Catherine Pruissen - childcare.net

A recent post in our Child Care Community Portal asked whether or not unregulated dayhome operators need to comply with the rules governing regulated care as it pertains to the number of children allowed and the ages of these children.

While it may be tempting to think the rules do not apply to independent home child care providers, you might want to think again.  I've personally know of cases where the government did step in when complaints were lodged and the providers were clearly caring for too many children at one time.  The result: the cargivers were given 24 hours to comply with the rules or be forced to shut down.     

Whether you are just starting your child care business and looking to purchase low-cost toys and equipment, or you simply want to upgrade your child's toy supply,  yard sales, flea markets and family fairs are the perfect way to do so. 

But just how safe are the used toys you are buying?  The following five tips will help you ensure your child(ren) will get a lot of enjoyment out of your purchases and that through your due diligence no one become injured in the process.