Daycare Nebraska
Nebraska's Largest On-line Directory
Nebraska's Largest On-line Directory
Operating A Daycare
Building A Successful Daycare Business
Succeeding In The Childcare Business
Today's most successful providers all have one thing in common, they all recognize what today's parents want and expect, and they have fulfilled those needs. Years ago, it was a pretty simple formula. provide a safe, clean environment, serve nutritious meals and be dependable. While all those things still apply today, it's no longer enough.
Today, parents demand much more from their provider than ever before. In days gone by, price and location topped the list of most parents when considering a provider for their child. Those days are long gone. Today's parents will get up extra early and drive many miles to insure that their child receives the best possible care. Below are just a few suggestions that may help you to compete in today's market.
Location
Yes,today's parents consider many things when choosing a provider, but location is still high on the list. For instance, if you are located near a school, you will attract clients with children that attend that school. Most times, living in close proximity to a school is a bonus.
Living on a circle is attractive to many prospective clients. Many parents feel that their child is safer because there is less traffic. If you live on a high traffic street, you are at a disadvantage. When a parent comes for their initial visit, they will take everything into consideration. If it takes them even one minute to get backed out of your driveway because of heavy traffic, it will turn them off. They will be thinking: I don't want to face this every morning when I'm already late for work.
Living Close to a large employer is also a bonus. Just for the sheer convenience of it, parents may choose you over another provider that lives miles or even just a few blocks away. Living close to a park is always a plus.
Yes, location can work for you or against you. If you are in a bad location for whatever reason, you can overcome it by offering something that is attractive to prospective parents. This may mean offering a service like weekend or evening care. There are ways around it, just be creative.
Effective Advertising
It makes no difference if you are a brand new daycare or are well established, at some point you will need to advertise. If you are established, you most likely have a waiting list, if not, you should be trying to establish one. In today's market, a two line ad in the local paper is just not enough. We live in the information age, and print ads can not deliver.Take a look at your local paper, not many ads for daycare are there? .
There are less child care ads in newspapers all the time. Why? Because print ads are to expensive, and they are no longer effective. Today many providers continue to operate under capacity because it just don't seem worth it to pay the high cost of advertising in the local paper just to fill one or two openings. We've done our homework, we know this is happening.
The Alternative
This site is free for you to use, so use it to your full advantage. At the time of this writing we are offering you a great opportunity. You can now have your very own page to say as much us you want about your business.There are no space limitations. And it's totally free, our advertisers pay the bill for you. You can run ads elsewhere, but not for free, and they won't promote you locally like we do.
How Is My Daycare Promoted?
Daycare Nebraska has been on-line since 1999 and is very well established. Our site is promoted in many ways. We have ads in many Company newsletters, Church groups, Children stores, and more. We also run various campaigns on the internet. We run two big television and radio campaigns every spring and fall just before School starts and ends. You will fill most openings during these times of the year. People just don't move in the winter, or during the school year.
Be A Professional
You are a professional in every sense of the word. First impressions always have been, and always will be, very important. You would not answer the door with curlers in your hair when expecting a prospective client, would you? Of course you wouldn't. The point is, the more professional you look, the more you will stand out from the rest.
How Important Is A License?
Today's parents are, for the most part more comfortable knowing that their provider is licensed. Yes, there are people that just don't care. There are many advantages to being licensed. You will qualify for certain benefits, like food reimbursements if you are licensed. Generally speaking, it's better to be licensed than not. You can learn more about what it takes to be licensed by clicking here.
Should I Have My Own Web Site?
Yes, you absolutely should. Having a website of your own is almost a necessity for any business to succeed in today's market. It's no longer expensive, and you don't have to have special training to create one. There are even free sites available. You can find these free services by doing a Google search for free web sites.
The next best thing to having your own site is to create your very own page right here on our site. We will link to either your website or to your full page ad. Just visit our Add A Daycare page to submit your information. You will simply not find more effective advertising than having your own web presence.
The best you can hope for is personal referrals. We are all more likely to buy a product or a service if a relative or a personal friend recommends that product or service. Unfortunately, it will take a long time to get to this point. In the meantime, you will have to depend upon the effectiveness of your advertising to fill your openings and build your business.
When The Phone Rings
Once a prospective client calls you, keep in mind that if you have a full page ad or your own site that they already know a lot about you or they may have never called. Just like most job interviews these days, the interview can be a several step procedure. Try to schedule the first interview during off hours. This gives you both the opportunity to meet and talk without interruptions. But do make it clear, that they can come and observe with our without their children whenever they want. Some will want this option right away and if they do, you must agree or you'll loose this client.
