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6 SMS tips to drive effective communication in childcare

Like any industry, the childcare sector is subject to changing trends. Greater competition and rising standards for childcare facilities are putting pressure on the industry. Expectations regarding communication are greater than ever before.

Where once a bi-weekly newsletter was adequate, parents and caregivers now want centers to use more modern technology so they know what their child is doing throughout the day. Some centers even offer video streaming of children for this purpose! This expectation of more instantaneous communication will only increase as tech-savvy millennials make up a larger proportion of parents.

Increased populations and women returning to work in greater numbers are driving the growth in the childcare industry. However, quality of service is still paramount in parents’ minds as they choose a center for their child.

A robust communications strategy using SMS can help you meet many of these challenges.

Keep up with regulatory compliance requirements

Childcare requires compliance with regulations in many areas, with information regularly required from parents, such as vaccination records, documents pertaining to childcare subsidies, and other forms. Send an SMS to remind parents quickly and easily which information is required when.

Manage vacancies

You can use text messaging to help you maximize capacity. If a space becomes available when a child is away – offer the spot to another family via SMS, which will catch their attention in the busy rush of the morning. Parents can quickly confirm their acceptance, meaning you can easily fill the space.

To manage more long-term placements, send a text at the beginning of every year to confirm which children are returning to care to help with planning.

Provide regular updates that keep busy parents informed

A good childcare service not only provides exceptional care but also conveys that to the child’s parents. Parents will love a quick text that confirms that an upset child has settled quickly and is enjoying their day. They will also appreciate a welcome text at the start of each year, or an inquiry about the child’s health if they have been away or unwell.

Raising small children keeps parents busy so they will appreciate any efforts by their childcare center to help them keep on top of things. Remind parents about public holiday closures, fundraisers, dress-up days, working bees, and other events.

Simplify communications with parents and staff.

Choose a channel everyone is familiar with – text messaging!

Cut the burden of administration

Reduce the time your staff spend leaving voicemails or writing emails trying to contact parents.

Automate text message communications to go out when needed or proactively. Not only does texting messaging cut-through, but it also, more importantly, encourages responses especially if two-way messaging is used. For many MessageMedia customers, SMS has helped cut down the administrative processes and ensured centers work more efficiently.

Using such a simple system has reduced workloads, especially the administrative burden on staff generating emails or letters to parents or chasing up responses. Staff are not required to make time-consuming phone calls to parents that may or may not be received or returned. A text ‘says it all’ and parents know why they are contacted when they receive them.

Rhonnie Nairn, Systems and Administration Officer, Central Kids

Keep records

Using SMS via a web portal offers even greater functionality. Messages can be sent to all families or just those in a certain group. The portal also keeps a complete record of all communication, which shows both sent and received messages.

Parents love it

Parents love any system that helps them stay organized and keeps them in touch with their children.

For Central Kids, proof of the system’s success is the feedback from the parents, with comments such as: “I feel more connected with the kindergarten and my child knowing they [the center] can message me at any time”, “The reminders are invaluable”, “Quick and easy, love it”, and “I’m able to reply straight away”.

Give the parents what they want.

Stand above other childcare centres with fast, easy text messaging communications.

Final thoughts, further reading

Is it time for you to start thinking about adding text messaging to your childcare center?

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