Struggling with Low Enrollment? Here’s What to Evaluate and Action Steps

Welcome Leaders😊🖍️

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had numerous conversations with center directors and early childhood program owners, and a common concern keeps surfacing: empty enrollment spots.

These vacancies aren’t isolated to one age group, either. Infant rooms, toddler classrooms, and even Pre-K spots that were once waitlisted are now sitting open longer than expected.

If you’re feeling this shift, you’re not alone. So, what’s going on🤔

Could it be increased competition? Changing parent expectations? Ineffective tour strategies? Or are we simply missing signs that our enrollment funnel isn’t working as well as it used to?

In this issue, let’s dig into why this may be happening, how to assess and improve your enrollment process, and, most importantly, how to turn those open spots into registered, paying families.

Let’s Reevaluate the Funnel

Many centers assume low enrollment is just a seasonal dip or an external market issue, but often, the real barriers are inside your systems. Start by taking a closer look at these key areas:

Start with Evaluating These Areas

1️⃣Website & Online Presence

• Is your website mobile-friendly and easy to navigate?

• Can parents easily find key info (programs, tuition, how to book a tour)?

• Are you active and visible in local online parent groups?

2️⃣Inquiry Response Time

• How quickly are you replying to new inquiries?

• Are you following up more than once, and on multiple platforms (text, email, call)?

3️⃣Tour Experience

• Is your tour personalized and emotionally engaging?

• Are you showing what makes your program different and valuable?

4️⃣Follow-Up Process

• Do you have a system for follow-up?

• Are you nurturing families after the tour with thoughtful communication—like FAQs, success stories, or next steps?

5️⃣Local Competition & Market Fit

• Have new centers or home-based programs opened nearby?

• Are your hours, tuition, and curriculum aligned with the needs of today’s families?

Here are a few Action Steps You Can Take This Week:

🛒Secret shop your own process. Submit an inquiry through your website or call as a parent. See what the experience is like.

📃Audit your follow-up system. Do you have an automated email series? Is someone accountable for follow-up calls?

🔁Refresh your tour script. Ensure that you are not merely guiding parents but genuinely connecting with them emotionally and demonstrating outcomes such as school readiness and parent testimonials.

Low enrollment isn’t just a marketing problem; it’s a systems problem. By tightening each step of your funnel, you increase the chances that a curious parent becomes an enrolled one.

Enrollment dips can feel discouraging, but they’re also an invitation to reimagine how your program shows up in your community. Now is the time to strengthen not just your systems, but your visibility and reputation. From your online presence to the energy of your tours, every interaction is a chance to make your program unforgettable.

As you refine your enrollment funnel, consider how you're positioning your program as a trusted leader in early childhood education within your local area. Are you showing up at community events? Partnering with local businesses? Sharing parent testimonials on social media? Recognition builds trust, and trust builds enrollment!

Small changes can lead to big momentum. Stay curious. Stay proactive. And most importantly, keep showing the heart behind your mission💗. The families you’re meant to serve are still out there; they just need to find you.

Till Next time,

Jen Sprafka📋

P.S. Want help refining your tour experience or marketing materials? Reply to this email, and I’d love to support you!