🎉Welcome, Childcare Trailblazers! If you're here, you're likely on a quest to transform your childcare centre into a hub of excitement, learning, and endless enrollments. In this ever-evolving landscape of early childhood education, we're about to embark on a journey together, unveiling 10 dynamite strategies that will not only boost your enrolments but also redefine the way your childcare centre engages with parents and the community.
From dance-infused fun to tech-savvy communication, we've got the tools to turn your centre into a beacon of innovation and warmth. Get ready to ignite enthusiasm, foster connections, and watch those enrolments soar! Let's dive in and make your childcare centre the talk of the town🚀
1. Incorporate Weekly Incursions
It goes without saying that hosting and promoting incursions at your centre, whether it's sports, dance, yoga or something else, is the number one action you can take right now to increase enthusiasm for enrolment and participation. Hosting these incursions on particularly low enrolment days is a great way to direct parents towards slower days and boost enrolment numbers.
Key to this strategy is promoting the incursion once booked. When you book an incursion with Little Champions, for example, we provide posters that you can send to parents and/or print and display at the centre. We also provide template emails you can send out to parents letting them know about the new activity. Follow this up with pictures and videos of all the action at the trial class and share with parents on your platform of choice. This will allow parents to see first hand the extra-curricular fun children are having on incursion days and will promote higher enrolments.
No budget for incursions? No worries. Little Champions offers a direct parent enrolment program so parents can choose to participate directly. That means all the fun and none of the additional admin!
2. Understanding Parent Preferences
Let's get real about parents. What makes them tick? Conduct surveys or have a casual coffee chat during drop-offs. Find out their preferences, concerns, and wishes for their little ones. Maybe they've been secretly wishing for a weekly yoga session for toddlers or an arts-and-crafts extravaganza. Maybe they want more regular updates, or different food options. Tailor your centre to these insights and turn your centre into every parent's dream.
Example: You discover that parents are eager for more outdoor activities. Arrange a monthly "Family Fun Day" where parents and kids can participate in outdoor games, picnics, and nature walks. Use this opportunity to showcase your centre's commitment to meeting their desires.
3. Strengthening Online Presence
In the digital age, your website is your front door. Make it inviting, informative, and showcase the heart and soul of your childcare centre. Post regular updates, adorable snapshots of kids engaged in activities, and success stories. Utilise social media platforms to the max – live streams of events, parent testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The internet is a powerful tool; use it to spark curiosity about your center.
Example: Create a weekly "Storytime Sunday" on your social media platforms, featuring short videos of staff reading favorite children's books. Encourage parents to share their child's favorite stories in the comments, fostering a sense of community engagement.
4. Building Community Partnerships
Time to be the cool neighbour! Forge partnerships with local businesses or organisations. Host joint events, collaborate on workshops, or even share resources. For example, team up with a local bakery for a "Bake with Us Day". Building connections with the community creates a ripple effect, drawing more families to your childcare centre.
Example: Organise a "Community Fair" at your centre, inviting local businesses and organisations to set up booths. This not only creates a festive atmosphere but also introduces your centre to the wider community, attracting potential new families.
5. Offering Flexible Scheduling Options
One size doesn't fit all, especially when it comes to parents' schedules. Recognise the diverse needs by offering flexible scheduling options. Maybe it's part-time slots, drop-in care for those spontaneous days, or extended hours for working parents. The more flexible you are, the more parents will view your centre as their superhero.
Example: Introduce a "Flex-Friday" program, allowing parents to choose from a morning or afternoon session, or both, depending on their needs. Make it easy for parents to sign up and swap times if necessary, accommodating their ever-changing schedules.
6. Enhancing Facilities and Resources
Time for a little sprucing up! Invest in age-appropriate learning materials, create inviting play spaces, and keep things fresh with regular maintenance. Imagine transforming a dull corner into a cozy reading nook or revamping your outdoor play area with new equipment. A little makeover not only delights the kids but also catches the eyes of potential enrolments.
Example: Revitalise your art corner by adding new supplies and organising a monthly "Masterpiece Monday." Showcase the children's creations on a dedicated display board, and don't forget to share pictures on your social media. A visually appealing environment speaks volumes!
7. Staff Training and Professional Development
Happy teachers, happy kids! Ensure your staff is the dream team by providing ongoing training opportunities. Whether it's workshops on the latest educational techniques or team-building activities to boost morale, a well-trained and passionate staff creates an atmosphere that parents and kiddos can't resist.
Example: Host a monthly "Professional Development Day" where staff members can share new ideas, participate in training sessions, or attend workshops. This not only enhances their skills but also fosters a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
8. Implementing Referral Programs
Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool. Create referral programs with tempting incentives for current parents to spread the word. Keep it transparent, make it easy, and watch the network effect take hold.
Example: Launch a "Friendship Friday" referral program where existing parents receive a discount or additional benefits for every friend they refer who enrols at your centre. Ensure the referral process is straightforward, and celebrate the new friendships blossoming at your childcare haven.
9. Monitoring and Evaluating Strategies
Now, let's talk strategy. Set measurable enrollment goals, regularly assess what's working, and be ready to shake things up if needed. Maybe "Wacky Wednesday" isn't as popular as you thought, but "Tech-Free Thursday" is a hit. Flexibility is your secret weapon!
Example: Use surveys, feedback forms, and enrollment data to track the success of your strategies. If a particular program or event isn't gaining traction, don't hesitate to pivot. Stay responsive to the ever-changing needs and preferences of your community.
10. Embrace Tech-Savvy Communication
In the era of smartphones and instant connectivity, leveraging technology can be a game-changer for boosting enrolments. Consider introducing a dedicated mobile app for your childcare centre, offering parents real-time updates, event notifications, and secure messaging. This user-friendly app can serve as a virtual hub, providing a seamless and modern way for parents to stay engaged with their child's daily experiences at your centre.
Encourage parents to download the app during orientation, and use it strategically to share highlights, upcoming events, and glimpses of their child's activities. By embracing tech-savvy communication, you not only enhance parent engagement but also position your center as innovative and committed to providing a cutting-edge experience for both kids and their families, attracting tech-loving parents to your childcare haven. 📱🚀
Conclusion
And there you have it team! Ten strategies to turn your childcare centre into the epicentre of early childhood awesomeness. Experiment, have fun, and watch those enrolments skyrocket! 🚀✨ Your centre is about to become the hottest ticket in town, and those little feet are ready to dance through your doors. Get ready to rock those enrolments like never before! 🎉
Interested in incursions at your centre from Little Champions? Hit the button below, fill out the enquiry form and we'll send you an instant quote!
