I can tell you what I looked for when looking for childcare for my daughter.
What things do you look for in a childminder? Someone who is patient but able to be firm, respectful of both child and parent, who has references and experience of some sort either professionally or with their own children, someone who is organized and clean, etc. It's also important to me (as a university student) that they're somewhat flexible and able to accommodate a schedule that changes every 4-5 months as my class schedule changes.
e.g toys? It's nice if they have some and if the ones they do have must be clean and safe. The one my daughter goes to has a play kitchen area, puzzle area, "library" with shelves of books, etc. so it's all organized into sections in one, big open space.
activities (inside and outside)? I would not put my daughter in daycare that just plopped her in front of a television all day. I like for there to be supervised activities. The place my daughter goes to does story time, games, lots of music and dancing and when the weather permits outside activities and games.
if they can drive? Yes. This is more for emergencies than anything else, I don't necessarily need someone to pick up or drop my daughter off anywhere but I like the piece of mind that if there is an injury or something serious were to happen they could get her to the proper place quickly.
what their house is like? Clean, organized, child friendly (so not a lot of things that easily break or could cause injury), things like stairs being blocked off with gates, medicine and cleaners kept out of reach, no wires hanging about, if there are any animals/pets they must be trained and good with children. Enough space for play and a quiet area for naps.
what their garden is like? Properly kept (lawn mowed frequently, walks salted and sanded in the winter, nothing harmful laying about) and fenced in. A fairly large, flat surface.
pets? Like I said above pets are fine for me as long as they are properly trained and good with kids. My daughter loves animals however and some parents may not be comfortable with certain animals or kids may be allergic. My childcare provider has two dogs and they're great, my daughter loves them and it works out 'cuz we're not allowed to have a dog at our place so she gets her fix there.
qualifications? Certified by the state/other government agency if applicable where you live. I like to have references and they must be able to pass a background check. CPR certification/training is important to me as well. Past experience either professionally or personally is okay but there must be something and I admit I'd be much pickier if someone only had personal experience but it wouldn't rule them out completely, I'd just be more cautious.
price? It depends a lot on where you live I think, prices can vary a lot. I'm willing to pay more for a reliable and good childcare giver. I pay $125 USD per week for full time care for my daughter and that's standard for this area for a good place. You can find people who charge half that but they're the type usually to stick the LO in front of a television all day and are generally questionable so like I said I'm willing to pay more for someone good. I imagine most people are. All food is included in what I pay as well as supplies for any arts/crafts projects they take up too.
I'm very lucky to have found a wonderful place run by two awesome ladies who love the kids they look after and are great to work with. I'll be sticking with them for as long as they're in business and I can't say enough good things about them.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great with this new venture.