The Initial Interview
It's just common sense, but be sure everything is in order and clean. You don't want to have to hunt for something that they may want to see. Try to be courteous and informative and stress your strongest points. Showcase anything you feel is your strongest selling point. This could be a well structured day, nutritious meals, safety equipment and drills, evening or weekend care, etc.
Above all else, let them talk and ask questions. Take them on a tour, they already know a lot about you, but they want to see things first hand. It is vital that you make a good impression and live up to what you've said about yourself in your ad. Be sure to invite them to bring their child to the interview.
Most parents today, won't sign on during the initial interview, this seldom happens these days. It's very important that you discuss your policies, rates, etc. during this interview. It's a good idea to make up a parent handbook that you give out that contains all of your policies.
They can take this home and read through it at their leisure. Doing this will save you a lot of time when they return to observe. This way, they don't forget something and have to keep calling asking questions.Be sure to ask if you've answered all of their questions. Take as much time as needed, if you appear to be preoccupied they will pick up on that, and the result is seldom positive.
The Interactive Interview
If the prospective client calls and wants to come and observe, try to work out a time that is to your advantage. Nap time, meal time, drop off or pick up time should all be avoided for obvious reasons. Only you can determine the best time, but sometimes schedules conflict and you may have to meet at a not so good time. If this happens, just make the best of it.
The outcome of this interview will, in all likelihood be the determining factor in the decision making process. Occasionally, someone will want to come and observe without bringing their child, then have still another meeting with the child present. If this is what the parent wants, you must agree.
Most parents already feel comfortable with you and your facility or they wouldn't be interested in coming by. At this point their main priority is trying to determine if your program is right for their child. It's your job to try and keep order and to introduce the new child to everyone. The parent of the new child is going to be most interested in how their child interacts with the other children.
It of course helps a great deal if you've had your other children in your program for some time. They will be much more cooperative and accepting of the new child. It helps if you've scheduled this meeting during an activity that the visiting child enjoys. If not, your job is a little harder and only your experience will guide you as to how to proceed.
Most children will naturally be somewhat shy in unfamiliar surroundings and parents understand this. What's most important to most parents is that they can see what a day is really like. Only they know if what you are offering is right for their child. Some parents want to stay for hours while others only need 20 minutes. A lot depends on the child. A shy child will take more time and generally speaking are a bigger concern for most parents. A very outgoing child on the other hand may only take a few minutes to become one of the gang, and will make Mom and Dad's choice an easy one.
It's also the time to showcase anything you can think of. If you do something that is unique, be sure to point it out. If you can stand out, or in some way give the impression that you can offer something that won't be found elsewhere, you are at a great advantage. If you don't get the client, chances are that it would not have worked out anyway. You won't sign up everyone, it's just the way it is. But if it's a good match, things usually work out for the best.
In closing, just remember to be yourself. Trying to be someone you're not can only create problems in the future. The Daycare business, like any business, can be both rewarding and trying. If you can survive your first year, you will be set for as long as you desire. We hope this article has helped you in some way and we wish you all the success you deserve.
Recommended Products
This site is supported by our advertisers and makes it possible for us to offer free advertising for our providers and parents. While we are thankful to all of our advertisers, we only personally recommend a very few. The two products listed below are two that we have personally tested and highly recommend. We have researched what we believe to be best value available today, anywhere at any price.
Over 40 Daycare Forms, Business Letters,
Worksheets, and Examples! Make Your Life Easier!
Many More Benefits Come With This Unbeatable Package!
Personally Recommended By Daycare Nebraska
Includes A 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
Here's A Partial List Of What's Included
You'll wonder how you ever got along without this time saving package.
Daycare Sage Software Program
We at Daycare Nebraska have tried for years to find an affordable software package that we feel comfortable in recommending to our providers. We have finally found it. This program has all of the features and capabilities of the thousand dollar programs, without the big cost.
This program installs on your computer. You own the program, it is NOT web based. This means there are NO monthly fees. The best part of this software is that it has actual training videos, making it very easy to learn. Even the ad for this software has a video that demonstrates how to use this highly versatile software package.
