Opening daycare & have a lot of concerns/questions

[Play and Learn]

First off - welcome to the forum, and hopefully after reading many of the threads you'll find some other ideas for your future home daycare! I would suggest that you start to write a manual for your home daycare. If you have any questions about that, please PM me, and I'll try to help!

We will be converting 800sq feet of space as the designated play/craft area. Any suggestions on essential stations or equipment for the play area? And cost effective Storage ideas?
What I find that my kiddies like: play kitchen, shopping cart, push toys for babies, ride-ons, table and chairs (kids sized), etc.
Storage ideas - have a closest (walk-in would be amazing) that you can put in shelves. Every toy then should have it's own box, labeled.

We will also be having a separate sleeping area with area for quiet/story time & nap time. Not knowing the ages of the children that I will be watching how do I know if I need playpens vs mats? If I take on younger kids is it out of the question to ask them to provide the playpen if their child requires one still?
I ask that parents provide playpens, and I will provide cots. Parents also provide sleep stuff - blankets.

Backyard play area - What are your kids favourite items? Any inexpensive ideas for creating a shaded area?
I bought a metal swing set for $120 at Zellers around Easter time last year. Then bought some used baby swings to attach. The toddler loves my cube slide (bought used). I just bought a used choo choo wagon that the kids love being pulled around during our walks. I don't have much else, as we have an acre lot to explore!
For shade - you can always buy those shade tents for $100 - right now is a good time to buy as they're trying to make room in the stores for winter stuff.

Again with unknown ages what are essentials for feeding time? Boosters vs high chairs etc
I just picked up booster seats (again used). We don't have a ton of space for high chairs, and remember, you have to store them!

Has anyone had trouble filling spots if they refused to do before & after school transportation? I feel the start up cost may be too great at first to invest in a quad stroller or purchasing a van to transport. This may change as I become established.
Remember that if you're using a vehicle to transport, that you need extra insurance.

Is there any online websites/references that can help with documentation possibly templates for - contracts - safety procedures & packages for interviews etc?
Google search: home daycare templates, or you can PM me for help!

Look into how many children you're legally allowed to take.
For instance: In Ontario, we're only allowed five children under the age of 10 and not including our own.

Good luck to you!