How Many Touches Are Too Many? Finding the Right Balance for Childcare Enrollment Follow-Ups

With childcare registration season in full swing, you might be wondering—how often should you follow up with prospective families before it becomes too much? It’s a fine line between staying top of mind and becoming a source of inbox fatigue.

The truth is, most parents need multiple touches before they make an enrollment decision—but the key is delivering value at each step, rather than just repeatedly asking, “Are you ready to enroll?”

When it comes to filling spots for your childcare center, following up with families is key. But how many times should you reach out before it feels like too much? The answer lies in finding the right balance between persistence and pressure.

What’s the Right Number of Follow-Ups? The Magic Number: 7-10 Touches

Marketing experts suggest that it takes an average of 7-10 touches before a potential customer makes a decision. This includes emails, phone calls, texts, social media interactions, and in-person conversations. But in childcare, where trust is essential, it’s not just about the number—it’s about how and when you follow up.

The Ideal Follow-Up Flow for Childcare Registration

1. Initial Inquiry Response (Immediate or Within 24 Hours)

• Speed Matters: In childcare, the first center to respond often wins the enrollment. Parents are looking for quick, helpful answers—delayed responses can mean losing them to a competitor.

• Send a warm, personalized email or text thanking them for their interest.

• Include essential information like tuition, schedule, and key program highlights.

• Offer an easy way to book a tour.

2. Follow-Up #1 (2-3 Days Later) – Invitation to Tour

• A friendly email or text: “We’d love to meet you! Here’s an easy way to schedule a tour.”

• Highlight something unique about your center (e.g., small class sizes, specialized curriculum).

3. Follow-Up #2 (After a Tour or If No Response in a Week)

• A personal phone call or text: “We’d love to answer any questions you may have about our program!”

• If they toured, ask what stood out and what concerns they might have.

• Offer a digital way to register if they toured.

4. Follow-Up #3 (Another Week Later) – Showcase Social Proof

• Share a success story from a current parent or a video testimonial.

• Share a video of your school as a visual reminder.

• Offer a reminder of upcoming enrollment deadlines or limited availability.

5. Final Nudge (Closer to Enrollment Deadline)

• “Spots are filling fast!” A gentle reminder that there’s limited space without pressuring them.

• Offer a final call-to-action, like waived registration fees for enrolling by a certain date.

When Is It Too Much?

If a family isn’t responding after 4-5 touches over a few weeks, it’s best to pause and give them space. You don’t want to come across as pushy. Instead, move them into a nurturing track—perhaps a monthly newsletter or an invitation to future events.

Quality Over Quantity

It’s not about how many times you reach out—it’s about what you say and how you say it. If every interaction provides value (helpful info, stories, benefits), parents will appreciate the engagement rather than feel overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts

March is a critical month for filling your fall enrollment spots, but the best approach is a strategic mix of outreach that feels personal, helpful, and engaging. The right balance of touches can turn interested families into excited enrollees—without them feeling like they’re being chased.

Experience the benefits of IntelliKid Systems at your own pace. See for yourself—click below to start your self-guided demo.