This package has everything you need, even a time clock if you have employees. You can import pictures of children, parents, and optional pick up people. There's even a reminder feature for things like immunizations. The bookkeeping capabilities are wonderful. You can enter the information once and it will automatically create an invoice. All you have to do is hit the print button at the end of the week. If this sounds like what you've been looking for go check out the video. Trust me, this is the best value out there and it works perfectly.
IT JUST DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS
Includes Video Instructions - Learning Couldn't Be Easier
Daycare Sage Is An Actual Program That You Install On Your Computer
THIS IS NOT AN ON-LINE MONTH BY MONTH SERVICE
YOU OWN THIS SOFTWARE - NOT SOMEONE ELSE
Get At Your Records - When You Need Them
Plus It's A Legitimate Business Write Off
Includes A 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
Personally Endorsed By Daycare Nebraska
The Most Affordable Software Of It's Kind Available Today!
Below Is A Partial List Of What This Software Can Do For You
Succeeding In The Childcare Business
Today's most successful providers all have one thing in common, they all recognize what today's parents want and expect, and they have fulfilled those needs. Years ago, it was a pretty simple formula. provide a safe, clean environment, serve nutritious meals and be dependable. While all those things still apply today, it's no longer enough.
Today, parents demand much more from their provider than ever before. In days gone by, price and location topped the list of most parents when considering a provider for their child. Those days are long gone. Today's parents will get up extra early and drive many miles to insure that their child receives the best possible care. Below are just a few suggestions that may help you to compete in today's market.
Location
Yes,today's parents consider many things when choosing a provider, but location is still high on the list. For instance, if you are located near a school, you will attract clients with children that attend that school. Most times, living in close proximity to a school is a bonus.
Living on a circle is attractive to many prospective clients. Many parents feel that their child is safer because there is less traffic. If you live on a high traffic street, you are at a disadvantage. When a parent comes for their initial visit, they will take everything into consideration. If it takes them even one minute to get backed out of your driveway because of heavy traffic, it will turn them off. They will be thinking: I don't want to face this every morning when I'm already late for work.
Living Close to a large employer is also a bonus. Just for the sheer convenience of it, parents may choose you over another provider that lives miles or even just a few blocks away. Living close to a park is always a plus.
Yes, location can work for you or against you. If you are in a bad location for whatever reason, you can overcome it by offering something that is attractive to prospective parents. This may mean offering a service like weekend or evening care. There are ways around it, just be creative.
Effective Advertising
It makes no difference if you are a brand new daycare or are well established, at some point you will need to advertise. If you are established, you most likely have a waiting list, if not, you should be trying to establish one. In today's market, a two line ad in the local paper is just not enough. We live in the information age, and print ads can not deliver.Take a look at your local paper, not many ads for daycare are there? .
There are less child care ads in newspapers all the time. Why? Because print ads are to expensive, and they are no longer effective. Today many providers continue to operate under capacity because it just don't seem worth it to pay the high cost of advertising in the local paper just to fill one or two openings. We've done our homework, we know this is happening.
The Alternative
This site is free for you to use, so use it to your full advantage. At the time of this writing we are offering you a great opportunity. You can now have your very own page to say as much us you want about your business.There are no space limitations. And it's totally free, our advertisers pay the bill for you. You can run ads elsewhere, but not for free, and they won't promote you locally like we do.
How Is My Daycare Promoted?
Daycare Nebraska has been on-line since 1999 and is very well established. Our site is promoted in many ways. We have ads in many Company newsletters, Church groups, Children stores, and more. We also run various campaigns on the internet. We run two big television and radio campaigns every spring and fall just before School starts and ends. You will fill most openings during these times of the year. People just don't move in the winter, or during the school year.
Be A Professional
You are a professional in every sense of the word. First impressions always have been, and always will be, very important. You would not answer the door with curlers in your hair when expecting a prospective client, would you? Of course you wouldn't. The point is, the more professional you look, the more you will stand out from the rest.
How Important Is A License?
Today's parents are, for the most part more comfortable knowing that their provider is licensed. Yes, there are people that just don't care. There are many advantages to being licensed. You will qualify for certain benefits, like food reimbursements if you are licensed. Generally speaking, it's better to be licensed than not. You can learn more about what it takes to be licensed by clicking here.
Should I Have My Own Web Site?
Yes, you absolutely should. Having a website of your own is almost a necessity for any business to succeed in today's market. It's no longer expensive, and you don't have to have special training to create one. There are even free sites available. You can find these free services by doing a Google search for free web sites.
