Yes, I agree with playfelt. I am a certified school teacher, and so is Playfelt. I started my daycare last spring, just as my younger daughter was turning one (I also have a 4 year old daughter too). When I filled the spots I chose kids that would be playmates for both of them, I have 2 that are the same as as my older daughter and 1 that is almost the same as my younger daughter. It is dificult to do many things that a regular preschool would do, as they don't have that mix of ages and don't have the same safety concerns as a home daycare provider has. Also think about the fact that your own daughter will be napping less and being more active as she gets older and be down to one nap a day by 18 months old. My younger daughter gets into EVERYTHING and I have to be very careful and organized about attempting any preschool activities for the older kids. I keep it simple right now and am just waiting for her to get a bit older so that I can do more without having her destroy everything. Most of the time I keep her and the other younger dcg busy so that the older ones can play uninterupted (doing lots of imaginative things that little fingers ruin). I do circle time everyday and we do lots of fun stuff, but I am by no means doing a full out preschool program. But I take advantage of teaching informally throughout the day and talking about things as we play, right now we are working on learning colours in French. I have no plans to take any more babies, I will fill spots with kids close to her age as they come open (which is easy to do since Winnipeg is begging for child care spots to open).

When I do activities with them, I involve them all as much as I can. My younger dcg doesn't often care if she is involved but my younger daughter MUST be into everything that is going on. You might be able to get away with more depending on your child's personality.

When I do sensory bins I use individual sized ones at the kitchen table, this solves the problem of younger ones getting into what they shouldn't be.

Toy cars are a favourite for all ages in my house, just have to make sure they aren't super small. You will find your child plays with alot of toys you didn't think they would because of being influenced by the older kids.

When you are setting stuff up, alot of things have to be put away and only taken out when you have a specially planned activity with them. Anything to do with colouring, painting, crafts, board games etc. can't just be left out to explore like they would be in a regular preschool program. I have lots of labelled bins to keep everything organized and easy to grab as needed.

Also, daycare providers take nap time as their break time, so you likely won't want to lose your only opportunity for a break.

So, yes, I would recommend advertising that you offer preschool aspects to your day home.