How to Increase Enrollment in Preschool and Childcare Programs?

Looking to increase enrollment in preschool and create a thriving community for children and families? The success of your childcare program lies in combining strategic marketing, innovative tools like childcare management software for your center, and a strong focus on the physical development of preschoolers. By building trust, enhancing visibility, and offering programs that exceed expectations, you can attract more families and retain them with ease.

Ready to unlock the full potential of your preschool? This article is packed with practical tips, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to help you succeed. Discover the ways to increase enrollment in preschool and with the best childcare management software take your childcare program to the next level—read on!

Several Ways to Increase Enrollment in Preschool and Childcare Programs

Success depends on many factors, but you can expect a good result by having a good strategy and knowing different approaches. So, in this article, we will discuss eleven ways to help you improve your childcare enrollments.

Marketing is What you Need

Although marketing tasks may seem overwhelming when you already have a lot to do, simple efforts can significantly improve your overall performance. Investing just a few hours per week in marketing can make a world of difference! Some marketing channels:

• Website & SEO
• Social Media Marketing for Childcare Centers
• Google Ads
• Video Marketing

Daycare and childcare marketing strategies, such as using Facebook or Instagram, are the most effective ways to share photos of students and daily life at your childcare program. These platforms serve as both tools for current parent engagement and marketing materials to attract new families. By dedicating a small amount of time each week to these simple tasks, you can successfully promote your childcare programs and enhance your overall performance.

Take Advantage of Online Childcare Enrollment Software

 

If the amount of tasks and the things you should be worried about gets out of hand, you must know as your enrollment grows, you need online registration management software. 

Online childcare software not only helps you to manage your enrollment, waitlists, and all the paperwork associated with enrollment, but also it makes communication, reporting, and attendance as easy as it gets!

There are some essential features that you have to consider when you want to use online software. For example, online registration software must be able to customize the form to create the ones you need or have a dynamic attendance reporting system that allows you to modify data in any way you want and reduce the paperwork. 

Related article: A Comprehensive Benefits of Childcare and Daycare Management Software

Don’t Forget to Make your Program Visible

It doesn’t matter how good your preschool program is when parents aren’t aware of its existence. Ensure parents can easily find information about your program through a website and an active social media presence.

This is another reason you should have strong social media with helpful content. And also you could run some ads on Google and Facebook. If online advertising sounds overwhelming, hire an expert to set up and manage your ads.

The next trick is to ensure your daycare is visible from the street and place a sign on a nearby street advertising your business. Remember, If parents can see your daycare while driving by, they’ll be more likely to stop in and inquire about enrollment.

Related Article: Top 10 Best Childcare Management Software in 2024

Gifts and Incentives are Always Attractive

Everyone loves a good discount or a gift. This is a fact, so why not take advantage of it? 

Give parents a reason to enroll their child in your program by offering incentives, such as free registration or a discount on tuition.

For example, you could offer a $50 monthly tuition for the first three months. 

Consistently deliver more than expected. As a childcare provider, you can add value to your services by offering more than expected. The benefits you provide depend on the type of childcare center you run.

Offer special activities like yoga and meditation to your curriculum, which benefit a child’s growth. Exceeding parents’ expectations will garner more than hundreds of referrals.

Parent Referral Program is Effective in Increasing Enrollment in Preschool

When it’s time to decide on a preschool or center-based care facility for children, parents are likely to follow up on recommendations from a trusted friend or advisor, such as their child’s teacher, school administrator, or another parent. 

To increase enrollment in daycare, you can offer incentives or create a referral program to encourage your existing families to share their experiences and recommend your services to other parents and families in the community. 

Also, email the details of the referral program to the parents and post it on social media. To spread the word, you can create a flyer for your door and front counter. 

The Staff Referral Program is Also Effective

Why not get help from the staff? Offer your team bonuses for referring new families so they get excited about helping the business. It’s a win-win deal. Make sure you spread the word to your staff. Post it in the break room, email it, post it in your private community group, and pass out a flyer. 

Design a High-Quality Website 

As we mentioned, one marketing way to increase enrollment in preschool is to have a professional website. A high-quality website and landing page create a great first impression and give prospective families a glimpse into your program. If your online presence is top-notch, it signals that your business is too! Share photos of your facilities, program offerings, and staff profiles with their pictures. 

There are several things that your website must include:

• You need a homepage that describes your identity and what you’re about.
• A pricing page or a page describing enrollment procedures.
• A contact page so people can get in touch.
• A page listing your programs, daily schedule, and other relevant information.

Opening your Doors Regularly is Also Recommended

One of the practical tips that so many childcare centers sometimes need to pay attention to is offering weekly tours and frequent open houses. Though it can be disruptive, be sure your tours include classroom visits, where prospective families can see your high-quality staff and program in action. 

Also, partner with community organizations to bring regular visitors to your preschool. The more people visit your preschool and peek inside, the more people will know about it, and the more they’ll spread the word.

Hire and Train Quality Staff

The right staff is the best foundation for any school!

When parents visit your childcare center for a pre-enrollment tour or orientation, they pay extra special attention to how your childcare providers interact with the children in their care. Staff is the number 1 most important thing parents look at when comparing childcare or preschool programs for their children.

Creating a top-notch curriculum or exceptional programming is enough to win over parents and find success. But without excellent teachers to implement this, it will fall flat.

As a child care center, your staff members are a powerful marketing tool. Investing in hiring and training people whose workplace actions, attitudes, and behaviors will consistently portray your center positively makes sense.

Advertise Preschool Services in The Local Community

Another critical and essential way to increase enrollment in preschool is to advertise childcare services in your local community. If no one knows about your services, you are missing out on a vast potential source of new customers and enrollment. 

