I started my home daycare while on maternity leave as well, and signed on 2 siblings part-time before my mat leave ended (since you are allowed to make a small amount of income each week without it affecting your benefits). It was a mum who had just had a new baby and wanted her two older kids to have some socialization while giving her time with the new baby. It worked out well for me because it was a HUGE adjustment for me caring for someone else's kids all day, even though I had worked with children outside my home for years. It was totally different being in my own home and with my own young children there as well. Once I got into a routine and felt I had a good handle on things I slowly filled the rest of my spaces, allowing a month or two between new children. And I agree with the other ladies that I would look for younger children, maybe 18mo to 36mo as it is usually much easier to transition them, and they won't be leaving for school right away (kids here in NS don't start school until age 5)