The next best thing to having your own site is to create your very own page right here on our site. We will link to either your website or to your full page ad. Just visit our Add A Daycare page to submit your information. You will simply not find more effective advertising than having your own web presence.
The best you can hope for is personal referrals. We are all more likely to buy a product or a service if a relative or a personal friend recommends that product or service. Unfortunately, it will take a long time to get to this point. In the meantime, you will have to depend upon the effectiveness of your advertising to fill your openings and build your business.
When The Phone Rings
Once a prospective client calls you, keep in mind that if you have a full page ad or your own site that they already know a lot about you or they may have never called. Just like most job interviews these days, the interview can be a several step procedure. Try to schedule the first interview during off hours. This gives you both the opportunity to meet and talk without interruptions. But do make it clear, that they can come and observe with our without their children whenever they want. Some will want this option right away and if they do, you must agree or you'll loose this client.
The Initial Interview
It's just common sense, but be sure everything is in order and clean. You don't want to have to hunt for something that they may want to see. Try to be courteous and informative and stress your strongest points. Showcase anything you feel is your strongest selling point. This could be a well structured day, nutritious meals, safety equipment and drills, evening or weekend care, etc.
Above all else, let them talk and ask questions. Take them on a tour, they already know a lot about you, but they want to see things first hand. It is vital that you make a good impression and live up to what you've said about yourself in your ad. Be sure to invite them to bring their child to the interview.
Most parents today, won't sign on during the initial interview, this seldom happens these days. It's very important that you discuss your policies, rates, etc. during this interview. It's a good idea to make up a parent handbook that you give out that contains all of your policies.
They can take this home and read through it at their leisure. Doing this will save you a lot of time when they return to observe. This way, they don't forget something and have to keep calling asking questions.Be sure to ask if you've answered all of their questions. Take as much time as needed, if you appear to be preoccupied they will pick up on that, and the result is seldom positive.
The Interactive Interview
If the prospective client calls and wants to come and observe, try to work out a time that is to your advantage. Nap time, meal time, drop off or pick up time should all be avoided for obvious reasons. Only you can determine the best time, but sometimes schedules conflict and you may have to meet at a not so good time. If this happens, just make the best of it.
The outcome of this interview will, in all likelihood be the determining factor in the decision making process. Occasionally, someone will want to come and observe without bringing their child, then have still another meeting with the child present. If this is what the parent wants, you must agree.
Most parents already feel comfortable with you and your facility or they wouldn't be interested in coming by. At this point their main priority is trying to determine if your program is right for their child. It's your job to try and keep order and to introduce the new child to everyone. The parent of the new child is going to be most interested in how their child interacts with the other children.
It of course helps a great deal if you've had your other children in your program for some time. They will be much more cooperative and accepting of the new child. It helps if you've scheduled this meeting during an activity that the visiting child enjoys. If not, your job is a little harder and only your experience will guide you as to how to proceed.
Most children will naturally be somewhat shy in unfamiliar surroundings and parents understand this. What's most important to most parents is that they can see what a day is really like. Only they know if what you are offering is right for their child. Some parents want to stay for hours while others only need 20 minutes. A lot depends on the child. A shy child will take more time and generally speaking are a bigger concern for most parents. A very outgoing child on the other hand may only take a few minutes to become one of the gang, and will make Mom and Dad's choice an easy one.
It's also the time to showcase anything you can think of. If you do something that is unique, be sure to point it out. If you can stand out, or in some way give the impression that you can offer something that won't be found elsewhere, you are at a great advantage. If you don't get the client, chances are that it would not have worked out anyway. You won't sign up everyone, it's just the way it is. But if it's a good match, things usually work out for the best.
In closing, just remember to be yourself. Trying to be someone you're not can only create problems in the future. The Daycare business, like any business, can be both rewarding and trying. If you can survive your first year, you will be set for as long as you desire. We hope this article has helped you in some way and we wish you all the success you deserve.
Recommended Products
This site is supported by our advertisers and makes it possible for us to offer free advertising for our providers and parents. While we are thankful to all of our advertisers, we only personally recommend a very few. The two products listed below are two that we have personally tested and highly recommend. We have researched what we believe to be best value available today, anywhere at any price.
The Daycare Starter Kit
Don't let the name fool you. It's true that this package has everything that a new provider could ever need, and then some. It's also true that just the forms included with this package are worth far more than the low asking price for this package. Never again will you have to spend hours trying to create all the forms needed to run a daycare. They are all here, just hit the print button and your done. Even the experienced provider will find this package useful.
