Community is more important than ever. We often hear it takes a village to raise children, and nowhere is that truer than in childcare. For many childcare providers, building a strong partnership with parents is the foundation of happy, healthy children. But beyond supporting growth and development, creating a sense of community and culture also plays a deciding role in center enrollment. Parents want their children to be part of a school where they feel supported, valued, and connected. Trust and loyalty flourish in strong communities, creating a haven for children, instilling confidence in parents, and boosting enrollment at your center.

Why connections matter

As childcare providers, we need to see ourselves as a larger part of the community beyond our school walls and the children, staff, and families we serve. Whether you’re learning how to increase preschool enrollment or refining your approach to childcare, building strong community connections is essential. There are three reasons why these connections are so important.

1. Understanding and meeting community needs

Being active in the community and getting involved helps us understand what our community needs. You can join local community boards such as your Chamber. This will help you meet new people in your community, learn what is happening in your town, and see where you can provide support.

2. Building a strong online and social presence

We’ve learned how important it is to have an online and social media presence, but it extends far beyond just our own online presence. It is important to like, follow, and share pages in your community. This builds relationships and boosts your online and social media presence.

3. Actively supporting and giving back to your community

Now that you are connected and involved in your community, it is time to get active! Find ways to support your community by sponsoring programs, collaborating with community partners, and volunteering whenever you can. This helps strengthen your community as a whole and makes you an instrumental part.

Building strong connections for lasting success

Building strong connections is so important because as childcare providers, we are almost 100% reliant on our local community for the success of our schools. The majority of the children and families that you enroll will be living within your local community. This is also true for the staff that you hire. Most employees are willing to travel up to 20 minutes to their place of work. These two facts combined make it essential to have a strong presence in and support for your community so you can attract the best staff and have a fully enrolled school.

There are many ways to work with your local community: form local partnerships, join local chambers of commerce, use social media, flyers, yard signs, postings, word of mouth, business card bombings, brochure displays, promotions, and seasonal activities, to name a few. 

5 easy ways to build community connections

Create a kids corner

Partner with local grocery stores, real estate offices, or pediatrician offices, to create a kids corner that your school will sponsor. Set up a table with paper, markers, and easy-to-store activities and toys. This creates a space for kids to play during waiting times.

Free surprise with purchase

Partner with local restaurants and pizza shops and stock them up with a free surprise for kids when they come in to eat or when they order. You can get coloring books and crayons with your logo on them to give out, or you can label small activity bags. Take your promo items to the stores you partner with and have them give them out when families come in to eat or order pizza delivery. You can both advertise this free surprise and drive business for the stores and your school.

Nurture the importance of community service

Connect with local food pantries, animal shelters, maternity care centers, and other community resource locations to see how you can give back to your community. Have the children make dog treats and then take them to the shelter, or do a food drive and deliver all your collected items. The local support needed is endless. Children learn to care and give back to their community, all while having fun.

Parades and local events

Participate in all parades and local events. In parades, you can pass out small flyers and treats. At local events, you can set up a table of activities for the families to do while they attend the event. It’s fun to participate in and also drives awareness for your school.

Create your own event

Sponsor a Summer Bash or create an event that is open to the whole community. Make the theme relevant to the time of year. You can have food trucks, games, and activities for all ages. 

How strong communities drive enrollments

Creating a strong sense of community directly impacts your school’s enrollment numbers. Parents are naturally drawn to childcare centers where they feel a connection, trust, and a sense of belonging. When your childcare center is deeply rooted in the local community, it builds credibility and establishes your school as a trusted choice for families.

Strong community ties also lead to word-of-mouth referrals, which are one of the most powerful tools for driving enrollments. When parents see your involvement in local events, partnerships with other businesses, and genuine efforts to give back, they’re more likely to recommend your center to their friends, family, and neighbors. These personal endorsements can make all the difference in a parent’s decision-making process.

Moreover, a vibrant community presence creates opportunities for your center to stand out from competitors. By aligning with the values and needs of your local area, you position your school as an integral part of the neighborhood!

Building community, driving enrollment

Community in childcare should be one of the top goals of your center. It’s a proven strategy for strengthening your childcare center’s reputation and supports the long-term growth of your kids. When parents see you at the center of your local community, they’re more likely to enroll their children and recommend your services to their friends and family.

By participating in local events, forming meaningful partnerships, and giving back, every effort you make to build connections enhances your center’s visibility and credibility. Strong community ties support the overarching mission to create enriching environments for children.

To take your enrollment to the next level, our guide How to Increase Preschool Enrollment offers actionable strategies to help you grow.