Tip 1: Parents are becoming extremely knowledgeable regarding ratios and other licensing regulation. In fact, under Oliver’s Law, parents are now encouraged to contact their local licensor to access any public information pertaining to a child care facility.

Tip 2: Have a realistic idea of the child care needs in your neighborhood. If there is a surplus of school age care in your area you may want to focus on infant or evening care. Many families look for child care providers to work non-traditional hours. Where infant care is concerned, parents feel more comfortable with a provider in a smaller, quieter environment set up for small children.

Tip 3: Advertise your facility with an attractive flyer focusing on what is appealing and unique about your services. Distribute the flyer anywhere parents are likely to see it: schools, churches pediatricians’ offices, child oriented retail stores, offices, libraries, realtors, community centers, Laundromats, health clubs and any organization serving parents. On your flyer include your name, phone number and best time to call, ages you serve, hours of operation, your general neighborhood (never your address) and special services (meals, transportation, preschool program, homework assistance, etc.).

Tip 4: Sell yourself by having a display of workshops or trainings you have attended and any ECE credits you have earned. Have available any experience you have had in working with children, going back as far as you can. This shows that providing child are is a career choice for you.

Tip 5: Remember that a telephone call is a parents initial contact with you as a provider. Be friendly and professional when answering your phone. You may want to write a short script that overviews your program to keep by the phone.

Tip 6: Keep in mind the importance of the home visit. This is where children will be spending most of their days. See that there is plenty of light filtering through your home. Have clean, colorful age appropriate toys, books and games. Keep all children's areas as clean and tidy as possible. Think about what qualities you would want to see is a child care provider. Finally, Del Norte Child Care Council only gives out names of those providers with spaces available, so be sure to keep your file current. Call whenever there are any changes in your availability or if you are full. If you would like any assistance promoting your day care or improving your business, please call Del Norte Child Care Council at (707) 464-8311.

Article courtesy of Child Care Links