Opening in just a week and worried about wether I have everything!!

[5 Little Monkeys]

Definitely a parent package of policies/rules/contract is a must!! My parent package includes two contracts (one for me, one for them both signed by us all), sick policy, child info sheet, permission forms, payment sheet with dates and stats listed and I also include a copy of the medication form I require before administering meds and an incidental form so they know what to expect to sign if their child ever has an accident/injury here.

Like Lee-Bee said, as long as you have the basics you are ready. The rest will come as you go along and learn the children's personalities. I will list a few, most you will likely have though

Meals/snacks...bibs (I like the plastic kinds as I can wipe them down all week or wash in sink and than wash on weekend in machine. I don't really like the hard plastic ones though but one child uses it), highchair/booster seat/child sized seat depending on what table you have and what ages of children you currently have (I started off with a highchair and a couple boosters on kitchen chairs and a small kids sized table. I now have an extra wide coffee table from Ikea as my table and Ikea kritter chairs and children even as young as 12-14 months sit on them but I did keep a booster just in case), plastic bowls and kid sized cutlery, I ask that parents send a sippy cup but I provide all other cups, I have a mixture of bowls and plates to suit the food of the day or the child (bowls/plates with rubber on the bottom work great for those who are clumsy or like to throw their dish on the floor)

Sleeping...again, depending on the age of children will determine what you need. I started off with playpens but now have 4 playpens, 2 nap mats and 2 cots to accommodate any age. I ask that they bring a blanket from home for comfort reasons but I also have a stash on hand. I also bought a darkening curtain for the nap room and this really helps!! I started with just an audio baby monitor but now have a video one to help me supervise what's going on in there lol. I use the music channels on tv for soothing music when needed but if that's not an option you might want a radio or cd player in there.

Diapering/Toileting...I supply no extra diapers and wipes so parents are responsible for bringing these, I send a text when they are low. I use a long 6 drawer dresser as my change pad. The change pad sits on top (usually I move it to the bed though) and each child has a drawer to keep diapers/wipes/extra clothes/creams in. I started off with just a small potty but now have one inside, one outside and a 2 in 1 potty seat on the toilet. Lots of soap haha!!

Art...started off with just the basics like paper, crayons, paint but have added so much to it that it takes over my laundry room! lol

Toys/Books/puzzles...started off with just the playroom toys and books but have expanded to toys in every available closet and corner it seems! Started with young toys as that was my group and have slowly added more and more to each age group.

When I look back at old pictures of my daycare it is amazing to me to see how far I have come. I used to keep toys and books in baskets, had the bare necessities, nothing on the walls etc. It really is a work in progress and I am constantly finding things that will make life easier and buying new things. Good luck and have fun!!!