Are Your Tours Costing You Enrollments? Here’s How to Stop Losing Families!

Sarah DixonArticles

A tour at your childcare and daycare business isn’t just a walkthrough, it’s a perfect opportunity to make a lasting impression. But what if your tours are actually driving families away instead of pulling them in? That’s the question we tackled in our recent webinar, Are Your Tours Costing You Enrollments? Stop Losing Families!

On November 21st, we brought together two panelists, Kesha Williams, Owner & Director of Little ME Childcare, and Erica Saccoccio, CEO & Founder of A Family Tree Early Learning Center and host of The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast. Together, they shared actionable advice, real-world examples, and tips for turning tours into enrollment magnets.

If you missed it, don’t worry – we’ve got the highlights for you!

The Pressure’s On: Tours Are Make-or-Break Moments

It’s no secret that parents judge your center from the moment they walk in. Everything, from the vibe of the space to how they’re greeted, matters. As discussed with out panelists, our tour can either build trust or plant seeds of doubt. Kesha Williams emphasized the importance of greeting families warmly and creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Families need to feel the love and warmth of your center and know their child will be cared for like family. Erica Saccoccio shared her perspective on flexibility in tour timing. Some centers find evening tours work best after the kids are gone, while others thrive with daytime tours where parents can see classrooms in action. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, the key is finding what works for your center and ensuring it’s memorable.

How Do You Nail That First Impression?

Our panelists shared these critical strategies for making your tours unforgettable:
  1. Showcase What Makes You Special
    Whether it’s an innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, or a fun event for families, lean into what makes your center stand out.
  2. Focus on Communication
    In today’s world, parents expect transparency and frequent updates. Parents want to feel like they’re in the loop about their child’s day, and this builds long-term trust.
  3. Empower Your Team
    A knowledgeable, friendly team can make or break a tour. There is great value in cross-training staff so everyone, from the director to the teachers, is ready to answer questions, showcase your program, and provide a consistent experience.
  4. Keep It Personal
    Every family has different needs and concerns. Ask questions, listen closely, and tailor your tour to what matters most to them.
  5. Real Advice, Real Results
    Both panelists shared stories of what’s worked for them, and what hasn’t. From creating memorable moments to focusing on staff training, their insights gave attendees practical tips they could implement immediately.

What’s Next?

If you missed the live session, don’t worry, the replay is available! This is your chance to catch all the wisdom and actionable tips shared by our incredible panelists. Whether you’re struggling with enrollment numbers or looking for ways to refine your tours, this webinar is packed with ideas to help you level up.

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