I have been asked by many of my subscribers to give them ideas on how to grow their enrollments. So, I would like to give you a few pointers that can help in this area.
I will start with 6 quick tips to grow enrollment that don't cost anything.
1. Create a flyer and distribute it to businesses and bulletin boards, especially where there are children. Always be sure to ask first. Go to places like park district events, the public library, church. Put your flyer on car windows, post on bulletin boards, tape to store windows, hand them out and leave a stack on the counters.
2. Ask your current families to refer you to their friends. Word of mouth is the best advertising, and it's free. Have some of your fliers available to families that say "yes". You could offer an incentive if they refer a friend that signs up. This could be a discount, a free week, a gift basket or a gift card to a local store.
3. Register with your local Childcare Resources. Let them know that you have opening or that you are expanding so that they can let families know. They will love having your preschool or daycare on their list if you are licensed. They especially like preschools and daycare-services that are in family-oriented neighborhoods, by elementary schools and are on the bus lines.
4. Put your preschool or daycare on the internet. There are several websites that list them. When I did a Google search for daycare listings I came up with several. Parent who are looking for providers often search on the internet. The listings are categorized by state and city, so it is easy for those in need to find those who are providing services.
5. Network with other preschools and daycare providers. When they have their classes full, they could refer families to yours. When you don't have room and there is a need, you can send your overflow to others. So, it becomes reciprocal. Always get the family's information before you refer them to others. That way, if you have an opening, you will have a list of families to call to try and fill your open spot.
6. Put an ad in the classified section of your newspaper. In most areas, this will also be displayed on the newspaper's website. So, it gets the word out in print and over the internet. Be sure to include the name of your business, your address and phone number. You could also include the bus line that goes by your house.
In the "old days", you could put a sign in your yard, take out a yellow page ad, ask a few friends to pass the word and be able to fill up your preschool or daycare. It seems that those days are gone.
Now you have to be more aggressive, more pro-active in getting the words out. The yellow pages ads are really a thing of the past. Searching the internet has taken its' place.
So, spread the word. Tell everyone you know about your business. Hand out business cards and flyers. Before long you will have a classroom full of preschool children with a waiting list started.
Good luck and best wishes.
Mary Beth Collins is a former preschool teacher and high school teacher. She is the mother of 3 grown children and a granddaughter. Now she is developing a blog about everything preschool and preschool curriculum.
Sign up for a free report on how to start a preschool with a link to state requirements for preschool teacher requirements. http://www.startingapreschool.net.
I will start with 6 quick tips to grow enrollment that don't cost anything.
1. Create a flyer and distribute it to businesses and bulletin boards, especially where there are children. Always be sure to ask first. Go to places like park district events, the public library, church. Put your flyer on car windows, post on bulletin boards, tape to store windows, hand them out and leave a stack on the counters.
2. Ask your current families to refer you to their friends. Word of mouth is the best advertising, and it's free. Have some of your fliers available to families that say "yes". You could offer an incentive if they refer a friend that signs up. This could be a discount, a free week, a gift basket or a gift card to a local store.
3. Register with your local Childcare Resources. Let them know that you have opening or that you are expanding so that they can let families know. They will love having your preschool or daycare on their list if you are licensed. They especially like preschools and daycare-services that are in family-oriented neighborhoods, by elementary schools and are on the bus lines.
4. Put your preschool or daycare on the internet. There are several websites that list them. When I did a Google search for daycare listings I came up with several. Parent who are looking for providers often search on the internet. The listings are categorized by state and city, so it is easy for those in need to find those who are providing services.
5. Network with other preschools and daycare providers. When they have their classes full, they could refer families to yours. When you don't have room and there is a need, you can send your overflow to others. So, it becomes reciprocal. Always get the family's information before you refer them to others. That way, if you have an opening, you will have a list of families to call to try and fill your open spot.
6. Put an ad in the classified section of your newspaper. In most areas, this will also be displayed on the newspaper's website. So, it gets the word out in print and over the internet. Be sure to include the name of your business, your address and phone number. You could also include the bus line that goes by your house.
In the "old days", you could put a sign in your yard, take out a yellow page ad, ask a few friends to pass the word and be able to fill up your preschool or daycare. It seems that those days are gone.
Now you have to be more aggressive, more pro-active in getting the words out. The yellow pages ads are really a thing of the past. Searching the internet has taken its' place.
So, spread the word. Tell everyone you know about your business. Hand out business cards and flyers. Before long you will have a classroom full of preschool children with a waiting list started.
Good luck and best wishes.
Mary Beth Collins is a former preschool teacher and high school teacher. She is the mother of 3 grown children and a granddaughter. Now she is developing a blog about everything preschool and preschool curriculum.
Sign up for a free report on how to start a preschool with a link to state requirements for preschool teacher requirements. http://www.startingapreschool.net.
Thanks for sharing this informative content. Early childhood education is very important for children. Footprints Childcare Play School provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can learn and grow. The staff is experienced and qualified, and they are committed to providing the best possible care for the children.
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