Childcare Advertising
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Whether you are new to running a home daycare or a seasoned pro, doing childcare advertising in the right ways helps you reach families who are a perfect fit for your program.
The key to successful childcare advertising is building trust, showing your value, and creating a warm, welcoming image that speaks to parents’ biggest concerns: safety, learning, and love. It’s important to find ways to grow your daycare business so it can remain sustainable as a career.
Here’s how to effectively advertise your childcare business with strategies that work in both online and local communities.
Know Your Message
Before you start advertising, get clear on what makes your program special. Ask yourself:
- What is your philosophy or approach?
- Do you specialize in a certain age group?
- What kind of environment do you offer, structured, play-based, nature-inspired, etc.?
- What do current families love about your care?
Use this information to craft a short, strong message that highlights your strengths. This message should appear across all your ads and marketing, on your website, flyers, social media, and more.
Create an Eye-Catching Flyer or Brochure
Printed materials are still powerful, especially in local settings. Your flyer should include:
- Program name and logo
- A welcoming headline like “Now Enrolling!”
- Age groups served and hours of operation
- Key features (licensed, meals provided, small group sizes, educational focus)
- A few testimonials or quotes from happy parents
- Photos of your space or activities (with permission)
- Contact info and how to schedule a tour
Leave flyers at libraries, coffee shops, churches, pediatric offices, and family-friendly businesses. Keep extras in your car to hand out when opportunities arise.
Leverage Social Media
Facebook is a great place to advertise your childcare program, especially local parent groups. Create a business page and post regularly about your daily activities, open spots, special events, and parenting tips. Always include photos and hashtags like #HomeDaycare #FamilyChildcare #NowEnrolling.
Post in community groups with permission, using friendly, genuine language like:
“Hi neighbors! I’m a licensed home daycare provider with one toddler spot opening in September. We offer healthy meals, outdoor play, and a loving learning environment. Message me for a tour!”
Build a Simple Website
A basic website gives your childcare business credibility and provides a place for parents to learn more. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just include:
- About you and your philosophy
- Program details
- Photo gallery
- Testimonials
- Location area
- Contact form or phone number
Use keywords like “childcare in [your city]” or “licensed home daycare near [neighborhood]” to help your site show up in search engines.
Word of Mouth and Referrals
Referrals are one of the most trusted forms of advertising. Encourage current families to refer friends by offering a small thank-you gift when a spot is filled. Stay in touch with past families, they may know someone looking for care.
Also, connect with other providers. If you’re full, refer families to a trusted colleague and ask them to do the same for you. Building a network helps everyone.
Use Yard Signs and Car Magnets
A professional-looking yard sign in front of your home or at local intersections can attract attention from neighbors and passing traffic. Keep it simple and clear with your business name, age group served, and contact info.
Car magnets turn your vehicle into a moving advertisement. They’re great for school drop-offs, errands, and parked car visibility.
Advertise on Local Online Directories
List your childcare program on free and paid directories like:
- Care.com
- Winnie
- Nextdoor
- Yelp
- Google Business Profile
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist (under Services > Childcare)
Make sure your listings are up to date and include photos, details, and keywords that match what parents are searching for.
Offer Tours and Open Houses
Sometimes, seeing is believing. Invite prospective families to visit your space and meet you in person. Have a few toys set out, keep your space tidy, and prepare to talk about your routines, safety policies, and what a typical day looks like.
Open houses work well in the spring or summer when parents are looking for fall care. Offer a small craft or snack for visiting children and have printed enrollment packets ready to go.
Share Success Stories and Reviews
Parents want to hear from other parents. Ask happy families for testimonials you can use in flyers, your website, and social media. Even a short sentence like “My son has thrived at this daycare, he’s learning so much!” builds trust and shows results.
Keep Advertising Even When You’re Full
It might seem strange to keep marketing when you have no openings, but staying visible helps you build a waitlist. Parents often plan months in advance. Regular advertising keeps your name fresh, so you’re the first person they think of when they need care.
Advertising your childcare business doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With a warm message, consistency, and a little creativity, you can reach the right families and build strong, lasting connections. Use a mix of online tools, word of mouth, and personal touches to show what makes your program special, and watch your enrollment grow.
Starting a Childcare Business
For more ideas on getting started the right way, check these out:
