Step1
Contact your local social services department to sign up for an orientation. This orientation will give you much of the information you need to get started. There will be a fee for this orientation.
Step2
Because orientations are not scheduled on a daily basis, you will want to save time by signing up for the other necessary classes as well. You will need a CPR class for child care providers and a preventive health class. They are separate. Look online to save money. Red Cross is not necessarily the cheapest route.
Step3
Set up an appointment for a TB test for you and anyone in the home who is 18 and older. If you have children in school, you can usually get a free test done. Otherwise, look online for clinics.
Step4
Baby proof your home. You need gates at the top and bottom of any stairs that will be accessible to the children. Outlets should be covered. Sharp edges on furniture/fireplaces should be covered. Fireplaces need to be securely covered. Poisons/ weapons need to be inaccessible or locked. Pools/bodies of water need to be properly fenced. You also must purchase the proper fire extinguisher.
Step5
Download and fill out the required application paperwork and schedule an appointment for fingerprint clearance. This costs about $60.00. You cannot have your home inspection until the fingerprints clear, which takes several weeks. All persons 18 and older residing in your home must complete TB tests and fingerprint/background checks.
Step6
Decide what age group you would like to care for. You can charge more for infants, but you cannot care for as many infants (under 2) as older children. Also, it is easier to fill openings for infants since most older children will already be in care somewhere else. You will need sleeping arrangements for all children who will nap during the day. I recommend purchasing pack and play sets that have the bassinet and changing area as well as a storage pouch on the side. That way, each child has it's own area for sleep and diapering. There will be less chance of spreading illness and you will have a place for each child's diapers, wipes, etc.
Step7
Make accommodations for feeding the children in your home. You can purchase high chairs or booster seats for little ones or buy a picnic style table. Also make sure you have enough plates, cups and utensils for the children.
Step8
Advertise your business! I have found that Craig's List is all I really needed to get my business going. You can also list your business with YMCA and other childcare referral agencies. Some charge a fee. You may also want to advertise in businesses where you would anticipate to find working mothers.
Step9
Create a contract for your business. Be very specific. You can find some contracts online to get you started. Be sure to include how and when you expect to be paid, what your hours are, what fees you charge for late pick up, part time, and return check fees. If you charge a 2 week deposit, you can protect yourself from parents dropping your services without notice. It's nice for parents too because they do not have to pay the final two weeks and you get two weeks to fill the opening.
Step10
Set up appointments with potential clients. Make sure your home is exceptionally clean and you have a discipline policy, daily schedule, and sleeping arrangements ready to show parents. If someone wants you to hold a spot for their child for a specified period of time, say yes if they give you a deposit and sign a contract. Most parents don't look for daycare at the last minute and as a new provider, you don't have any references or word of mouth to recommend you. This is why it takes so long to get established as a new provider. But once you begin providing excellent service, you will soon have a waiting list!
Step11
Join a child nutrition program in your area. They will reimburse some of your food costs if you follow federal nutrition guidelines. Beware, there is daily paperwork (can be done online) involved.
Want to spend more time with your kids?
Novice 
