-Time Options

Consider giving families more flexibility with part-time attendance options, such as Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays or M-F half-days.

*Disclaimer: Extended hours hours are not for everyone. Only consider this option if you need the extra income and have the staff and sanity to execute it! Also, I would only offer part-time hours or half days IF you are low on enrollment and struggling to keep full time students. I would always strive to fill your enrollment spots with full time children only.

If you're having trouble filling up your childcare center, preschool, or daycare, Click here to read 10 WAYS TO MAX OUT YOUR DAYCARE ENROLLMENT.

3. Strive for Excellence in Care

Low Ratios

Instead of the typical high child-to-teacher ratio, offer a lower ratio. Sure, it will raise your payroll to have an additional teacher in the room, but parents will love the individualized attention their child will receive and be glad to pay higher rates. Your staff will also thank you since they will have a much easier time managing the group, reducing the stress and workload.

Continuous Staff Training

Keep your staff well-trained with ongoing with professional development training. Utilize e-learning platforms for staff training, allowing them to complete modules at their convenience. ProSolutions and CCEI are great state-approved online websites for professional development for early educators. Also, don’t forget to schedule monthly staff meetings.

Engaging Child Activities

Engaging activities stimulate children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. They provide opportunities for learning new skills, problem-solving, and creative expression.

For example, Organize a "Science Explorers" week where kids can conduct fun and educational experiments or host a "Creative Arts Festival" showcasing the children's artwork and performances.

Storytelling and Puppet Shows encourage children to create their own stories or puppet shows. They can use puppets or act out stories with their friends. Organize a mini-Olympics day with various fun games and challenges.

Offering a variety of engaging activities can help your daycare stand out from competitors. Parents are more likely to choose a daycare that provides a diverse and stimulating environment for their children.

4. Use Smart Technology to Streamline Operations

Automated Check-Ins

Simplify the morning routine for parents and staff. Implement a system where parents can conveniently check in their children using a QR code or app.

Automated Billing

Make payments a breeze for everyone involved. Platforms like Brightwheel, Playground, and Procare offer hassle-free billing and payment collection along with all-in-one management software.

Virtual Tours: Attract prospective families without requiring them to visit in person. Offer 360-degree tours of your facility on your website.

5. Build an Unbeatable Reputation

Parent Testimonials

Ask for parent testimonials to place on your website in exchange for a $5 gift card to a popular coffee shop. A great way to increase confidence in your program is by having parents write testimonials that you can post on your website and social media. You could also create a video testimonial. Ask the parent to answer a few questions about their experience at your daycare center and then post it on your website and social media pages. There is nothing more convincing than social proof. You can get my FREE Parent Testimonial Card on my Freebie page by clicking here.

Community Involvement

Be more than just a childcare center—be an asset to the community. Host a "Positive Parenting" workshop led by local experts. Provide free childcare during the event to encourage attendance.

6. Keep Parents in the Loop

Daily Reports

Keep parents in the loop about their child's day. Send home paper reports or use parent communication apps like Procare or Playground to send real-time updates on their child's daily activities, photos, etc. Parents love staying in the loop when it comes to their child's daycare experience.

Email Monthly Newsletters

Creating a monthly newsletter for your daycare is a fantastic way to keep parents informed and engaged.

Here are some ideas and topics you can include in your newsletter: Updates and announcements, curriculum highlights, upcoming events, photos and videos, staff highlights, child development tips, art and craft ideas, and resource recommendations just to name a few.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Schedule face-to-face meetings with parents to discuss their child's progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. Create a warm and welcoming environment during these meetings to foster honest and open conversations. Offer virtual options for those who can't attend in person. Zoom is a great way to offer virtual conferences.

7. Spice Up Your Interior and Exterior

Visual Appeal

We see our facilities daily and sometimes don't realize how normal wear and tear can take a toll. Look at your daycare or center with fresh eyes, as if it were your first time walking through the door. Ask yourself these questions? Does It look clean? Does it smell clean? Is the décor bright and inviting? Does your playground look secure and clean? Does the paint look fresh? How is the curb appeal? First impressions do matter. Parents arriving for a tour need to be impressed before even walking in the door.

Outdoor Play Space

Incorporate natural elements into your exterior design. Create a small garden area where kids can participate in planting and watering activities. Use this as a teaching opportunity to introduce them to basic botany and the importance of nature.

Conclusion:

By implementing these multifaceted strategies, you're not just taking steps but leaps toward creating a childcare center that's the talk of the town—in all the best ways!

Remember to only implement the strategies that align with your business and goals.

As a reminder, Thank you for the incredible work you're doing shaping our future leaders!

Here are some other articles packed with valuable content you are sure to enjoy:

6 Must-Do’s To Effectively Communicate To Staff

How To Avoid Burnout in Childcare

How To Screen Families For Your Daycare

6 Tips To Ace Your Licensing Inspections

30 Daycare Policies You Need in Your Parent Handbook

Important Daycare Forms You Need For Your Childcare Business

How To Deal With Parents Who Consistently Pay Tuition Late!

The 12 Most Common Child Care Business Mistakes

One Surefire Way to Boost ECE Staff Retention