Hi Dee... funnily enough, we just discussed this topic in another forum! If you go to "daycare documents" on of the posts near the top, a few of us weighed in on what we think is important to know when kids begin care.
Firstly; thanks for thinking ahead! The earlier you begin getting your kids ready to be in a childcare environment, the better.
I think that one of the most important things you can do, is ensure that your child is doing things independently (even the one year old!). Your 5 year old is likely a-ok with this, but if they aren't then no time like the present. He/she should be able to eat and toilet on their own, play independently for a period of time and be able to take direction from an adult other than a parent. If they are super shy, begin introducing them to people and encouraging interaction, under your supervision of course! Both your kids should be comfortable in social situations, particularly with other kids. If not, try to visit the park or playgroups. It can be a little overwhelming to suddenly be surrounded by strangers if you have only ever been around mom and dad!
For your little one, even though he/she is your tiny baby right now, allow/encourage them to do things on their own, too. Eating independently (or at least starting to) including; holding a cup/bottle, feeding themselves finger food, and by that time they should be starting to figure out what a spoon or fork is for. Playing on thier own for a period of time; if they caregiver needs to hold your baby all day, there will be difficulties! And a HUGE one is self-soothing at nap/sleep times. Your provider will likely not have the luxury of rocking or holding your little one until they are asleep. In fact, it's doubtful that they will have the ability to sit with them quietly and give a bottle or some such thing. Around here, at quiet time, each child gets a diaper change, a quick snuggle and a song and then gets laid down. They must, therefore, be able to put themselves to sleep, so to speak. My advice is; anytime now, begin to teach your child to go to sleep awake and in different environments. A dayhome is rarely completely silent, with the same amount of darkness as your home, and your little one may be sleeping in a crib, playpen or some other arrangement. If he/she is only used to sleeping in their room, in their bed, with no sound or light, and a certain stuffy or blanket is necessary, they will have a harder time adjusting. Try putting them down in a playpen in different rooms of the house. Gradually increase the noise level, within some limits of course. And put them down awake but sleepy, with only a blanket. Some of my little ones use a soother, but I will admit that I am not a huge fan. Eventually, we will need to get rid of that also, so really we are just prolonging the inevitable!
It sounds like you care, and as a provider, that is important and appreciated. Good luck, and hope you find some info here that helps!!