Many teachers have contemplated opening a preschool in their home. A home based preschool can offer teachers the flexibility to work around their family commitments and the freedom to develop their own curriculum and schedule. As with any home based business, running a home based preschool requires a huge time commitment and an initial financial reserve; however one of the major obstacles that preschool teachers face when opening a home based preschool is marketing.
Yard Sign
Many vinyl companies will help you design and print a small yard sign to advertise your home based preschool. These signs are waterproof, very professional looking, and can generally be made for under $20. It is important to check for any city or community regulations that may prevent you from advertising a home based preschool with a yard sign before hand. These signs can also be placed around the community for additional exposure.
Local Elementary Schools
Many parents are unsure where to begin their search for a quality home based preschool. As part of their search, preschool parents often call local elementary schools for preschool recommendations. Check with elementary schools in your area and ask if they keep a list of home based preschool programs in the area. Getting added to this list is as simple as talking to the school secretary or one of the kindergarten teachers.
Busy Preschool Programs
Quality preschool programs often have a waiting list. Call some of these high demand preschool programs and ask if they keep a list of home based preschools to recommend to parents who are far enough down on the list that it is unlikely they will make it into the program by the start of the school year. Local universities often have an extensive waiting list and are generally interested in knowing about other options to refer waiting preschool parents to.
Community Bulletin Boards
Local grocery stores and libraries often have a bulletin board where you can post announcements for free. These bulletin boards are an excellent marketing resource for home based preschool programs because they are located in placed that preschool parent’s visit often. Create a simple flyer that lists your preschool times, prices, and your own qualifications as a preschool teacher. Include tear off slips at the bottom that contain your name, preschool program, phone number, and website if you have one for busy preschool parents to grab on the run.
Word of Mouth
The best advertising for any home based business is always word of mouth. Let your family, friends, and neighbors know that you are opening a home based preschool. Contact your neighbors who have preschool aged children and let them know about your preschool program. Distribute flyers to homes in your neighborhood with preschool aged children. Flyers are low-pressure and informative. Talk to people you see with preschool aged children at play groups and local events.
Place an Ad
While there are many free options for marketing your home based preschool program, you can also pay to advertise your preschool in local newspapers or newsletters. Newspaper ads are generally quite expensive and do not always get results. City, school, or small group newsletters with a reader base that fits your target audience may be a better choice.
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