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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>What Are Parents Looking For When Interviewing Providers?
pootmcgoot 09:50 AM 06-05-2012
Aside from licensing, good references and not being a crazed psycho that is.

In your opinion, what makes your daycare stick out and land you a client? What makes you, as a provider appealing to clients? What gives you an advantage over the competition? What do you go out of your way to provide?

It can't just be bottom of the barrel rates. When looking for a drop in provider for my kiddo, I chose someone on the higher side because she just...how do I put this? Lit up like a light bulb when my daughter offered her her sun glasses. She put them on to appease her and interacted with her in a silly way. It was genuine. So I'm happy to pay the little bit extra.

But so far, talking to potential parents...they just want cheaper rates than the center (75$ a week!). They're not interested in curriculum, activities, outings, the daily trip to the brand new play ground and splash park a block from my house. They aren't even interested in my method of free play I do (Waldorf inspired but not exactly) with my daughter and emphasis on art and creating.

Husband just says I'm a hippy art nut and most people don't care about creativity. I do! And my prn provider does art projects even with littles. Kiddo and I do art or something imaginative or creative daily. At 18 months we have made a scarf doll she scribbled a face on (that she cuddles like a baby), finger painted books (Ed emberley style) and various DIY home made toys/decorations. We even made dcb a scarf doll with a scribble face that he likes. So I know 18 monthers can participate and have fun.

Is this too *special*?

Thanks y'all!
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Breezy 10:03 AM 06-05-2012
I do not think its too special at all. I mean its really special you do all that as opposed to sitting the kids in ront of the tv all day, hehe. But I think its wonderful! But you are right, a lot of parents do just look for the cheapest care. Around here I have noticed that especially. When I am asked my rate as the first question, and then I never hear from them again, that is how I know that person is all about the money. Which I canunderstand to a point because times are tough and parents really dont want to be going to work just to see their pay checks go to child care!

Anywho, what I believe sets me apart from other providers is that I am a military wife. This is a military community and I know a lot of people see it as a form of accountability. Especially for other military familes.
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DaisyMamma 10:11 AM 06-05-2012
Originally Posted by Breezy:
I do not think its too special at all. I mean its really special you do all that as opposed to sitting the kids in ront of the tv all day, hehe. But I think its wonderful! But you are right, a lot of parents do just look for the cheapest care. Around here I have noticed that especially. When I am asked my rate as the first question, and then I never hear from them again, that is how I know that person is all about the money. Which I canunderstand to a point because times are tough and parents really dont want to be going to work just to see their pay checks go to child care!

Anywho, what I believe sets me apart from other providers is that I am a military wife. This is a military community and I know a lot of people see it as a form of accountability. Especially for other military familes.
That's interesting because if I were looking for daycare I wouldn't use a military wife because it might mean they would move in 6 months or a year or two years.

Anyway, most people ask for rates right away and that's how you know what is most important. It seems to be the first question I get 9/10 times.
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pootmcgoot 10:19 AM 06-05-2012
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
That's interesting because if I were looking for daycare I wouldn't use a military wife because it might mean they would move in 6 months or a year or two years.

Anyway, most people ask for rates right away and that's how you know what is most important. It seems to be the first question I get 9/10 times.

I'm an army wife...and while we do move every 3-4 years, other army families don't discount you when it comes to that. At least from my experience. They know that they could move in a week or 5 years. Its at the army's will. I guess it's a lifestyle drawback that military families assume is a non negotiable part of the deal when you are in the military subculture.

We are banished to the land of misfit soldiers. Because its a rapid deploying post (every other year or 2 years) it's hard to get orders out of here. Well probably be here another 5 years to my dismay.
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Breezy 10:20 AM 06-05-2012
Originally Posted by DaisyMamma:
That's interesting because if I were looking for daycare I wouldn't use a military wife because it might mean they would move in 6 months or a year or two years.

Anyway, most people ask for rates right away and that's how you know what is most important. It seems to be the first question I get 9/10 times.
Our base is like a black hole, haha. With the job DH does unless he cross trains (which he is trying to do now!!!) We will be here forever pretty much. There is next ro nowhere else he can go. We have been here his whole enlistment so far and hes almost at 6 years.
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DaisyMamma 10:25 AM 06-05-2012
Originally Posted by pootmcgoot:
I'm an army wife...and while we do move every 3-4 years, other army families don't discount you when it comes to that. At least from my experience. They know that they could move in a week or 5 years. Its at the army's will. I guess it's a lifestyle drawback that military families assume is a non negotiable part of the deal when you are in the military subculture.

