I have been in the child care business since  1992 and there are a few things that I learned that helped me I would like to pass along:

Incorporating your business- talk to your lawyer and see which one is best for you.  The main reason why I choose to do this is because not only is my pesonal separated from my business if a client tries to sue you (the company) they can only take what belongs to the company, not your personal assests

Get extra child care insurance- some homeowners insurance covers in home child care but only up to a certain amount ( mine only covers 5 children).

There are incentives for providers that go the extra mile such as getting accreditation, in the state of illinois there is a program for provideres caring for state funded children that give you a 15% increase in pay for those children if you get that certification, also they are starting to have a ranking system for providers 1-4 stars.  Check with your state to see what incentives it has for providers

I recently came across a great website for preschool learners it is  www.starfall.com this is a good site.

Head Start has a program working with providers that are willing to work with low income families and Head Start will pay you.  The will also give you supplies and some equipment (I did this it was great)

Create a parent handbook packet ( make it look like the big daycare packets(La Petite, Kindercare ect.)  this will really make you look professional and clients will know that you mean business.

The more professional you present yourself and follow through with what you are presenting, the more clients you will have.  

For thoses who like to do every thing on the computer, and do assesments on your children try  www.creativecurriculum.net  free for 30 days

Also for the busy provider  Funshine express  curriculm in a box  everything you need for a monthly theme and activities for your children