8 answers
Lucy
Student
4
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Starting a Daycare?
If I want to start a daycare, how should I advertise it?
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8 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Lucy !
If you want to start a daycare I can advise you only how to do it for the United States. It really matters where you live and it's a lot more than advertising. It will also depend on if you are renting a daycare space in the community or doing the childcare in your home. In case you haven't explored this yet, it'll be very important to be well informed for this field of work.
In most states, one must be 18 years old or older to open a childcare business. You also have to register as a childcare provider. You may have to go through a background check, too depending on your state. Registration of your business and licensing requirements vary by state and locality, but generally involve several key steps and agencies. You didn't mention your town or city, so you should connect with your local Department of Social Services or Department of Children and Family Services to learn how to get licensed and registered. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Administration for Children & Families provides technical assistance and resources via the Child Care Technical Assistance Network. You might be able to get help with funding through them. It's best to get information directly from the authorized agency that assists childcare providers.
It will also help if you are already trained in this field or have an Early Childhood degree from college. It's not an easy or light field to enter into and all measures need to be in place. Then you can think about how to obtain clients.
When I was a child in the sixties, I had a friend whose mother did childcare in her home. Back in those days, there weren't really regulations or guidelines for this. The kids just came to the house and my friend's mother was paid once a week cash in hand. At this age, I can only recall about four or five of the kids she had, but my friend and I were always together and didn't mingle with the childcare kids. Everything was great, never an incident or any problems. Those days are over. Now, you will have to follow strict guidelines and since you must register your daycare, you probably would be put on a list at Social Services as a place that does childcare and parents can bring their children to anyone on the list.
You see, various social service programs provide financial assistance to parents for child care expenses, though the specific programs and eligibility criteria vary. When that is the case, you very well may be paid directly by Social Services for someone's child being cared for at your business. This is a very intricate type of work and before you start advertising, I advise that you have a full understanding, go through official channels so that your business can be successful. You may have to also fill out special income tax forms for having a business. Consult with your local social services department to get full information as it depends on too much and cannot be answered in general.
My advice is to not put your childcare service on social media or online unless it's part of an official registry by the state or the city you live in. Be safe and avoid issues that can come up through social media. Absolutely no posting on social media of any of the children that attend your daycare. If later on you want something like that for a brochure, use stock photos.
I hope this is some help and I wish you all the best !
If you want to start a daycare I can advise you only how to do it for the United States. It really matters where you live and it's a lot more than advertising. It will also depend on if you are renting a daycare space in the community or doing the childcare in your home. In case you haven't explored this yet, it'll be very important to be well informed for this field of work.
In most states, one must be 18 years old or older to open a childcare business. You also have to register as a childcare provider. You may have to go through a background check, too depending on your state. Registration of your business and licensing requirements vary by state and locality, but generally involve several key steps and agencies. You didn't mention your town or city, so you should connect with your local Department of Social Services or Department of Children and Family Services to learn how to get licensed and registered. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Administration for Children & Families provides technical assistance and resources via the Child Care Technical Assistance Network. You might be able to get help with funding through them. It's best to get information directly from the authorized agency that assists childcare providers.
It will also help if you are already trained in this field or have an Early Childhood degree from college. It's not an easy or light field to enter into and all measures need to be in place. Then you can think about how to obtain clients.
When I was a child in the sixties, I had a friend whose mother did childcare in her home. Back in those days, there weren't really regulations or guidelines for this. The kids just came to the house and my friend's mother was paid once a week cash in hand. At this age, I can only recall about four or five of the kids she had, but my friend and I were always together and didn't mingle with the childcare kids. Everything was great, never an incident or any problems. Those days are over. Now, you will have to follow strict guidelines and since you must register your daycare, you probably would be put on a list at Social Services as a place that does childcare and parents can bring their children to anyone on the list.
You see, various social service programs provide financial assistance to parents for child care expenses, though the specific programs and eligibility criteria vary. When that is the case, you very well may be paid directly by Social Services for someone's child being cared for at your business. This is a very intricate type of work and before you start advertising, I advise that you have a full understanding, go through official channels so that your business can be successful. You may have to also fill out special income tax forms for having a business. Consult with your local social services department to get full information as it depends on too much and cannot be answered in general.
My advice is to not put your childcare service on social media or online unless it's part of an official registry by the state or the city you live in. Be safe and avoid issues that can come up through social media. Absolutely no posting on social media of any of the children that attend your daycare. If later on you want something like that for a brochure, use stock photos.
