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Parents need to know why your program is a better choice than any other program. In my business its the small group size which creates a family environment, reduces the amount of exposure to illnesses, helps kids transition smoothly from home to home and provides individualism for each child. There is also no turn over in staff, so the caregiver offers parents insights about their childs development and progress daily progress. Knowing what menu you are able to offer parents and why you chose it is KEY.

This article is so true. We do these three things on a continual basis. What we have found is that parents want convenience. We offer hair cuts, off site swimming lessons, gymnastics, dinners to go, on site espresso cafe. You have to be cosmetically appealing. This is what attracts parents and gets them in and then you can sell your program. We decorate using elaborate themes, on a weekly basis. It is nearly a full time job to keep this up, but it is definitely worth it.

When I do a training or class on marketing early childhood programs, one of the first things I recommend is taking a long, hard look at what other programs are doing. What is different about the programs that are successful from those that are not? What is your program offering that might attract more families? It could be enhanced enrichment activities, i.e. music, art, expansion of a preschool program to include a special toddler program! Do a simple needs assessment. Offer something that parents want for their children that others are not doing. . . .then offer this at the highest level quality possible! Consider hiring an independent contractor to do special music classes, or an art teacher to provide higher quality art experiences for children. THEN, market these activities as part of your program! Another great idea that I've seen work is the mobile Tumble Bus that goes to child care centers and homes, bringing the tumbling experience right to you for a nominal fee. Parents love these programs, that their child might not otherwise experience for lack of time! Being unique. . creating something that is not a "cookie cutter" version of the center up the street, is very important!

Hi, I own a company called Care Cuts. Care Cuts provides on-site haircuts for children at their pre-school. Parents love the quality and the convenience. Kids love the experience: sitting in a fun haircutting chair, playing with toys and getting a prize, while never leaving the comforts of their care center. We have been in business for 4 years. We service busy parents at 36 centers in Seattle and 8 in Minneapolis.

I would like to get people's thoughts on how much extra cirriculum services play a role in creating a competative advantage when marketing to parents? Also, what have you found to be the best way to marketing them to your parent base? Thank you very much.
Lauren
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Add God to make a difference. Since prayer is the key, tell God about your business Let him know you cannot do without him.Let God be the Head and his presence favour and grace will do it all. Try this it works. God bless you.Amen.

1. Promote your assets. We are a parent cooperative, and we don't applogize for the time committment that parents agree to. We use it as an asset. "This much parent involvement is not for everyone, but if you want to be involved in your child' education, then this school is for you." Highlight your differences...what does set you apart from the rest?

2. Look for new funding sources so you can offer scholarships: the local public school sponsors a grant for NAEYC accredited schools, so all children can have a high quality pre-Kindergarten experience. Also look into accessing tax-credit funds. Many states with charter schools and private schools have tax-credit programs which provide scholarships for children...and full tuition payments.

3. Be sure to be computer savy. A website is a must...young parents are completely computer literate.

We are hearing from many callers that they got their initial information about our center from the internet. This is especially true of parents who will be moving to our community from other states or countries. We are trying to learn more and more about how to use our web page for communication with prospective families and with the current and alumni families that are our best ambassadors. We'll appreciate any hints from others who have found effective ways to tell your story on the web.

More and more parents are looking for a child care experience that is beneficial to the growth and development of their children, so explaining the experience and education of the provider is important. Usually a description of the daily schedule, the physical environment, equipment and curriculum are given. Explaining tangible items is the easy part!
Parents also need to know how providers interact with children in their care. Explain how providers feel about children & their families and give examples of interactions that show the parent that the provider values each child as a very important person, and the family as a valued partner. If your program has a combination of a quality curriculm and loving, respectful interactions between children and adults, parents will be drawn to it as a good choice for their child.

I think it is very important to highlight the educational background and the stability of staff to prospective parents and also to let parents know that the staff attend conferences, workshops, and take college classes annually to stay abreast of the field of early childhood. Also to explain the NAEYC Accreditation process and how the staff and administration are responsible for following those guidelines.