Starting a Daycare - Lynden,WA

I sort of accidentally started doing daycare after our last son was born and it lasted about 8 years. I can honestly say that when I first started, I never understood why daycares had to be so formal and have so many rules and regulations but after doing it for a long time, I now understand the need for contracts and clearly defined terms BEFORE a person starts using you to care for their little one. It doesn't take long for people to realize if you're a pushover and you won't speak up or charge extra for those "late pickups" due to an unforseen hang-up or when you agree to let someone have an extra week to pay you because they just don't have it this week. People are good hearted and they usually mean well, but the ones that take advantage will do it all the time if you're not set on your rules right off the bat. I suggest looking up some standard daycare contracts just to get the idea. I promise you I totally didn't see the need for it until long after I had been taken advantage of WAY too many times and it was too late to speak up. If you ever want to ask me anything at all feel free to message me. :)

Depending on what ages your going to have, have a lot of big lego blocks and little kids games (guess who) and I would say if you have some older kids (I mean like 5 and older) get some craft kits from oriental trading. My cousin does some cute crafts, helps my 2 year old, and it's so precious to pick her up with this cute craft or craft frame... she does fun things every now and then like face painting and holiday theme stuff and always lets us know before hand by telling us on pick up or text or calling. I love that my cousin makes lunch (casseroles) and sandwiches (she mixes up the menu) and gives them snacks and breakfast when I drop her off early. And I don't know what's common practice for sitters, but she'll tell me if she goes to time out and for what or if anything out of the ordinary happened. She'll tell me if she does something funny or cute, it makes me feel connected.

Go to Ikea they have trains like Brio's for 29. dollars a bag. Four bags and you are in business. Your boys will be lined up to play with the four engines.
You can replace the engines with Thomas the train.
Paint the room beautiful colors and put cubbys in a prominent place for each child. A bulleting board for the parents. And, another for the children's artwork.
You'll need crayons, paint brushes, glue, scissors, and all sorts of magazines to cut out for collages. Finger paints for the younger kids 2-3 years old.
Playdough you make yourself for one and all one day a week the morning can be given over to it.
You will need an outdoor area for exercise. You can advertise online and on Craigslist and other free sources. If you are good one mother will recommend another.
Cook all the food yourself from scratch and you will have parents knocking at your door. Do not skimp on food as additives in canned or prepared foods make the kids behave horribly. No sugar, follow the dietary restrictions of children in your care and place it prominently so you or the staff can check on it every time.
Naps after lunch are mandatory in order to have well behaved unstressed children.
You will have to be very strict about the no hitting rule. Some children in your care have battering older sisters and brothers so they come to school ready to do battle over every tiny offense. No biting is another really big rule.
Separation from the other kids is the best punishment. It helps to distract them with an art project or a puzzle to be done.
You are sure to do well as finding a day care that is a pleasant environment is rather difficult.