I hope this is some help and I wish you all the best !
Tracey Iz
marketing
1
Answer
Forney, Texas
Updated
Tracey’s Answer
First you want to
1. Define Your Value – Highlight what makes your daycare special (e.g., Montessori approach, flexible hours, safety, qualified staff).
2. Boost Local Visibility – Create listings on Google, Care.com, Yelp, and Nextdoor. Use social media (Facebook, Instagram) with local hashtags and parent groups. Optimize your website with “daycare near [city]” keywords.
3. Use Community Marketing – Distribute flyers at libraries, clinics, and churches. Partner with local businesses and host open house events.
4. Leverage Referrals – Offer referral discounts and collect parent testimonials to build trust.
5. Build an Online Presence – Have a simple, photo-rich website with your services, pricing, and contact form.
6. Try Targeted Ads –Run Facebook or Google ads aimed at parents in your area once you’re established.
1. Define Your Value – Highlight what makes your daycare special (e.g., Montessori approach, flexible hours, safety, qualified staff).
2. Boost Local Visibility – Create listings on Google, Care.com, Yelp, and Nextdoor. Use social media (Facebook, Instagram) with local hashtags and parent groups. Optimize your website with “daycare near [city]” keywords.
3. Use Community Marketing – Distribute flyers at libraries, clinics, and churches. Partner with local businesses and host open house events.
4. Leverage Referrals – Offer referral discounts and collect parent testimonials to build trust.
5. Build an Online Presence – Have a simple, photo-rich website with your services, pricing, and contact form.
6. Try Targeted Ads –Run Facebook or Google ads aimed at parents in your area once you’re established.
Anthony Feng
Marketing
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
As a marketer who also just went through the process of finding a daycare for my toddler, I would suggest the following:
1. Do some research and identify the few most important consideration for parents. Examples might be safety, cleanliness, communication, providing food, helping with potty training, etc.
2. Find ways to prove that you can provide the value from (1): this might be certifications, reviews from babysitting, or just demonstrating a deep knowledge in the topic.
3. Gain exposure locally and in the community through Nextdoor, Facebook groups, etc.
4. Build a reputation and nurture it. Reviews, word-of-mouth, and advocacy do wonders.
5. Care about the details because most parents will if they're leaving their children with you.
1. Do some research and identify the few most important consideration for parents. Examples might be safety, cleanliness, communication, providing food, helping with potty training, etc.
2. Find ways to prove that you can provide the value from (1): this might be certifications, reviews from babysitting, or just demonstrating a deep knowledge in the topic.
3. Gain exposure locally and in the community through Nextdoor, Facebook groups, etc.
4. Build a reputation and nurture it. Reviews, word-of-mouth, and advocacy do wonders.
5. Care about the details because most parents will if they're leaving their children with you.
Shah Hossain
IT Consultant
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Shah’s Answer
Start with google my business profile. Then optimize it for your business name , category, service & location. upload image and regularly post. same for bing places. It's free of cost. then go for website & social media creation. If it is very competitive, then optimize it for search engine and llm like chatgpt. don't forget to engage with community like school, parents go-on etc.
It will be great, if you consult with an digital marketing agency ; some may offer free consultation and initial support. at computer networking services (cans) houston tx. we are now offering like that. We're houston, tx based company performing internet marketing services.
It will be great, if you consult with an digital marketing agency ; some may offer free consultation and initial support. at computer networking services (cans) houston tx. we are now offering like that. We're houston, tx based company performing internet marketing services.
Violet Faber
Product Marketing Manager
2
Answers
Hertford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Violet’s Answer
If it is a local business I would ask school if they can keep leaflets there for you as parents might have younger children not in school that they need help with. I would also join a Facebook parents group and advertise on there. You could even email some local workplaces so they can promote this to parents and offer a discount for the first day of day care to make sure their child is happy and they're happy with your service.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
If you want to start a daycare, good advertising is very important to attract parents and children. The first step is to understand who your audience is. Parents want a safe, caring, and fun place for their children. Your advertisement should show that your daycare offers these things.
You can begin by creating pages on Facebook or Instagram, and post photos and short videos of your daycare (with permission). Show your clean environment, fun activities, and learning programs.
You should also make flyers or posters to put up in local places, such as community centers, schools, libraries, and grocery stores. Include your daycare's name, contact number, address, opening hours, and prices. Be sure to highlight what makes your daycare special, such as small class sizes, healthy meals, etc..
In addition, you need to create a simple website or Google business page. This helps parents find your daycare online and read reviews.
