The Complete Guide to Daycare Marketing in Canada
Fill your enrollment and maintain full capacity with smart inquiry response, tour conversion, and parent engagement.
Finding quality childcare is one of the most stressful decisions parents make. The daycares that win aren't just the best caregivers—they're the ones who respond quickly, communicate clearly, and build trust from the very first interaction.
What You'll Learn
Speed to Response Matters
Parents researching daycares contact multiple centers simultaneously. The first one to respond professionally and helpfully often wins. Studies show responding within 5 minutes makes you 21x more likely to convert that inquiry.
For daycare operators managing children, constant phone availability is impossible. Automation provides the solution: instant, warm responses that feel personal while providing the information parents need.
What Your Auto-Response Should Include
- Warm thank you for their interest
- Brief overview of your programs
- Ages and spots available
- Easy online tour scheduling
- Photos or virtual tour link
Converting Tours to Enrollments
A tour is your best opportunity to showcase your center. But with busy parents, no-shows are common. The key is a confirmation and reminder sequence that keeps your center top of mind.
The Tour Confirmation Sequence
- Immediately: Confirmation with date, time, directions, and parking
- Day before: Friendly reminder with what to expect
- Morning of: Quick text reminder with check-in instructions
- Post-tour: Thank you with enrollment next steps
Keeping Waitlists Engaged
In competitive markets, waitlists are common. But a waitlisted family that hears nothing will enroll elsewhere. Regular engagement keeps them connected and ready when spots open.
Waitlist Engagement Ideas
- Monthly newsletter with center updates
- Invitations to open houses and events
- Quarterly check-ins on their childcare status
- Updates when spots may be opening
- Parenting tips and resources
Building Your Reputation
For parents, reviews are crucial. They're trusting you with their most precious responsibility. Strong reviews build that trust before they even visit. But getting reviews requires asking.
When to Ask for Reviews
The best times are after positive experiences: a child's first milestone at your center, after a successful parent-teacher conference, or after resolving a concern well. Timing matters.
Referral Programs That Work
Current families are your best marketing channel. They've experienced your care and can authentically recommend you. A formal referral program encourages and rewards this behavior.
Referral Program Elements
- Clear incentive (tuition credit, gift card)
- Simple referral process (form or text)
- Thank you for every referral
- Recognition of top referrers
Ready to Fill Your Enrollment?
Get a free consultation and see exactly how we'd implement these systems for your daycare center.
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