It’s no secret that the daycare business is booming. According to the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), there are over 10,000 childcare centers in the United States alone. Families have been spending more on daycare than ever before. However, with so many options available, how can you make sure your daycare stands out from the rest? It’s vital to offer competitive rates, but other factors matter just as much—if not more. Here are seven daycare ideas to consider to help your daycare business stand out in a saturated market.
 

Build a sensory garden

Studies have shown that time spent in nature can reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and even increase attention span. Create a sensory garden at your daycare center that features flowers with different colors, textures, and smells. Include a bubbling fountain or water pump, and plenty of seating for the adults to enjoy while supervising.
 

Offer on-site nutrition counseling

Another excellent daycare idea to set your center apart is to consider giving parents peace of mind about their child’s health and nutrition. Partner with a local Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) to offer 4-week nutrition counseling sessions on-site. This will provide valuable information and resources to parents. This will also show that you are invested in the health and well-being of every child under your care.
 

Art class

Art has been shown to have many benefits for children. These include improved fine motor skills, increased critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, and enhanced self-esteem. Incorporate an art class into your weekly schedule led by a qualified art teacher. This will give the kids a chance to express themselves creatively and explore their imagination while also providing parents with peace of mind that their children are receiving a well-rounded education.
 

Field trips

Field trips are not just for school-aged children. Infants and toddlers can benefit from exploration outside of the classroom, too. Plan monthly educational yet fun field trips to nearby museums, zoos, or farms. This will give the kids a chance to learn about the world around them while getting some fresh air and exercise at the same time. As a bonus, parents will appreciate having knowledgeable staff who can provide enriching experiences for their children beyond the four walls of a daycare center.
 

STEM class

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) classes are becoming increasingly popular in elementary schools. But why wait until kindergarten? Offer a weekly STEM class at your daycare center taught by a qualified STEM teacher. This will give the kids a head start on learning about important concepts like math and science while also sparking their curiosity and sense of wonderment about the world around them. Plus, it will show parents that you are invested in providing a well-rounded education for their children. 
 

Music class

Music has been shown to have many benefits for children. Some of these are improved language skills, increased mathematical ability, and enhanced critical thinking skills. Incorporate a music class into your weekly schedule led by a qualified music teacher. This will allow the kids to explore their musical talents while also providing parents with peace of mind that their children are receiving a well-rounded education. 
 

Bilingual class

Learning another language has been shown to have many benefits for children, including improved communication skills, increased cultural awareness, and enhanced cognitive ability. Offer a bilingual class at your daycare center taught by a qualified bilingual teacher. This will give the kids a chance to learn another language while also providing parents with peace of mind that their children are receiving a well-rounded education. Plus, it will show prospective customers that you are invested in providing a diverse learning experience for all children. 
 
There’s no denying that the daycare industry is saturated, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find success if you’re considering venturing into this field. With a little creativity, outside-the-box thinking, and these brilliant daycare ideas, you can actually use the saturation of the market to your advantage!
 
At LCCM, we offer integrated digital and offline marketing solutions specifically designed for childcare businesses. We exist for only one reason: to help you, the childcare owner, create & maintain your web presence, dominate business directory listings and search engines in your market, generate enrollments through paid advertising opportunities, and put your center on the map.