You can begin by creating pages on Facebook or Instagram, and post photos and short videos of your daycare (with permission). Show your clean environment, fun activities, and learning programs.
You should also make flyers or posters to put up in local places, such as community centers, schools, libraries, and grocery stores. Include your daycare's name, contact number, address, opening hours, and prices. Be sure to highlight what makes your daycare special, such as small class sizes, healthy meals, etc..
In addition, you need to create a simple website or Google business page. This helps parents find your daycare online and read reviews.
Sharron Barshishat
Chef
1
Answer
Santa Ana, California
Updated
Sharron’s Answer
If you’re starting a daycare, you want to advertise in a way that builds trust, visibility, and community connection. Parents aren’t just buying childcare — they’re trusting you with their kids. That means your marketing has to be credible, professional, and warm. Here’s how I’d tackle it:
1. Build Your Foundation First
• Branding: Pick a name, logo, and colors that feel safe, playful, and professional. Parents respond to both warmth and reliability.
• Messaging: Keep it simple: safe, nurturing, fun, and educational. Make sure every piece of advertising communicates these values.
• Licensing & Credentials: Promote your certifications and compliance — that’s a huge trust-builder.
2. Go Local & Grassroots
• Flyers & Posters: Post in libraries, grocery stores, gyms, coffee shops, churches, pediatrician offices, and community centers.
• Word of Mouth: Ask early parents you sign up for referrals (offer a small incentive like a discount on next month’s tuition).
• Local Events: Set up a booth at farmers markets, kids’ fairs, or neighborhood events.
3. Digital Presence (Non-Negotiable)
• Google Business Profile: This is crucial , parents search “daycare near me.” You want to pop up.
• Website: Even a simple one-page site with photos, rates, hours, and testimonials makes you look legit.
• Social Media: Share photos of activities (with parental consent), staff intros, parenting tips, and daily highlights. Facebook groups and Nextdoor are especially powerful for local parents.
4. Direct Outreach
• Employer Partnerships: Approach local businesses and offer daycare discounts for their employees.
• Schools & Preschools: Network with kindergartens and after-school programs for overflow referrals.
• Real Estate Agents: They often get asked about childcare options by families moving into the area.
5. Build Social Proof
• Testimonials: Ask satisfied parents for a short review — post these everywhere (site, flyers, Google).
• Photos & Videos: A picture of happy kids painting or playing outside sells more than any slogan.
• Transparency: Open house events where parents can meet you and tour the space — nothing builds confidence faster.
1. Build Your Foundation First
• Branding: Pick a name, logo, and colors that feel safe, playful, and professional. Parents respond to both warmth and reliability.
• Messaging: Keep it simple: safe, nurturing, fun, and educational. Make sure every piece of advertising communicates these values.
• Licensing & Credentials: Promote your certifications and compliance — that’s a huge trust-builder.
2. Go Local & Grassroots
• Flyers & Posters: Post in libraries, grocery stores, gyms, coffee shops, churches, pediatrician offices, and community centers.
• Word of Mouth: Ask early parents you sign up for referrals (offer a small incentive like a discount on next month’s tuition).
• Local Events: Set up a booth at farmers markets, kids’ fairs, or neighborhood events.
3. Digital Presence (Non-Negotiable)
• Google Business Profile: This is crucial , parents search “daycare near me.” You want to pop up.
• Website: Even a simple one-page site with photos, rates, hours, and testimonials makes you look legit.
• Social Media: Share photos of activities (with parental consent), staff intros, parenting tips, and daily highlights. Facebook groups and Nextdoor are especially powerful for local parents.
4. Direct Outreach
• Employer Partnerships: Approach local businesses and offer daycare discounts for their employees.
• Schools & Preschools: Network with kindergartens and after-school programs for overflow referrals.
• Real Estate Agents: They often get asked about childcare options by families moving into the area.
5. Build Social Proof
• Testimonials: Ask satisfied parents for a short review — post these everywhere (site, flyers, Google).
• Photos & Videos: A picture of happy kids painting or playing outside sells more than any slogan.
• Transparency: Open house events where parents can meet you and tour the space — nothing builds confidence faster.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Lucy!
ON THE INTERNET!
WITH YOUR OWN WEBSITE!
WITH FULL SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION!
GOD BLESS YOUR IDEA!
ON THE INTERNET!
WITH YOUR OWN WEBSITE!
WITH FULL SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION!
GOD BLESS YOUR IDEA!