Possibly Moving

So we are possibly moving and I'm stressed about having to start my daycare from scratch again. Have any of you had to start another daycare before and how long did it take you to fill spots? I know it's different for everyone, but I'm kinda anxious about it!

[LysesKids]

Originally Posted by Logged out for privacy

So we are possibly moving and I'm stressed about having to start my daycare from scratch again. Have any of you had to start another daycare before and how long did it take you to fill spots? I know it's different for everyone, but I'm kinda anxious about it!

I have done it 6 times lol... If you know where you are going start the licensing process ASAP if required; advertise ASAP if possible letting people know, Hey I'm So & So from wherever, I'm moving to your area & re-opening on such & such date.

Set up phone interviews long distance if need be, do in person meet & greets the minute the new place is ready, have paperwork ready for that first face to face. Also, if stuff needs replacing, sell it in a yard sale & start with different toys & materials at the new home... it's also a chance to change ages you care for if you are looking to refresh

My saving grace is my website... people can get all my info including fees from the get go. I started advertising 3 months in advance for this last move (2.5 years ago) & had a full house from day one - that said an unexpected incident occurred & I had to move last minute from original new home to a place 15 minutes away in a different county; lost all but one client 2 weeks before I was suppose to open - made an emergency plan B and it took 5 months to start getting more clients; thankfully I had a few months saving stashed...

Very important to assume it will take months to fill spaces because in some areas it does. Plan on living on savings or spouses income a minimum 3-4 months. I am a single parent/grandparent... no spouse

[Mike]

Prepare and advertise as early as possible, and ask current parents about references. See if you can get a couple written references to show prospective clients on the spot.

A website definitely helps. It allows you to provide more information to prospective parents.

I'm not ready to start mine yet, but will be moving to a bigger city before I do, and I already have a website ready to put up as soon as I decide on the city. I also have advertising ready to go once I know where I'm going.

[NightOwl]

We've considered moving also but this is the very reason that stops me. Here, my licensing person won't even talk to me about starting the licensing process for a new home until the home is bought and we are moved in. And she moves at a snail's pace, so it would easily be 3 to 4 months to get licensed again.

Also, licensing IS required here for any number of children, living at the residence is required, and advertising is strictly prohibited before the licensee is issued. Alabama has some stiff regulations.

So I supposed it really depends on your state and if they allow children without a license and if they allow advertising prior to obtaining that license. If that was the case here, I'd have moved long ago!

[LysesKids]

Originally Posted by NightOwl

We've considered moving also but this is the very reason that stops me. Here, my licensing person won't even talk to me about starting the licensing process for a new home until the home is bought and we are moved in. And she moves at a snail's pace, so it would easily be 3 to 4 months to get licensed again.

Also, licensing IS required here for any number of children, living at the residence is required, and advertising is strictly prohibited before the licensee is issued. Alabama has some stiff regulations.

So I supposed it really depends on your state and if they allow children without a license and if they allow advertising prior to obtaining that license. If that was the case here, I'd have moved long ago!

Except for Md which is just as strict as AL, I have mainly lived in states were I could start with 2 or 3 families while I get the licensing done (exception was Florida where I was running another business); here in TN because I am infants only, I'm limited to 4 kids either way

We aren't moving after all, hallelujah!!!! I don't think I could have dealt with that stress!! Yay!!!

[NightOwl]

Congrats!!

[Mike]

Originally Posted by NightOwl

We've considered moving also but this is the very reason that stops me. Here, my licensing person won't even talk to me about starting the licensing process for a new home until the home is bought and we are moved in. And she moves at a snail's pace, so it would easily be 3 to 4 months to get licensed again.

Also, licensing IS required here for any number of children, living at the residence is required, and advertising is strictly prohibited before the licensee is issued. Alabama has some stiff regulations.

So I supposed it really depends on your state and if they allow children without a license and if they allow advertising prior to obtaining that license. If that was the case here, I'd have moved long ago!

That is strict and would be a big problem relocating.

[Second Home]

When I moved I could not even re-apply for my lic until I was all set up in my new home with everything ready to show the licensing specialist . It took 4 months to get them here to inspect the new house .