You can connect with local schools and after-school programs that may be able to recommend your center to parents in the community who need child care. Make sure you have business cards to share with them and real estate agents who can advertise your service to new parents in your area.

Don’t forget to post yard signs around your building, letting passersby know you’re open and enrolling now. Posting flyers on community message boards in stores, restaurants, or even on streets can potentially help your business. 

Partnership With other Childcare Programs

Making friends is always beneficial. When you know other daycare center directors in your area, you might ask if they have some openings. If the answer is yes, ask if you can refer people to them if you become full; they may do the same in return. 

Rather than seeing each other as competitors, working together helps everyone in the long run. Collaboration is the key.

The Role of Community Engagement in Boosting Enrollment

Community engagement is vital in increasing enrollment in preschool and childcare programs. By connecting with the local community, you not only build trust and visibility but also foster meaningful relationships that help spread the word about your program. Parents often rely on recommendations from people they trust, and a strong presence in the community can be a game-changer for your enrollment efforts.

Here are some practical and actionable ways to engage with your community effectively:

1. Partner with Local Businesses

Collaborate with nearby businesses that cater to families, such as pediatricians, toy stores, or family-friendly cafes. For example:

• Real Example: A daycare in Ohio partnered with a local pediatric clinic to place informational brochures in their waiting room. This partnership not only increased inquiries but also helped build credibility among parents seeking quality childcare.
• Tip: Create co-branded events, such as “Healthy Kids Day,” where you provide fun activities for children while the partner offers health checkups or safety tips.

2. Host Family-Friendly Events

Organize events that invite families in the community to experience your preschool’s environment firsthand. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your facilities, staff, and programs.

• Real Example: A preschool in California hosted a free “Summer Fun Fest” with arts and crafts, face painting, and storytime sessions. Parents who attended were impressed by the facilities and enrolled their children on the spot.
• Tip: Consider seasonal events like a fall festival, holiday open house, or back-to-school picnic. Make sure to hand out brochures and enrollment forms during the event.

3. Collaborate with Local Schools and Organizations

Work with local elementary schools, libraries, or after-school programs to introduce your preschool to a broader audience.

• Real Example: A childcare center in Texas partnered with the local public library to run storytime sessions twice a month. This collaboration brought in new families who were already familiar with the library, leading to increased enrollments.
• Tip: Share success stories and testimonials from these partnerships on your social media or website to show your active involvement in the community.

4. Support Local Causes

Participating in or sponsoring community causes can help you stand out as a business that cares about the well-being of the community.

• Real Example: A daycare in Florida sponsored a local charity 5K run, offering a free childcare booth for runners. They handed out branded water bottles and enrollment information, which brought in several new families.
• Tip: Look for local charity events or fundraisers where you can contribute while promoting your services.

5. Build Word-of-Mouth Referrals Through Networking

Nothing beats the power of word-of-mouth in a tight-knit community. Encourage parents and staff to talk about your preschool in their social circles.

• Real Example: A preschool in Colorado offered a referral discount to parents for every new family they referred. This simple incentive turned parents into enthusiastic advocates, significantly boosting enrollment over six months.
• Tip: Combine this with a strong social media presence to amplify your efforts. Share photos and stories from your events to encourage sharing among your network.

Why Community Engagement Works?

Parents want to feel confident that their child is in a nurturing and trusted environment. By building relationships within the community, you show that your program is invested in the area and its families. Engaging with the community increases visibility and builds your reputation as a reliable and approachable childcare provider.

By taking these steps, you can establish yourself as a vital part of the community and create an ongoing pipeline of potential families interested in your preschool.

What Characteristics Distinguish a High-Quality Childcare Program?

A high-quality childcare program stands out through carefully planned daily activities that prepare children for future learning and foster their social interaction. By following a routine and designing activities that meet children’s needs, preschool programs help them progress toward their learning goals. 

Additionally, ensuring the happiness of both children and staff is crucial. A positive working environment empowers teachers to effectively support children’s development while engaging activities keep children excited and engaged.

Several characteristics distinguish a high-quality childcare program. These include:

• Qualified and trained staff: A high-quality childcare program should have qualified and well-trained staff who have the necessary skills and experience to care for children.
• Low child-to-staff ratio: A low child-to-staff ratio is important because it allows staff to give individual attention to each child.
• Safe and clean environment: The childcare program should provide a safe and clean environment for children to play, learn, and grow.
• Age-appropriate activities: The program should offer age-appropriate activities that are designed to promote children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Positive interactions between staff and children: Staff should interact positively with children and provide them with nurturing care and support.
• Parent involvement: The program should encourage parent involvement and communication to ensure that parents are informed about their child’s progress and needs.
• Health and nutrition: The program should provide healthy meals and snacks and promote good health practices, such as hand washing and immunizations.

Overall, a high-quality childcare program should provide a supportive and engaging environment that promotes children’s overall well-being and development.

Wrap Up

To effectively boost enrollment, combining innovative strategies with the right tools is crucial. Exploring ways to increase enrollment in preschool, like engaging families through marketing and building a strong community presence, can make a significant impact. Integrating the Essential Features of Childcare Management Software into your operations can simplify processes, improve communication, and enhance the overall experience for both parents and staff.

Jumbula, as a childcare management software offers Benefits of Childcare and Daycare Management Software, streamlining enrollment, waitlist management, reporting, and parent communication. With tools like customizable forms, dynamic attendance tracking, and automated reminders, Jumbula empowers you to focus on providing quality care while growing your program.

Ready to transform your childcare center? Take advantage of Jumbula’s 14-day free trial to explore how this all-in-one solution can streamline your operations and support your enrollment goals. Start today and build a stronger, more efficient childcare program!