[mommy2abigail]

How did you go about finding child care? I ask because I am looking to start a home daycare (I currently watch one child, in addition to my dd) and I have no idea how to get the word out. I have told my friends, but they all have older children, or no children, so...Should I advertise in the newspaper? I dont want to waste money on that if mama's really dont look in there. We dont go to a playgroup on a regular basis, but the activities we do go to are during the weekday, so mostly with other sahm. Did you go on arecommendation from a friend? Or did you go directly to a center? For those who use a family day care home, how did you find out about it? I really only want 1-2 other children, since my mom will be working here with me, it will be 3-4 children (including my dd) and 2 adults. TIA.

 

[wondebs]

I traded off for a while with a good friend and we worked different shifts but after about a year we decided to stop and I found someone through church that was a SAHM and would watch my dd. I usually try people I know or word of mouth recommendations. I would suggest talking to as many people as possible about your goals because they will end up telling someone else. You could also make up some business cards on your computor and give them out to family and friends so that when they run into someone who needs childcare they can give them your card.

Hope this helps

Beverly

 

[Tellera]

I searched the internet for day care (home and facility) near my home and work. We visited them all and talked with parents of 2 - 3 children at each place.

 

[Benjismom]

My neighborhood has a parenting listserve, and lots of childcare recommendations go out that way, in addition to old-fashioned word of mouth at the playground, sing-along, etc. The most effective use of this method is when a satisfied customer describes in some detail why your care is so wonderful. This is much better than a self-promotion, which many would greet with skepticism, and gives other parents a basis for understanding whether this would be a good fit for their child.

If there are events in your community, like at your library or a local business, where lots of young kids gather, you could consider bringing your child and the other child you watch there and chatting up some of the parents. Where I live, women looking for nannying work often use these settings to do this. It also lets prospective customers see you interacting with the children in your care so they can see whether your basic approach is in sync with theirs.

I would avoid newspaper advisertising, at least if your community is like mine. It will be expensive and will likely not be worth it in terms of business generation.

Beth
DS (6-1/2); DD (3-1/2)

 

[Noah's mommy]

My provider left her business cards at the front office of my school. Perfect for teachers and new families to the area (registering their children) to pick up.

 

[cjr]

I created a flyer with my phone number attached in a way that could be torn off the flyer. I drove around and posted it on all the mailboxes in my community. We have superboxes. I have only ever advertised this way and I always get lots of replies.

 

[Tinas3muskateers]

My eldest son got into a Montessori Charter school here that had another school in the building, a private Montessori school. So it was convenant, and I adore Montessori

 

[marvelous]

I found my DCP at church. Well actually she found me. I just wanted to say that I liked being able to talk to other parents about her care, rather than just reading a sign. I wouldn't do the newspaper either. If I were looking, that just seems too impersonable.

 

[guestmama9915]

You can also post on places like Craigslist.org