Sizzle, Don’t Fizzle: Summer Revenue Tips

Submitted by Kaia Gallop 

For many childcare centers, summer often brings a decline in enrollment and a drop in revenue. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Many programs have learned how to stay full year-round. With intention, transparency, and confidence in the value of your program, summer can be just as strong as any other season.

Charge Year-Round with Confidence

Let’s start with the big one: tuition. One of the most effective ways centers maintain financial stability during the summer is by charging year-round, 52 weeks regardless of attendance.

Yes, it can feel like a bold move, especially if your program hasn’t done it before. But it’s also a necessary one. The bills don’t stop in June. Your staff still need consistent paychecks. And if families expect their child to return in the fall, holding that spot should come with a financial commitment.

Centers that have implemented this model often find that parents are more understanding than expected, especially when communication is clear and the program’s value is evident. In many cases, families pay summer tuition even if their child doesn’t attend, simply to keep their place.

The key is having confidence in your program and being transparent with your families.

Be Upfront with Families

When it comes to tuition or policy changes, clear communication is essential. Parents are much more likely to respond positively when they understand the reasons behind a decision, especially when it supports the sustainability of your center.

A brief, thoughtful message explaining how tuition supports teacher wages, classroom materials, and center operations helps families see the bigger picture. It’s not about itemizing expenses. It’s about reinforcing the value they receive and the community they’re helping to support.

All policy updates should also be shared in writing. Every family needs to understand that tuition is due regardless of attendance.

To make this easier, many centers use the IKS IntelliForms and Campaigns features to reach their entire parent base efficiently. You can create a customized, branded email using the Campaign feature to explain the change, then attach an IntelliForms package that allows families to review and sign the updated policy electronically. This helps ensure clarity and also protects your business with documented agreements.

Digital signatures are one of the most important tools when updating policies. With IntelliForms, families also receive a copy for their records, which supports transparency and reduces confusion. No paper packets or manual follow-up required.

If you’re not ready to implement a full year-round tuition model just yet, consider starting small:

• Offer a slightly reduced summer rate for families who want to hold their spot while away. Many centers use their half-day rate as a placeholder fee.

• Use this summer to prepare families for changes coming next year. Start communicating now.

• Reinforce that holding a space at your center is a shared commitment. It supports your team, your operations, and the quality of care families rely on.

With the right tools, communication doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to be consistent and scalable.

Make Summer a Season Worth Staying For (and Joining)

If families are going to pay for summer, the experience needs to feel worth it. And if your goal is to grow enrollment, summer is also the perfect time to highlight what makes your program special.

This is a chance for your center’s personality to shine. Summer offers opportunities to engage your current families and draw in new ones by showcasing the joy, energy, and learning that happen every day.

Consider offering:

• Guest visitors or enrichment providers

• Developmentally appropriate field trips, both on- and off-site

• Weekly themes or summer challenges

• Seasonal events like BBQs, water days, or parent socials

And don’t just create an amazing summer—share it. Use the IKS Campaign feature to send vibrant newsletters filled with photos, highlights, and classroom moments. Whether you send them weekly, monthly, or quarterly, these updates help current families stay engaged and show prospective families exactly what they’re missing.

The drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to build beautiful, on-brand messages. Parents love seeing their child featured in a recap, and potential families gain trust by getting a real look into your program.

Summer is a prime opportunity to strengthen your community, expand your visibility, and help families—both new and existing—feel proud to be part of what you’re creating.

Add Summer Revenue with Creative Extras

Not every center will stay fully enrolled through the summer. That’s okay. There are still plenty of ways to generate additional revenue, serve your community, and make the most of your space and staff availability.

Consider offering:

• Drop-in care or pop-up play days

• Birthday party packages or weekend family events

• Parents’ night out or evening enrichment programs

• Take-home curriculum kits for summer learning

• Parenting classes or child development workshops

• Renting center space on weekends, with proper licensing approval

These offerings can help maintain financial stability while also increasing community visibility and attracting new families who may later become full-time enrollments.

Tip: Use IKS Landing Pages to help promote and track these extra services. Whether you're offering drop-in days, party rentals, or seasonal events, a branded landing page makes it easy to collect sign-ups, manage interest, and build your lead list. Click here to learn more about using landing pages for events and enrollments.

Use Scarcity to Your Advantage

Your program is valuable, and space is limited. Let families know when spots are filling quickly. This is especially important during summer tours and when discussing fall enrollment. Creating a sense of urgency helps families make confident decisions without feeling pressured.

If a family chooses not to pay over the summer, be transparent about the possibility that their child’s space may not be available in the fall. Clear expectations support fairness and ensure long-term sustainability for your business.

The Bottom Line

Summer doesn’t have to be a slow season. With a strong program, clear communication, and the confidence to lead with intention, you can keep your classrooms full and your team supported throughout the year.

Families value consistency and quality. When your program delivers both and communicates that value effectively, they won’t just stay for the summer—they’ll stay for the long haul.

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