How to Get More Google Reviews for Daycares & Childcare Centers

Parents trust online reviews more than any other marketing. Learn when and how to ask for reviews that showcase your exceptional childcare.

When to Ask for Reviews

Timing is everything. Asking at the right moment dramatically increases your review conversion rate.

Best Moment to Ask

Right after a parent sees their child run up happily at pickup, or within 24 hours of sending home a milestone report (first steps, potty training success, learning achievement). The emotional high of seeing their child thrive is your golden window.

Worst Moment to Ask

During enrollment paperwork, when a parent is stressed about drop-off separation anxiety, or right after an incident report. Never ask during billing conversations or when discussing behavioral challenges.

Milestone Celebration Card Strategy

Send home a colorful "celebration card" when a child hits a developmental milestone. The card congratulates the parent, includes a cute photo or handprint, and has a QR code to leave a review about their experience. Parents are emotionally invested in these moments and eager to share their joy.

Daycare reviews are relationship-based. Parents need to trust you with their most precious asset - their children. Your review strategy should focus on celebrating shared milestones and reinforcing the partnership between your staff and families.

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Copy-Paste Scripts to Ask for Reviews

Use these word-for-word scripts to ask happy customers for reviews. Customize the [bracketed] details for your business.

In-Person Script

I just love seeing [Child Name] light up when you arrive! They've had such a wonderful week. If you've been happy with [Child Name]'s care here at [Business Name], we'd be so grateful if you could share your experience on Google. It really helps other parents find us.

Email Script

Subject: What a milestone for [Child Name]! 🌟

Hi [Customer Name], We're so excited to celebrate [Child Name]'s recent milestone with you! [Specific milestone - first steps, learning colors, making new friends, etc.] Moments like these remind us why we love what we do. If you've been happy with the care [Child Name] receives at [Business Name], would you mind taking two minutes to share your experience on Google? Your review helps other parents in our community find quality childcare they can trust. [Google Review Link] Thank you for trusting us with [Child Name]! Warmly, [Your Name] and the [Business Name] team

SMS / Text Script

Hi [Customer Name]! We loved celebrating [Child Name]'s milestone this week! If you're happy with their care at [Business Name], would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps other parents find us: [Google Review Link] - [Your Name]

Who Should Ask

Lead teachers and room coordinators

Training Tip

Train your lead teachers to document milestone moments with photos (with parent photo permission). When they send home the milestone card or email, they should personally mention it at pickup: "Did you see the card we sent home today?" This prompts conversation and makes the review request feel natural.

Follow-Up Timing

If no review after 5 days, follow up with a casual mention at pickup: "We'd still love to hear your feedback on Google when you have a moment!" Don't push harder than that - parent relationships are too valuable to risk.

Where to Place Review Reminders

Make it easy for customers to leave a review by placing reminders where they already look.

Physical Placements

Cubbies and pickup area

Place colorful "Love us? Review us!" signs with QR codes in the parent pickup zone. Use cheerful designs with kids' handprints or photos (with permission).

Milestone celebration cards

Print small cards that go home with milestone reports, artwork, or achievement certificates. Include a QR code and brief review request.

Parent handbook inserts

Include a bookmark-style card in enrollment packets that explains how reviews help your program and includes your Google review link.

Monthly bulletin board

Create a "Google Reviews Wall of Love" featuring printed excerpts from recent 5-star reviews (with permission). Include a QR code to add their own.

Digital Placements

Email signature

Add a review link to all staff email signatures: "Love [Business Name]? Share your experience on Google!"

Daily photo app messages

If you use apps like Brightwheel or Procare, include occasional review requests in your daily photo shares: "Happy you chose us? Leave a review!"

Monthly parent newsletter

Add a "Review Spotlight" section featuring one recent review, then invite others to share their experiences.

Website homepage

Embed your Google reviews widget prominently and include a clear "Leave a Review" button near your contact information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting more Google reviews for your daycares & childcare centers business.

The best time is within 24 hours of a positive milestone moment - when their child takes first steps at your center, completes potty training, or brings home a special art project. Parents are emotionally invested and want to celebrate. The second-best time is after a happy pickup when their child runs to them with excitement. These moments showcase the bond your center has built.
No. Google prohibits incentivizing reviews, and it's especially risky in childcare where trust is paramount. Instead, create emotional moments worth reviewing organically - milestone celebrations, special events, teacher appreciation notes. Never offer tuition discounts, raffle entries, or gifts in exchange for reviews.
Respond within 24 hours with empathy and professionalism. Acknowledge their concern without admitting fault or sharing details about other children (privacy matters). Offer to discuss privately. Example: "We take every family's concerns seriously. Please contact us directly at [phone] so we can address this personally." Never argue or get defensive publicly.
You can gently suggest it, but don't script it. Try: "If Miss Sarah made a difference for your family, feel free to mention her!" This helps prospective parents see your staff's individual strengths, but the review should feel authentic to the parent.
Aim for 50+ reviews to establish credibility. Parents research childcare more thoroughly than almost any other service. They want to see consistent patterns of safety, communication, and care. A 4.8+ star rating with 50+ recent reviews signals a trustworthy program.
Not during initial enrollment - parents are stressed and haven't experienced your care yet. Wait until after the first full week or month, then send a "How are we doing?" check-in email that includes a review link. This shows you care about their experience beyond just getting their business.
Politely reply thanking them for the review, then reach out privately to ask if they'd consider editing to remove other children's names for privacy reasons. Most parents will understand and comply. You cannot edit their review yourself, but you can request changes.
Celebrate when reviews mention specific teachers by name - share them in staff meetings, post them in the break room, and thank teachers personally. Make it about recognition, not quotas. When teachers see that reviews boost enrollment (and job security), they'll naturally encourage parents to share feedback.

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