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Starting your child care business is not an impulsive act that can be executed overnight — the decision-making process takes time, possibly years. With more parents asking about early childhood education options, they can become better informed about the available choices.
Quality service is typically the top priority. Nowadays, parents are looking for more than conveniences (such as ideal drop-off/pick-up schedules or the nearest location.) They also want a child care center that can offer their family something unique and one with a top-notch reputation.
Starting Your Own Child Care Business – The Planning and the Process
There’s no question that you love kids. You are great with children, you love organizing and planning fun activities, your finances are in good shape, and you have the perfect space ready. Undoubtedly, you have already given a lot of thought to starting your childcare center.
Remember, however, that these are not the only things you need to consider. Many specific steps go into planning and executing this kind of business venture, which includes a solid approach to childcare marketing needed to promote your center. Some of the things you need to take into consideration include:
1. Licensing Requirements
You need to comply with licensing requirements while starting your own childcare business. Doing so will legitimize your operation, so you don’t encounter any legal issues. Every state has its requirements, so review your state’s specific regulations for childcare services.
2. Early Childhood Education
Starting a child care center does not necessarily require a formal education in professional child care. However, understanding the fundamentals of early childhood development and daycare marketing is highly beneficial. Most parents prefer an educated caregiver, preferably those with training in CPR and first-aid in case of emergency.
Remember, you will be caring for the lives of young ones, so you must be equipped to provide appropriate assistance and care. Aside from being well-versed in early childhood development, it is also ideal to educate yourself on crucial marketing skills to help you jumpstart your business. Explore around your local community or online for some courses available to you.
3. Child Care Marketing Business Plan
If you think obtaining a license sounds challenging, then it’s clear that you have not made any business plans yet. Developing a child care business plan can be one of the most grueling and tedious processes. You need a business plan to succeed — this isn’t just done for formality.
A well-developed and clear business plan will help you identify the details of your center and your vision as a childcare provider. Invest the time and energy needed to consider what kind of center you want to create. Do some research, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
4. Insurance
To protect your business and the children, you need to have several types of insurance. Most of these policies typically include workers’ compensation, property coverage, business insurance, and liability coverage. If you are not sure about what types of insurance you need to obtain, you can always consult your local child care services office for assistance.
5. Hiring Staff
Your child care business may just be a one-person operation when you first startup, since you may be hoping to save on costs by avoiding hiring unnecessary help for your center just yet. However, as your business grows and your enrollment increases, you may need to hire additional help to adequately care for your center’s children. You may also require additional staff to assist with some managerial and clerical tasks.
Hiring additional personnel is particularly important when running a childcare center that requires a minimum staff ratio to children based on your licensing requirements. When hiring staff for your center, ensure they undergo all of the necessary background checks and that they provide references (both personal and professional) to ensure the safety of the children and your business.
Take your time during the hiring process — this ensures your facility remains safe and maintains an outstanding reputation.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Child Care Center?
Some significant costs are involved when starting your own childcare business. If you don’t have enough financial resources to cover your initial startup expenses, you must get creative to acquire the funds you need.
Grants are often available and are provided to help you cover the costs of starting your business. You might also consider getting financial assistance, such as an SBA loan. You may also consider doing some community fundraising to help you pool funds. Remember that your goal is to use and maximize these funds as an investment that will yield profitable returns for your childcare business.
You need to purchase or lease several essential items to get your business up and running. These startup costs include, but are not limited to:
- Art supplies
- A daycare space
- Toys
- Books
- Outdoor and indoor play equipment
- Cleaning supplies
- Computer equipment
- Child care supplies (wipes, diapers, etc.)
- Licensing fees
- Bottles, cups, utensils, plates, etc.
- Food (for meals/snacks)
- School service (transportation) (optional)
You might also want to think about other additional supplies you might need for your center. Over time, you can use the revenue to help cover these costs and invest in high-quality supplies/equipment. Start simple, then scale up.
Marketing Strategies for Your Child Care Center
Marketing any business can be challenging, especially if you don’t have any previous marketing experience. However, childcare marketing is necessary to grow your center and increase enrollment over time.
In between tying shoes, changing diapers, serving snacks, putting kids down for naps, and reading stories, childcare owners and directors/managers are also expected to market their centers. Small business owners may tend to push marketing to the bottom of their priorities, but the childcare industry is designed to have clients yield growth and success. If you don’t consistently put sufficient effort into attracting new clients to your business, you may have difficulty filling in the spots.
Child care marketing is highly dependent on both traditional and online marketing strategies. There are so many tactics most child care businesses need to execute these days, especially since so many digital platforms are available. Your child care service needs that personal touch and emotional finesse because you cater to something invaluable: the children. Remember, though, that word-of-mouth and referrals are also vital at the end of the day.
Here is a quick rundown of some childcare marketing ideas you can use to build long-term success:
1. Build a website
Setting up a user-friendly website is a great idea to help you market your center. The internet is the first place potential clients tend to check when searching for a suitable center. Your center needs a well-designed website that can answer basic questions and help your prospects move on to the next step — meeting you personally and touring your facility.
There are some helpful website templates that you can customize at an affordable cost. You can also hire a reputable digital marketing agency like No Joke Childcare to build your website. Ensure your child care center website reflects your qualifications, professional and personal history, and passion for child care and development.
Always include contact information so potential clients know how and where to reach you.
2. Direct Referrals
Word-of-mouth advertising and direct referrals are still considered some of the most effective strategies to help you market your child care center. Happy parents can be your best friends when it comes to marketing and advertising your center at an affordable cost. Most people turn to friends and family for advice, so having your center’s parents talk about your center positively will be your best bet at gaining leads.
You can also create a referral incentive program to encourage existing clients to promote your center. Design a flyer or a brochure advertising that the parent may get a percentage off of their childcare fees for every successful referral that comes your way.
3. Social Media Marketing
Over the years, childcare marketing has shifted heavily to social media marketing. So many people are using social media to promote their businesses. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are the best choices. You can create your own Facebook page, Instagram, or Twitter business accounts with daily updates and information about your child care center.
Connect with parent groups from your community on these social media platforms to help you start establishing relationships. Become active in various online parenting groups. Encourage your existing clients to post comments or engage on your Facebook page or Instagram account.
Let them share their own experiences regarding the care that your center has provided for their children. Post photos of the children under your care to your page (always make sure you have parental permission before doing so). Equally important is to ensure you are available to respond to any queries from potential clients via your social media pages.
The Takeaway
Starting your childcare business can be daunting and time-consuming, but it can also be gratifying and fun. If you have a roadmap to help you start your journey, the process will be much easier.
With so many childcare marketing strategies available, you will never have ideas to promote your business. It will take a lot of dedication and hard work, but if you are great at what you do and remain focused on your goals, you’ll be off to a great start.
Do you need help with your childcare business? For more childcare marketing ideas and strategies to help grow your business and increase your enrollment fast, contact us at No Joke Childcare.
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