The 12 Most Common Child Care Business Mistakes
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When it comes to child care, there is a lot that goes into running a successful business. From enrolling children to hiring the right employees to marketing your business, you need to know what mistakes to look for to ensure you do not make them yourself.
These are the 12 most common mistakes that many childcare businesses make and how you can avoid them!
1. Not having a marketing strategy.
Don't expect people to know about your business if you don't advertise it. Post flyers in your local businesses, advertise on social media, and plan how you will spread the word about your fantastic child care program. Invest in the time to properly market it, and you will see the results.
2. Hiring out of desperation.
Staffing can be challenging! I get it! But don't hire someone because they have a pulse. Waiting for the right employee and hiring quality staff will save you tons of time, money, and frustration. It will also ensure that your parents are happy and give the best care possible to your kiddos which should be your #1 priority. Grab my free interview guide with questions here
3. Having poor parent communication.
Parents LOVE to be in the loop and know what's going on with their children. They want to know how their day was, how they are progressing, whether they were fussy or happy, and every little thing that happened while away. Not communicating with your parents sends the message of apathy. Fill out daily sheets or use an app like Brightwheel or Procare to engage with your parents daily. They will love this!
4. Not having clear, defined policies.
A parent handbook with clearly defined sick policies, late policies, drop-off, pick-up policies, payment policies, etc., is a MUST. Your parents should know your expectations BEFORE they enroll in your program. Policies will prevent them from setting their own guidelines of how they feel you should run your center or program.
5. Micromanaging staff.
Learn to become a great leader instead of just a manager. Focus on teaching and inspiring your team instead of nagging them daily. Your staff will love and respect a true leader who encourages, teaches, and motivates over nagging, fault finding, and belittling. I suggest reading the book, Leadershift by John C. Maxwell. Too busy to read? You can listen to it on Audible on the go. I LOVE audible and I’m always listening to books while running errands or doing chores. Sign up for a free trial here!
6. Not having a plan to handle emergencies.
Waiting until a child gets seriously injured or a fire breaks out is not the time to come up with a plan. It is crucial to have an emergency plan handbook detailing every possible emergency and the action plan for each situation. Have each staff member read it thoroughly upon hiring and go over the plan quarterly to ensure everyone stays prepared. Hopefully, you will never need it, but better safe than sorry.
7. Not having insurance coverage.
Make sure your business has the proper insurance needed in case of any significant incident or accident that may occur during the daycare's operating hours. Contact your local insurance company for recommendations on the type of coverage you need for your business.
8. Not hiring an administrative assistant.
Trying to run a center solo can burn you out FAST. Too often, business owners or directors try to do everything on their own instead of hiring help. Consider hiring an assistant for record-keeping and managing the center while you are away. Look for someone within first. You may be surprised to find your next assistant or director in the toddler room.
9. Failing to comply with state licensing requirements.
I know! Licensing can be a pain in the booty, and all the rules and regulations are tedious and exhausting! However, it would help if you remembered that they are in place to ensure that children are well cared for and kept high standards. Follow the guidelines and start viewing your licensing consultant as your "helpful buddy" instead of "arch-enemy."
10. Not having defined business goals.
Don't fumble through your days, weeks, months, and years without clearly defined business goals. At least every year, decide what you want your annual revenue to be and what it will take to achieve it. Decide how many children you will care for and what improvements you will make. Project your expenses and set a monthly budget.
11. Poor record keeping.
Keeping organized records will ensure that your business runs more efficiently and effectively. Set aside weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly time to file, track, and organize your financial records and licensing documents. Your future self will thank you!
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Download 3 PDF schedules designed for each age; Infants, Toddler, and Preschoolers. A Canva link is provided to edit the schedules for your program. It’s absolutely free and only takes 5 seconds!
Grab my FREE Daycare Starter Guide to start your own childcare business.
If you don’t know where to start, this 12 step guide to starting your own center or in-home daycare is perfect for you! Click the button to get instant access and download. It’s super easy and absolutely free!
12. Not supporting or appreciating staff.
Your staff is the backbone of your child care program. You should be walking through your program daily, asking them if they need anything and telling them how thankful you are to have them. Make sure you buy them the supplies they need. Surprise them with occasional lunches and goodies. Have a teacher appreciation week every year, showering them with gifts. Show the LOVE! Your turnover rate will be lower if your staff feels appreciated and loved!
Conclusion:
These are not all of the mistakes to avoid, but by starting with these few, you'll be on your way to creating a successful and profitable daycare business that can go the distance. If you have any questions, let us know. We'd love to help you in any way we can.
Here are some other articles packed with valuable content you are sure to enjoy:
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