I have had a small day care in my home for the past 16 years ever since my middle child was born. I live in Northwest Omaha in the 108th & Fort area. I currently charge $2.25 an hour per child. I have been told that is on the low end. Although I don't advertise often, I always seem to have at least one child. I also am not licensed with the state so I can only have 3 kids from other families which keeps my day care small. Just try to get as much info as you can about starting up a in home day care. There are some good resources on line where you can visit other day care providers websites and look at the forms they use for attendance, contracts, medical, etc. You should have all those ready to cover you. You will need to be able to be firm with your parents regarding schedules and payments. Some will try to take advantage by dropping off earlier or later than scheduled and if you don't nip it in the bud right away, they will take advantage of you. Make sure you have a set method of payment and when you expect to be paid. Charge a late fee if not paid on time and for every day you have to wait. The most important thing I can tell you is this is your business and you have to be able to tell your parents if they don't abide by your rules. Always tell them everything their little one does that you are concerned about but also give their child plenty of praise. No parent likes to hear negative things about their kids, so say it nicely. Another good idea is to get in touch with other in home day cares in your area and talk to them about a co-op of sorts where your day cares can get together occasionally or meet at a park. Its also nice if they can refer to you children they can't take on and you can do the same for them. You can also keep each other informed of parents who quit you for bad behavior because more than likely they will search for day care in the same area. If you want any more advice or info, I will be happy to help. R.