We are banished to the land of misfit soldiers. Because its a rapid deploying post (every other year or 2 years) it's hard to get orders out of here. Well probably be here another 5 years to my dismay.
Oh definitely. I'm sure all your clients are also army and find it comforting that you are too.
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nothingwithoutjoy 10:33 AM 06-05-2012
So many people care about rates and hours, that's it. (I often joke that when they call, I should tell them "oh, and by the way, I'm a child molester," because only those two questions make me insane!). The people who are only interested in getting "a good deal" are not your clientele. It sounds like you need to get the word out about your program--a good art-filled brochure, for example--to other "hippie art people." Where in your town are your people? I put up fliers at our CSA (farm share) and the good toy store, etc.
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EchoMom 10:51 AM 06-05-2012
I do all of my advertising by directing people to my website. I use Care.com, SitterCity.com, Craigslist, and word of mouth. I put the link to my site with all my applications to these places and people can see my rates and info there. If they don't like my rates they don't contact me. I have gotten overwhelming demand for infants and I am NOT dirt cheap. I don't know how many people DIDN'T contact me though. I charge $150/wk or $35/day PT. I am legally unlicensed in Ohio and no one has ever even asked if I was or wasn't.

People seem most interested in a provider that is CLOSE.
Location seems to be key, followed by hours, and 3rd price.

After those top 3 things, people say the reason they chose me is because of my education (Master in Education), the fact that my mom (also a Master in Education) is my back up and can fill in for me so I never have to close, and because they were impressed with my website.

I agree, people do not care that I have a unique Montessori style to my days, that we do arts/crafts, etc. Those are just things that help me stay sane and pass the time and want for my own child to do anyway.
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EntropyControlSpecialist 11:08 AM 06-05-2012
I get asked about price, curriculum, and hours in that order.

They either think my price is too high, or they feel very comfortable paying it. There is no middle ground.

They do not want to know about my curriculum (unless they are looking for the Preschool version of Harvard ... again, there is no middle ground for the people who come to me). They simply want to know IF I use a curriculum.
Me being a certified teacher does not seem to matter, and neither does being licensed (the highest "level" around here).

My hours are either too long for them or are too short. There is no middle ground. They all like that I'm in our very small community, though. Nearly all of my clients (12 children) can walk to their homes.

My spots are completely filled.

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small_steps 11:14 AM 06-05-2012
I agree that most parents only care about the price. That's almost always the first question I'm asked. Sometimes I try to give thema price and then hurry and get through a speech on what I offer with that price lol. However, sometimes I will get a parent that seems to want to know more and I love it when I get those. I think something in my area that sets me apart is that I have my garage converted into the daycare and only a few of us in our town have a room that is completely devoted to daycare so if they get the chance to actually see my set up they usually sign with me. But usually I only get a few that actually make it to an interview. There are lots of people in my area that are providing illegal childcare and doing it for dirt cheap...somet $10-$15 a day when the average here is $25 or more depending on the ages.
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Heidi 11:46 AM 06-05-2012
Are you advertising as "special'? I would think you would get a lot of calls then because all the other advertisements look similar....meals provided, large play-yard, loving provider...yada yada

I know for me getting those FIRST clients in a new place is the hardest. No one wants to be the first to sign up...lest you quit, maybe?

Can you borrow some kids and take pictures for your website and ad campaign? Surely there is a friend or family member who would be thrilled to have their child doing some "modeling" for you.

How about telling all your FB friends that whoever sends you a client...they get $50 when the contract is signed, and the parent gets $50 off a week's tuition (the 2nd or 3rd week, after the trial period maybe).

Order a few tshirts and personalize them for your dc. As soon as you get a few kiddos (or again, borrow some) take them out to the park and show them off. Put your dc name on your stroller or wagon with a cute sign...and your phone number.

I'm telling you...you get one or two...and the floodgates will open. People will see and hear that you are different.

BTW...I wish I could come observe your program once you get going. Waldorf is cool!
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pootmcgoot 12:43 PM 06-05-2012
Originally Posted by Heidi:
Are you advertising as "special'? I would think you would get a lot of calls then because all the other advertisements look similar....meals provided, large play-yard, loving provider...yada yada

I know for me getting those FIRST clients in a new place is the hardest. No one wants to be the first to sign up...lest you quit, maybe?

Can you borrow some kids and take pictures for your website and ad campaign? Surely there is a friend or family member who would be thrilled to have their child doing some "modeling" for you.

How about telling all your FB friends that whoever sends you a client...they get $50 when the contract is signed, and the parent gets $50 off a week's tuition (the 2nd or 3rd week, after the trial period maybe).

Order a few tshirts and personalize them for your dc. As soon as you get a few kiddos (or again, borrow some) take them out to the park and show them off. Put your dc name on your stroller or wagon with a cute sign...and your phone number.

