In my first daycare year I used to watch Jon and Kate plus 8 just to get inspiration that if she can handle 8, I can surely handle the four I had back then (minus Kate's mood swings and sarcasm) What I did pick up and copy was the holding on a rope while walking idea. My husband took a strong rope (coloured red so the kids would be attracted) and intermittently installed big metal rings for the kids to hold onto. There were 5 rings the first being for me and the rest for the kids giving them enough room for their stride and in case one fell they all wouldn't fall. This worked great for me and the little ones felt secure holding onto something.