One of the best places to do "research" is right here on daycarebear. Go to the home page and type your postal code into the search box. It will bring up a list of caregivers startaing with the closest to you. Then look closely at the ads maybe even making a chart of information - look at hours they are open, what they are charging, what they are offering in terms of read their description. If they have pictures look closely at them and note any toys you have the same, note things that appear in them all - everyone has the equivalent of the fisherprice farm or a climber in the yard. Look at decor and setup - what stands out to you - do you like the livingroom effect with toys more or less hidden in cupboards or do you like the school room effect where there are alphabet cards and artwork splashed all over the walls and toys everywhere. What do YOU think is the best environment for you to be in all day since if you aren't happy no one will be.

As far as charging more, I probably would suggest the opposite approach if you are just starting out. Some of those charging higher rates can do so based on years of experience and that their spaces fill by word of mouth so they aren't truly competing on the open market so to speak.

Choose a rate that is in line with your "competition" and design a program that for now is inline as well so parents have some frame of reference to compare with. Then over time as children leave and new children start you can change your rates for new families to better reflect the amount you want to earn and will be able to justify it with the experience you are gaining as well as the program which you will have established.