Best of luck, it will be hard for a bit but be consistent, firm but loving and he'll figure it all out.

What parents do at home is just not feasible in group care. You NEED a break in order to be at your best for the children's sake. Using your only possible rest time to continually rock a child to sleep is just not feasible in group care, you will burn out.

Are you able to separate yourself from him while eating? Use a baby gate to block off where you are. He'll likely cry at the gate but won't be climbing your legs for your food. Hopefully he learns soon enough your food is yours! I often save my main lunch until nap time so I can eat in peace. I sit with them at lunch and eat a bit of what they are having as a good role model but I then eat again on my own once they are down.

Don't worry about how he naps at home. He will learn to do things your way soon enough. Also, take what parents say with a grain of salt. Their being able to put him back down easily is incredibly subjective. They likely rock him back to sleep and wait till he is in deep sleep, put him down every so gentle and tip toe out of the room...simple right?? They are thinking from their point of view not form yours with having many children all day!! He won't be the same in your care as at home and that is perfectly fine. He'll learn what is expected of him and he will likely adapt and flourish. Your goal until that happens is to stay sane!! For me it is junk food during nap!! I get a bit of chips or chocolate once they are down as my celebration. Something to look forward to and to reward my self for having survived!! Find something to reward yourself with. Find a way to disconnect for a bit so you stay sane and healthy!