I agree with most of above EXCEPT open door policy.

It very hard to maintain routine if parent treating day home like drop in centre. Some children get very upset when parent coming and going and it incredible disruptive. If all parent come and go as they wish, it would be chaos. Children crying because they thought they were being pick up when in fact Mom just dropping by. That triggers others in crying too. Plus, not all parent comfortable with endless in and out of adults.

I would also add, think about if carer is experienced. Working in day home and running own business, very different. Many new parent start day home but have little experience being parent let alone managing group of children.

I also disagree with dedicated space being indicator of serious day home. My basement does not have a walk out and for safety of children, my day home on main level. In event of fire, I would not be able to get 6 children out of my basement in one trip which why my day home not in basement. This is a shared space with lot of toys and I been in this business for over 20 year.