If you are not already doing it, now is the time to begin thanking the parents of your day care children on a regular basis. This can be done many ways. Instead of a simple thank you on payday, tell them you appreciate them for using your services. Mention a few reasons why you value them as a customer. For example, you can say something like, "I want to thank you for using my child care, I appreciate how you always arrive on time."

Another way to thank your customers is to create a written thank you. If you already hand out a newsletter, add a special column thanking parents and the children for being a part of your child care. Or every few months have the children make thank you cards for their parents, and add your own personal message inside, letting the parents know you appreciate their business.

Good communication is always important. Continue to talk with the parents. The more you get to know each other, the easier it will become to communicate. Let them know you want to hear about their concerns, invite them to tell you how their weekend was. Did their child rest well? Was it busy and hectic? Through communication you can gain insight into how their child may behave each day, as well as create an "I care" atmosphere.

Create a bulletin board or use a wall in your child care to hang up the children’s art projects and photos of the children engaging in activities. This is a visual reminder to parents that your home is a "happening place" full of fun and activity.

If you plan on purchasing new equipment for your business, turn it into a special event. The children will have fun. It will provide them with something special to talk about with their parents. It will also show parents you are investing in your business, and providing new activities for their children. For example, if you decide to purchase a playhouse, create a large poster. Paste a catalog photo of the playhouse on it and make a three-day count down calendar. At the end of the count down, have a mini party with the children, uncover the new equipment, serve snacks and let all the children have a chance to try out the equipment. Something new doesn't have to be expensive. This idea would work with something as simple as buying a few new puzzles or a board game and creating a special game area on a large throw rug.

Having an open house is a good way to let parents connect with you and each other. An open house could be for a specific holiday or a pizza party. Allowing parents to be in your home on a social level creates a feeling of comfort and familiarity. They can watch their children interact with the other day care children and see how their child plays at your home.

As a child care provider it is often difficult to keep your home clean, but this is still essential in your quest to keep children in your care. Make it a routine to pick up toys at the end of the day, indoors and out. Make sure your entry way (the first thing people see) is clear of toys and clutter. Use stacking cubes or cubbies to store children’s things neatly. Make sure dishes are washed and tables are wiped clean. Use decorative containers or baskets to keep stacks of papers, mail and other clutter out of sight.

Drop off and pick up times are often busy. Be aware of staying positive. Think of how you would like to be greeted at the end of your day. Would you want to be greeted with a friendly smile or a list of complaints? Share the good things their child did that day. If you need to discuss a discipline issue, make sure to also mention something positive their child did that day.