I call myself an Early Learning Caregiver (ELC) and parents have never questioned this. I do not have my ECE. I have a preschool type program in the mornings, reading, crafts, circle time and different stations for learning. I agree you need to have your child safe first aid, a criminal record search, and taking any child development courses is important to parents. Have letters of reference from neighbours or friends who have children and have them note how you interact with the children. Put your principles in writing, how you feel about caring for children and let the parents read this. I have policies for many situations that may arise in the daycare and parents feel comforted when they see them, knowing that I put a lot of work into my business. The best thing to do is sound very sure of yourself and you will succeed.