you need a contract and a policy book, insurance, you can register a business name online ...it costs $60 for 5 years, if your going to be traveling in your vehicle with the kids then you need a ryder on your car insurance, first aid cpr police check, high chairs/booster seats, play pens, ....you shouldn't be the cheapest as that will be the type of clientele you will attract.... you can also create a website (I never have but some swear by it) decide what hours you want to be open. I open early as I live in a small town and most families need the early start in order to get into the city and that's what gets me the families I have as no one starts as early as I do. however I also close early. I used tobe open till 530 and I hated ....it by the time the kids left and I got dinner ready it seemed it was time to start the bedtime routine....plus I have one child in hockey and I sometimes had to be at the rink by 5. so as the late ick up clients moved on I kept backing up my close time and now I close at 430 and I love it. you have to find what will attract families in your area and go with that, but I don't suggest lowballing the price because you will get families that will want everything for nothing and try to nickel dime you all the way. im sure the other providers will have lots of info that I missed