Tax questions and Family Daycare?

I am looking to leave my full time job and open a home based daycare. I'm really confused about when to pax taxes, who I make payment to, and how much to pay? If I've read right I believe I should be able to claim deductions all the way down to the groceries I buy - Is this correct? Is it realistic to expect to be able to file my taxes myself without needing someone else to prepare them (looking to save as much money as possible) Thanks for any help! Oh! Also... Do I need to be a licensed provider in order to get reimbursed for the meals I serve? Thanks!!