Whether you are opening a new childcare centre or looking to expand your existing one, there are a few important things you should know about the industry. These tips will help you make the most of your childcare business.
Labour is the largest expense
Luckily for those of us that work for a living, our benefactors aren’t stuck in the cubicle farm. As such, we can spend more quality time with our children. The most efficient way to do so is to send them off to a good ol’ fashioned daycare or preschool. And, while the cost of such services can be exorbitant, there are some savvy entrepreneurs out there who know how to make it work for them. One of these is my fiance’s uncle, who happens to be a child care provider in the making. And, while his business is a bit of a mystery, his knowledge of the industry is nothing short of impressive. It’s no wonder he’s able to provide the highest of standards.
The most enlightening lesson is that while the cost of a good daycare center can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, there are ways to cut corners while still delivering a high quality, cost effective service.
Social media marketing for childcare centres
Using social media for childcare centres is a great way to strengthen relationships with parents. It also helps increase revenue. With the right tools, it can be fun and engaging.
Creating a social media plan for your childcare centre includes identifying your audience, establishing goals and creating content. Your social media plan should also include updating your profile and creating a content calendar.
In order to attract new families, you need to focus on creating content that is engaging and unique. Childcare centres can share educational articles, videos and images. The content should inform site visitors about the program offerings. It should also let them know that the children are having fun.
Facebook provides a number of organic posting options for childcare centres. These include posts between 1 pm and 2 pm. Generally, you will see an increase in engagement if you post during these hours.
Cyclone conditions have made childcare centres inaccessible or unsafe for children and staff
Getting back to business after a cyclone has hit the Gulf Coast? While it’s hard to beat the convenience of an onsite childcare centre, the best part is that your kids are likely to be tucked away in a safe and sound environment. It’s not to say they’ll be missing the excitement of attending a school full of happy children, but it’s hard to beat the peace of mind that comes with knowing your kids are safe and sound. A bit of planning and preparation can go a long way towards ensuring that your kids get back to a healthy state of mind.
For starters, the smartest move is to have a plan B in place should cyclone evacuation become necessary. This can mean a trip to the emergency room or at the very least a call to the police. This will likely require some forethought, but if you’re prepared and willing to make the leap, you’ll be glad you did.
Impacts of childcare on child development
During the first five years of a child’s life, the brain develops at a rapid pace. Several domains of child development are affected: cognitive skills, language, socioemotional skills, physical skills, and behavior. These domains are associated with future academic and labor market outcomes.
Several studies have documented the impact of center-based child care on these domains. However, the effects are highly variable and may not be causal. There are three factors that may affect non-experimental studies: differences in the type of programs evaluated, the timing of the program expansion, and differences in the operationalization of the program.
High-quality center-based child care has been shown to be particularly beneficial to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, the positive effects on children vary by developmental domain. In general, cognitive skills and achievement are more promising than behavioral outcomes.
If you are looking for a child care service to consider as a role model for their best practices, check out Happy Hippo Brunswick.