How to Make Your Childcare Business Stand Out: 13 Ideas That Parents Will Love
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If you're a daycare provider, you know that there is a lot of competition. Parents have a lot of choices when it comes to finding quality childcare for their little ones.
So how can you make your daycare business stand out from the rest? Offer parents something special that they can't find elsewhere. This blog post will discuss 13 daycare ideas that will help you set yourself apart from the competition and win over more parents!
So, what can you do to make your daycare business stand out? Here are 13 daycare ideas:
1. Create a unique environment:
Daycares are typically pretty bland places. But instead of the cookie-cutter center or daycare, brainstorm ways you can create a wow factor with your decor and overall environment. For example, our center’s name was called Noah's Ark, and looked like a boat. The rooms were named after different animals. For example, our infant room was the Lamb Room. Our toddler room was the Monkey Room. Our preschool rooms were the Lion and Tiger Rooms. They each had animal murals on the walls.
2. Offer camera access:
Parents love being able to check in on their little ones throughout the day. You will give them peace of mind and show that you're committed to transparency by offering camera access.
3. Get accredited or quality rated:
Get accredited by NAEYC, NAFCC, or any other well-known national or state child care accreditations. There are many different accreditations that daycare businesses can pursue. They require high standards and show that you are dedicated to providing quality care.
Download my free Family Screening Guide for a complete list of screening questions to ask and to access my Family Information Card to give during a tour.
4. Serve organic food:
This is a growing trend in childcare, as parents are becoming more health-conscious. Daycares typically serve processed food high in sugar and unhealthy for kids. But if you can offer healthy, organic meals, parents will be blown away!
5. Offer a unique curriculum:
Whether it's the Montessori Method, Abeka, The HighScope Curriculum, or one of the many curriculums available, choose something that will set you apart from what the other child care programs are offering in the area.
6. Take classes outside:
Daycares are typically indoor places. However, some schools in pleasant climates specialize in outdoor learning. Instead of only a few minutes of scheduled playground time, they take outdoor education to a new level. They spend circle time outside, take nature walks, and create outdoor centers. Some parents love that their child has plenty of fresh air and hours of fun exploring. This idea isn't for most, but it might be worth considering if your state has the climate and you can stay in licensing compliance.
7. Offer extracurricular activities:
Daycares typically don't offer many extracurricular activities. But if you can mix things up and offer activities like karate, gymnastics, dance, piano, or Spanish classes, parents will often pay out of pocket for these add ons and flock to your school just for these special offerings.
8. Have smaller 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.
9. Offer flexible 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. If you can accommodate their schedules, they will be more likely to use your services.
10. Use a parent communication app:
Instead of using paper reports to communicate with parents, use a modern communication app like Procare, Brightwheel, or HiMama. These apps allow parents to see 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.
For in-home daycares, check out Class Dojo or Daily Connect
11. Add extra security:
Safety is a top priority for parents in today's world. You will stand out from the competition if you can offer additional security measures, such as a keycard or code access to enter and security cameras. Increased security will give parents peace of mind knowing that their child is safe.
12. Have a garden or greenhouse:
This is a great way to teach kids about where food comes from, and they get to experience the process of planting and caring for plants.
13. Green Initiatives:
Implement eco-friendly practices, such as recycling, energy-efficient appliances, and nature-based outdoor play areas, to appeal to environmentally conscious parents.
Conclusion:
These are just a few ideas to get you started. If you can incorporate even 1 or 2 of these suggestions, you are on your way to stand out from your competition. You can create a daycare business that parents will love by thinking outside the box! What other ideas do you have? Please share them in the comments below!
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
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