As a childcare provider, many of us dream of having childcare parents that are more like a community.  We would willingly welcome clients who want to really be a part of our childcare.  Parents who think of our childcare as a family.  They donate their time or are ready to help whenever needed.  Yeah, that would be nice.  childcare events

Well, I have found if you build it they will come.  If you create something for them to be involved in, many will do just that.  What do I mean?  There needs to be something to be a part of before people will join.  You gotta throw a party before anyone will show up.  Makes sense right?  So let’s create something.  Let’s create an event to remember.

How to Host Childcare Events

A few years ago I decided to throw an Easter Egg Hunt at my childcare.  I don’t know that I intended for it to grow into an annual event, but that’s exactly what it has become.  The first year I purchased all the stuff myself, stuffed all the eggs and bought special decorations and treats.

Easter Eggtravaganza

 

TIP:  We ask the parents for non-candy egg stuffers.  Here are some great suggestions.

 

Luau Lessons

Don’t think you have enough time to pull together a hunt this year?  No worries!  How about a Summer Luau? – This can either be a beginning or end of the Summer Event.  

The kids love dressing up in grass skirts and wearing leis.  This can also be a great time to learn about the Hawaiian culture and cuisine (or an excuse to order pizza).  

Maybe you or a parent could teach a hula lesson.  Last year we painted faces and gave the kids tribal-looking tattoos.  The ideas just are endless.

 

TIP:  Skip the party store and make the grass skirts.

Other Events

You can even take a passion of yours and turn it into an event.

Ever since I was a child myself I have been obsessed with sharks. Needless to say, Shark Week is a big deal in my house.  

So you guessed it.  

We now have our own Shark Week celebration at the childcare.  We learn about the many different types of sharks.  It really is a weeklong study and celebration of all sea life.  

Last year I even made shark-themed snacks.  This year I might even get that remote controlled air shark I have been dreaming about.

Anyway, do you have a passion for a certain theme or holiday?  Can you make it an event?  You never know, it might be something you become known for.

Are you going this year?

One final thought; hosting childcare events can be an undercover marketing strategy.  

At our Easter Egg Hunt, parents take pictures which inevitably turn up on social media.  Ask the parents to tag you (or upload to your Facebook page) and you have the pictures you were too busy to catch.

You know it doesn’t have to be just one event.  It might be a smart idea to have a few events scheduled throughout the year.

Have you ever thought of hosting childcare events?  Why don’t you consider planning one this year?  I would love to know what you’re planning.  Please leave me a comment below and tell me what your thinking.

Further Reading:

How to Build Credibility For Your Childcare Business

Marketing Kit for Child Care – the How and the Why

Advertise Your Child Care for FREE