Tools to Help Child Care Programs Shine

Stand Out From the Crowd: Tools to Showcase Your Business

First impressions matter especially in child care. Whether you're welcoming new families, answering calls from prospective clients, or helping families feel confident in their search for care, having the right tools can elevate your program and strengthen your reputation.

This month, Show Me Child Care Resources highlights a collection of resources
designed to help directors, staff, and families shine throughout the child care
decision-making journey.

Supporting Directors: Family Tour Guide

A well-organized tour is one of the most effective ways to help families see the value of
your program. The Family Tour Guide offers a checklist-style format that ensures nothing gets overlooked during the tour experience.

This editable guide helps programs:

• Highlight essential program areas
• Showcase safety, learning environments, and daily routines
• Maintain consistency across all staff-guided tours
• Leave families with a clear, positive impression

With the right tools in hand, your team will always put its best foot forward.

Supporting Staff: Phone Etiquette & Inquiry Form Guides

Your phone is often the first point of contact for prospective families and first impressions count. Clear, friendly communication helps callers feel welcome, informed, and confident in your program.

The Phone Etiquette and Inquiry Form Guides support staff by providing:

• Best practices for professional, warm phone interactions
• A structured process for responding to questions
• The Prospective Families Inquiry Form to record important details from each call
• Tools to help staff represent your program consistently and effectively

These resources help ensure every caller receives the same high-quality experience.

Supporting Families: Helping Families Seeking Child Care

Searching for child care can feel overwhelming for many families. They want reassurance, guidance, and clarity as they make important decisions about their child’s care.

The Family Resources, Tools & Tips help families:

• Understand what to look for in a quality child care program
• Prepare questions for tours and phone calls
• Gain clarity about their role once care is selected
• Navigate the decision-making process with confidence

By offering these supports, programs help families feel empowered, not alone.

Have You Heard? Connect With Your Savings Expert Today!

Every child care program can benefit from opportunities to save money. Through your dedicated Savings Expert, you can explore discounts and cost-saving options on:

• Program supplies
• Food delivery
• Classroom materials
• And more

These savings help programs stretch their budgets further while maintaining quality.

Shine Brighter With the Right Tools at Your Side

From the first phone call to the family tour to ongoing support for caregivers, every
touchpoint matters. With these resources, your program can stand out from the
crowd showcasing your strengths, building trust, and creating meaningful connections
with families.

Check out our website for more information about Show Me Child Care Resources: 

Learn more: Email theteam@showmeresource.org with any questions.

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

FREE Clock Hour Training
Scholarships for Educators
Child Care Health and Wellness
Family Child Care Network
Leadership Development Opportunities
Missouri Office of Childhood Updates
Show Me Child Care Resources
Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri
Community Data
Join Our Team
Resources to Build Your Business