How to Plan a Successful Open House for Your Childcare Center or Preschool

Hosting an open house is a vital step in promoting your center. The right approach will help you attract parents and ensure that everyone who comes has a positive experience. It’s a way for parents to get to know you in an informal setting, and also it’s a way to know about the families in your area to see if they are a good fit for your business model. 

When it comes to hosting an open house for your childcare center or preschool, you have a lot on your plate. You must consider what you want to show off to potential parents, plan food and activity options, and make sure that everything runs smoothly. 

When planning an open house for your childcare center or preschool, here are a few questions to consider:

  • How much should you prepare for the open house?
  • When should you hold the open house?
  • How to promote your open house online and in print?
  • What should be on the agenda for the open house?
  • How will you market your open house?

Here are a few tips to make an open house for your childcare/preschool a success:

  1. Plan ahead – make sure to have everything ready before the open house begins. That includes setting up tables with information about your program, providing complimentary snacks and drinks, organizing giveaways, etc.
  1. Make it fun – invite parents to play games, take a tour of the facility, or have a contest this keeps them interested and encourages them to visit more often.
  1. Take advantage of local resources – make sure to mention nearby childcare centers or preschools in your promotional materials and during the open house itself. This will allow parents to compare options and make a decision about which is best for their family.
  1. Keep it short and sweet – don’t spend too much time on one feature or topic, instead, move on to the next item as quickly as possible. 
  1. Make a schedule and stick to it – this will help keep everyone on track and make sure that no one falls behind.
  1. Don’t be afraid to give visitors information on the school’s program, staff, and facilities – you may be surprised at how much interest parents have in learning more about your school.
  1. Be flexible –  if something goes wrong, be gracious in admitting it and making adjustments as needed.
  1. Have fun – this is supposed to be an enjoyable experience for parents and their children, so don’t stress too much about things that don’t matter. Just relax, enjoy yourself, and let the open house run its course.

In short, an open house that will impress parents and visitors alike are:

  1. First and foremost, make sure to have a predetermined schedule and plan of action. This will ensure that everyone who visits knows what to expect and has an idea of what you’re hoping to accomplish.
  1. Additionally, it is important to showcase the program and facilities in a positive light. Make sure to highlight the unique features of your center, as well as the staff and curriculum. 
  1. Finally, be sure to let attendees know how they can get involved or support your work. 

Open houses are the perfect marketing tool for childcare centers and having a childcare management software makes an even better first impression. KinderPass is an end-to-end childcare management software that streamlines all aspects of managing preschools, daycares, and nurseries through a web and mobile platform. 

Your parents want someone they can trust with their children and an open house allows them to get to know you, your staff, your procedures and security measures. Take your time in thoroughly planning the event and highlighting the right information and activities to get families excited about your preschool. 

Most importantly, have fun! If you’re having a great time, and children are having a great time, this leaves a lasting impression on parents.