I live in the middle of nowhere as well.....licensing here is optional if you have 5 or less children... And rates are zilch compared to centers... The food program isn't an option....

But despite all of that, I stay full year round with a waiting list.

I have a family of two at drives and hour one way the opposite direction to being her kids here and a family of three who goes about ten minutes out of the way to bring her kids here.

My advice??

(1) advertising

(2) cut costs where possible

(3) report the other daycare every single day if you have to

(4) have an open house for your community with a family fun day

(5)'call your local referral agency

(6) offer non traditional hours if possible. All five of my kids are afternoon only and it works out awesome. Your area may need care non traditional instead of traditional. In my area, centers close at six and the majority of parents work non regular hours.

Competitive rates here are about $80-$100 a week and state pays only $40 a week but its possible to make it work, even if you live in the woods like me!!

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