Daycare centers strive to provide engaging and diverse programs that children look forward to every day. A well-run martial arts program aligns perfectly with their goals, making daycare centers a potential source of additional revenue for your school.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully partnering with daycare centers in your area.

1. Create a Target List

Start by creating a target list of daycare centers and summer programs in your area.

Focus on those closest to your facility to make travel easy. Include each center’s name, full address, and phone number.

Call each center to find out who is responsible for setting up special activities or guests—this is usually the director or owner. Once you have their contact details, you’re ready to reach out.

2. Write an Introductory Letter

Compose a personalized letter to each center using the contact information you gathered. Introduce yourself and your school, and explain how your martial arts program can benefit their center. Include a school brochure, an 8 x 10 glossy photo, and a few business cards with your letter. This professional approach will help you make a strong first impression.

3. Follow-Up with Your Prospects

A few days after sending your letters, follow up with a phone call. Introduce yourself and ask if they received your letter.

Depending on their response, your goal is to schedule a face-to-face meeting to discuss creating a program that works for their facility. 

If they’re not interested at the moment, offer alternatives, such as discounts for their members at your school or becoming a guest speaker. Always add them to your newsletter list to keep them engaged.

4. Develop Your Programs

Design your program to meet the needs of the daycare center. You might suggest one or two classes per week, with options for a 4-8 week summer course or an 8-16 class program.

Be flexible and willing to accommodate their preferences while considering what works best for your school. 

Typically, classes should be around 30 minutes for children five and under, and 45 minutes for those six and older, as these timeframes suit their attention spans.

5. Structure Your Fees

When setting your fees, consider offering a discount for centers that bring children to your facility and charging a bit more if you have to travel to theirs.

For example, you could charge $50.00 for an eight-week program at your school and $60.00 for the same program taught at their location. 

Remember that many daycare centers have transportation options, so getting the kids to your facility may be easier than you think.

6. Create a Schedule

Scheduling these additional classes should be straightforward, as daycare centers typically operate between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. This flexibility allows you or one of your instructors to teach without conflicting with your regular martial arts classes.

7. Project Your Income Potential

Consider the financial potential: an eight-week program with ten children at $60.00 per child generates $600.00. If you pay an instructor $20.00 per class, your school still nets $55.00 per class.

Expanding to five different classes across several daycare centers could result in a gross income of $3,000.00 over eight weeks, with additional benefits like converting the program into a year-round class or gaining new full-time students.

Conclusion

Success during the summer requires prior planning and follow-through. Teaching martial arts classes at daycare centers or day camps is a creative and effective way to generate additional income beyond your regular students.

By partnering with local daycare centers, you can expand your reach, provide valuable programs to the community, and boost your school’s revenue.