Choose a name for you daycare business. Your name is the first thing parents notice about your daycare center. So create a name that matches your philosophy and feelings about caring for young children You can choose a name that reflects the fun side of child care or you can name your business after your self.
Register with your state's local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (see Resources). The CCRRA provides referrals for parents looking for quality child care in your area. Also visit your local Department of Family and Children's Services. This is the first stop for many parents looking for a daycare center. They provide free or reduced priced daycare vouchers for working parents that meet the income limits set by the state. Inquire about leaving your flyers and business cards with the social workers at your local office.
Have business cards made and keep them with you at all times. There are many places online where you can have business cards made for a reasonable price such as Vista Print (see Resources). Once you have created your business cards, pass them out at local real estate offices, dentist and pediatrician's offices and the local library.
Spread the word about your daycare center. Word of mouth is your most cost effective form of advertising. Visit the schools in your area and leave your name and telephone number with the people working in the office. This is especially helpful if you plan to offer an after school or summer camp at you daycare center. Visit local churches and inquire about any mother's groups they might hold at their facility. You can also ask your friends and family to pass out flyers and business cards to the people they work and socialize with on a daily basis.
Spruce up your business's curb appeal. Parents are very cautious when it comes to choosing a daycare facility. Making sure your business is clean on the outside as well as the inside will go a long way in making a parent feel more comfortable leaving their child in your care.
Create flyers to place around the neighborhood. Include information that parents find important such as your hours of operation, what meals are included in your fee, the size of your playground and whether your staff is CPR and first aid certified. You can place the flyers on the windshield of cars that contain car seats, and bulletin boards located at churches, supermarkets and gyms.