Are you going on a field trip and need a permission form, no problem, just hit the print button and done. No more sitting at your computer for hours trying to make up the countless forms you need to operate your business. This has every form you'll ever need for your business. Save's time and helps you to be better organized and it won't break the bank. In fact, you'll be money ahead in time saved. This is by far the best deal we've came across anywhere with just a minimal investment on your part. Read on to see what's all included in this package.
Don't let the name fool you. It's true that this package has everything that a new provider could ever need, and then some. It's also true that just the forms included with this package are worth far more than the low asking price for this package. Never again will you have to spend hours trying to create all the forms needed to run a daycare. They are all here, just hit the print button and your done. Even the experienced provider will find this package useful.
Are you going on a field trip and need a permission form, no problem, just hit the print button and done. No more sitting at your computer for hours trying to make up the countless forms you need to operate your business. This has every form you'll ever need for your business. Save's time and helps you to be better organized and it won't break the bank. In fact, you'll be money ahead in time saved. This is by far the best deal we've came across anywhere with just a minimal investment on your part. Read on to see what's all included in this package.
Worksheets, and Examples! Make Your Life Easier!
Many More Benefits Come With This Unbeatable Package!
Personally Recommended By Daycare Nebraska
Includes A 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
Here's A Partial List Of What's Included
- A 112 Page E-book On Operating A Successful & Well Organized Daycare
- Everything You Could Possibly Need To Know Is Covered In This Book
- Recommended For All Providers - But Especially For New Providers
- Over 40 Time Saving Forms That Every Daycare Needs All In One Place
- Even Includes A Childcare Agreement (Why Pay A Lawyer For One)
- Child Pick Up Authorization Form
- Field Trip Authorization Form
- Health Record Report
- Many More Forms Are Included
You'll wonder how you ever got along without this time saving package.
Daycare Sage Software Program
We at Daycare Nebraska have tried for years to find an affordable software package that we feel comfortable in recommending to our providers. We have finally found it. This program has all of the features and capabilities of the thousand dollar programs, without the big cost.
This program installs on your computer. You own the program, it is NOT web based. This means there are NO monthly fees. The best part of this software is that it has actual training videos, making it very easy to learn. Even the ad for this software has a video that demonstrates how to use this highly versatile software package.
This package has everything you need, even a time clock if you have employees. You can import pictures of children, parents, and optional pick up people. There's even a reminder feature for things like immunizations. The bookkeeping capabilities are wonderful. You can enter the information once and it will automatically create an invoice. All you have to do is hit the print button at the end of the week. If this sounds like what you've been looking for go check out the video. Trust me, this is the best value out there and it works perfectly.
IT JUST DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS
Includes Video Instructions - Learning Couldn't Be Easier
Daycare Sage Is An Actual Program That You Install On Your Computer
THIS IS NOT AN ON-LINE MONTH BY MONTH SERVICE
YOU OWN THIS SOFTWARE - NOT SOMEONE ELSE
Get At Your Records - When You Need Them
Plus It's A Legitimate Business Write Off
Includes A 60 Day Money Back Guarantee
Personally Endorsed By Daycare Nebraska
The Most Affordable Software Of It's Kind Available Today!
Below Is A Partial List Of What This Software Can Do For You
- stores every child's complete information including immunizations, medical information, and parent and pickup person information, with photos for everyone
- includes child and center journals to record progress reports, incidents, daily checklists, etc
- flexible enough to handle monthly, weekly, daily, and/or hourly billing, full time/part time billing, prepaid attendance, drop-off billing, coupons, and even different billing rates for different days and times
- graphically tracks and automatically generates child bills, with the ability to email bills to parents
- graphically tracks staff hours and automatically generates staff paysheets
- lets parents and staff sign themselves in/out with the included Timeclock program
- tracks all center expenses including mileage and applies time-use percentages
- creates attendance and staffing reports that show daily and even hour-by-hour attendance and schedules
- creates USDA meals charts, and includes full menu planning functionality
- includes full activity planning functionality
- runs accounting reports that show payments, income, which children are behind in their payments, and which staff you owe wages to
- creates, recalls, and sends emails with built in email functionality
- protects your data with the built-in backup system and password protection
- includes daycare forms to help you comply with laws and protect your business
- creates custom reports with selectable information, column order and contact grouping (reports output to Notepad, Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel)
- plus much, much more!!!
Don't Wait - Simplify Your Life Today!
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