I have had my kids in daycare as infants and now run my own daycare.
The daycare that I had my daughter in before my son was born was one someone recommended to me. Basically, I think that they were burned out and I think they had been doing it for so long that THEY were bored with it. There wasn't enough imaginative play allowed and they were not attentive to dirty diapers, which is why I pulled her out. And their house was not set up as a daycare.
Here are some recommendations~ Write up a contract. People will say that it isn't binding if people ever break your policies, but that's not really why I created one. Parents love having everything written so that they know what to expect and they know what you expect. It also makes you look more organized and like you run a business rather than just "baby-sit". You have to give them paperwork to fill out anyway... just make it a packet of information. I will be happy to share mine if you like. It's pretty comprehensive.
Parents love that we do lots of art and we use lots of different mediums. We are set up to get messy which is something that some families don't do. It's much easier with a group, and it's good for the kids.
No TV.
Nutritious snacks and lunches.
Keep your house clean and organized. It needs to look "company ready" every day.
Create a schedule. Show what you plan to do and what time it happens; outside time, art time, creative play, music, snack time, lunch time, washing hands and diaper checks. This is also great for the kids because they learn what to expect.
Lots of outside time.
Lots of toys, books, puzzles etc... and accessibility. Get a kids table and chairs that the kids can sit at to eat and do art. Put safe toys low enough that kids can reach them and play with what they like. Teach them to put things away when they are finished. Get a step for the bathroom sink so kids can reach to wash hands.
Inclusion of all the kids. For example parents want to know that if their infant can't yet play with play dough, that they are at least included in the group and observing with everyone, rather than being left alone to play.
Play with the kids. You should be on the floor playing with them most of the day. You'll also see that engaging them keeps them from fighting with each other. Also create busy time alternating with quieter time and be able to read their mood when the kids need a change in activity.
Teach with songs. Parents love when kids sing about things that they've learned.
Feel free to message me with questions. There are so many bad daycares out there... I like to help people set theirs up to be successful and good.