I'm telling you...you get one or two...and the floodgates will open. People will see and hear that you are different.

BTW...I wish I could come observe your program once you get going. Waldorf is cool!


Not quiet a program yet! I just posted an ad saying I was available after I get certified. I am teeming my dcb then getting certified and building my playroom. Lots of toys to sew and make. I really dig Waldorf but I also can't get past the lack of academia. So I sort of blend the artsy fartsy with fun learning activities. I think it's a good hybrid. My daughter is fiercely independent, imaginative and sharp. She's also pretty obedient although sassy. She adapts well to change but still needs a loose routine. So far so good. She has had the freedom to develop into a social independent original person but isn't a wild child with out boundaries ya know?
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Heidi 12:55 PM 06-05-2012
Originally Posted by pootmcgoot:
Not quiet a program yet! I just posted an ad saying I was available after I get certified. I am teeming my dcb then getting certified and building my playroom. Lots of toys to sew and make. I really dig Waldorf but I also can't get past the lack of academia. So I sort of blend the artsy fartsy with fun learning activities. I think it's a good hybrid. My daughter is fiercely independent, imaginative and sharp. She's also pretty obedient although sassy. She adapts well to change but still needs a loose routine. So far so good. She has had the freedom to develop into a social independent original person but isn't a wild child with out boundaries ya know?
We are a family of divergent thinkers here. My son's nickname is McGyver (early 80's TV series...the guy could make a bomb with chewing gum and a paper clip).

Our family motto is "THERE IS NO NORMAL"
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pootmcgoot 01:29 PM 06-05-2012
Originally Posted by Heidi:
We are a family of divergent thinkers here. My son's nickname is McGyver (early 80's TV series...the guy could make a bomb with chewing gum and a paper clip).

Our family motto is "THERE IS NO NORMAL"
Lol! We call her poot because well...she is! I tell her to sit on her butt on the couch when she stands and she will sass me in gibberish while sitting down. I count on my fingers to 3 and show her my fingers when I mean business. She sasses me and shows me a 1 or 2 or 3 fingers while doing what I say lol
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Blackcat31 01:33 PM 06-05-2012
Some other threads about interviews https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.p...ew+-+checklist
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EchoMom 02:45 PM 06-05-2012
Originally Posted by Heidi:
Are you advertising as "special'? I would think you would get a lot of calls then because all the other advertisements look similar....meals provided, large play-yard, loving provider...yada yada

I know for me getting those FIRST clients in a new place is the hardest. No one wants to be the first to sign up...lest you quit, maybe?

Can you borrow some kids and take pictures for your website and ad campaign? Surely there is a friend or family member who would be thrilled to have their child doing some "modeling" for you.

How about telling all your FB friends that whoever sends you a client...they get $50 when the contract is signed, and the parent gets $50 off a week's tuition (the 2nd or 3rd week, after the trial period maybe).

Order a few tshirts and personalize them for your dc. As soon as you get a few kiddos (or again, borrow some) take them out to the park and show them off. Put your dc name on your stroller or wagon with a cute sign...and your phone number.

I'm telling you...you get one or two...and the floodgates will open. People will see and hear that you are different.

BTW...I wish I could come observe your program once you get going. Waldorf is cool!
I completely agree with this. I started my business of 6 (5 and my 1) this past January and I had a very very hard time getting started for exactly this reason, no one wanted to be the FIRST!

I had a DOZEN interviews before people finally started signing on. They all asked me if there were other kids and I got to the point where I almost started making up kids so I could say yes. I was asking friends to borrow their kids to be present!

But then, once the ball got rolling I'm full now and turn TONS of people away. All of my current families know someone else who wants me, but I'm full. When I walk in the neighborhood with my brood (2 infants in double stroller, one infant on my back, and 3 toddlers on safety bands, and the dog too!) people comment and ask if I have openings and do I charge hourly to come over just for a play date!
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Unregistered 03:06 PM 06-05-2012
Dedicated floor space, years in business, former clients as references, small ratio, owning your home, being married, etc. I think all of these are factored in.
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littlemissmuffet 03:30 PM 06-05-2012
-No television
-Hubs helps run the business
-Serve healthy hot meals (will accomidate vegetarian diets)
-Do arts and crafts on a regular basis
-Low ratio
-Play outside/go for a walk every day
-We focus on LIFE skills as opposed to preschool
-We have an actual daycare setup as opposed to toy boxes in a family livingroom
-Years in operation
-Excellent references
-Our handbook, contract and other paperwork is very professional
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Tags:check list, interview - checklist, interview - ideas, potential client, potential families
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