You gave the tour. You answered all their questions. You even wiped down the play kitchen like your enrollment depended on it (because it kind of did). And then… nothing. Crickets. If you’re tired of parents ghosting after tours, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. In this post, I’m sharing the simple 3-email follow-up formula I started using that turned “we’ll let you know” into actual enrollments. Yes, it works—and no, it’s not awkward. Let’s talk about what to send, when to send it, and how to make sure your daycare is the one they remember.
Let’s talk about the awkward silence after a daycare tour…
I used to hate it.
You know the drill: A parent schedules a tour. You clean like you’re expecting royalty. You prep your talking points. You even light the good candle. The tour goes well—or so you think. The parent smiles, nods, asks all the right questions. You shake hands (or bump elbows), and they say those five dangerous words:
“We’ll let you know soon.”
And then… nothing.
No call. No email. No “thank you.”
Just silence.
I used to wonder what went wrong. Did they not like my program? Was I too expensive? Did the baby wipe container on the counter scare them off?
But here’s what I’ve learned: most of the time, it’s not you—it’s them. Parents tour several places. They get overwhelmed. And let’s be honest, all the smiling providers and colorful playrooms can start to blend together.
So I decided to try something new: I started following up.
Following up changed everything
I created a system—a habit.
After every tour, I sent an email. A simple note to thank them, remind them of what they saw, and open the door for questions. And guess what?
It worked.
Families remembered me. They replied. Some even thanked me for following up. More importantly, they enrolled.
So if you’re tired of getting ghosted after tours, it’s time to take back control.
Here’s my simple 3-email follow-up formula that you can copy, paste, and make your own.
The Follow-Up Formula: 3 Emails to Send After Every Childcare Tour
Email #1: The Same-Day Thank You
When to send: Right after the tour (within 2–4 hours is best).
Subject line: Thank you for touring [Your Daycare Name]!
What to say:
Hi [Parent’s Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to tour [Your Daycare Name] today. It was a pleasure meeting you and your little one!
I hope you enjoyed seeing our space and learning more about how we care for children. I loved chatting with you about [insert something personal you discussed—e.g., “Emma’s love for puzzles”].
If you have any questions or need help deciding what’s best for your family, feel free to reach out. I’m here.
Thanks again!
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Info]
Email #2: The Gentle Reminder
When to send: 2–3 days after the tour.
Subject line: Still thinking about childcare options?
What to say:
Hi [Parent’s Name],
Just checking in to see if you had any follow-up questions after your visit to [Your Daycare Name]. I know choosing childcare is a big decision—and I also know how hard it can be to keep track after visiting multiple programs!
Just as a quick reminder, here’s what makes us special:
- Small group sizes
- Daily outdoor play
- Healthy meals included
We’d love to welcome your family. Let me know if you need help with next steps or want to schedule another visit.
Talk soon,
[Your Name]
Email #3: The Final Nudge
When to send: 5–7 days after the tour if you haven’t heard back.
Subject line: Final follow-up: Let us know how we can help
What to say:
Hi [Parent’s Name],
I wanted to reach out one last time to thank you again for visiting [Your Daycare Name]. I know you have many options, and I truly appreciate you considering us.
We still have availability for [insert age group or start date], but spots fill quickly. If you’d like to move forward, I’d be happy to help you with the enrollment steps.
Either way, I wish your family the very best as you make this important decision!
Take care,
[Your Name]
Let’s make your childcare program even more amazing together! CLICK HERE to see how Adrienne can help you tackle the toughest challenges in your childcare business, boost your growth, and set you on the path to success.
Make it Easy: Download the 3 Email Templates
Want these emails in a ready-to-use printable version?
[Click here to download your free copy.] https://thrivingchildcare.com/followupformula
“But won’t that feel pushy?”
Look, I get it. We’re caregivers, not salespeople. But here’s the truth: you’re running a business, and businesses follow up.
The real question is—do you want to get paid for your time and effort? Or do you want to keep prepping for tours that go nowhere?
Following up isn’t being pushy. It’s being professional. It’s being memorable. It’s being the provider that parents feel seen by.
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Here Are The 10 Must-Have Daycare Templates
Let’s stop normalizing ghosting
This mindset that “parents will follow up if they’re interested” has us losing out. You don’t need to chase people. You need to remind them.
Remind them why they liked your program.
Remind them of how they felt when they were in your space.
Remind them that you care.
Following up = filling spots
A quick email can be the difference between an empty space and a new enrollment.
So the next time you feel that sinking “I just got ghosted” feeling, don’t panic—hit send.
Your future clients are just one follow-up away.
Let’s fill those spots and thrive together.
