My current group is aged 2 through 6 years old, though I will take kids from 1 year to 8 years old (though legally can take from 3 months old to 12 years old - though I don't want to at this time). My hours are 7:15 am to 4:45 pm Monday to Friday - is was previously until 5:15 pm but I found the day too long for myself and my daughters. I know there are lots of people looking for late hours and weekends, but that doesn't work for my family as my husband works during the day Monday to Friday.

I wouldn't think having a contract would turn parents off - and those that were turned off you likely wouldn't want anyway. A contract and parent policy handbook protects you and the families and make you more professional. I run a child care business, I am not a babysitter. If families want their children in my program they must agree to and follow my policies.

You probably need to look at your daycare setup (everything from how you have your playroom setup to what kind of programming and policies you will have) and think about what you are going to offer in order to attract clients. There are lots of websites and forums out there that has lots of advice and pictures to use as inspiration.