W.,
Can't help much with the job search portion, but I can tell you a little about daycare. Our kids are 14 and 6 and I am a Certified Home Care provider. When it comes to home care or center care, it really is a choice, neither is better than the other overall, it's what you feel is best for your child. In any case, you will want to interview your daycare choice. When it comes to getting childcare, many times, the center or the provider will make it seem like they are interviewing YOU, but the fact is, YOU need to interview them too! I always encourage my parents to ask me questions and scrutinize me and refuse to watch their child until we have had a meeting with them and their child(ren). Afterall, we're not talking about someone buying your groceries for you or running your errands, it's the life of your little one(s). Now, getting off my soap box, here's some basics for you.
Home care has the advantage of an environment like your child is used to. Couch, dining room table, kitchen, the basics. Home care also tends to have more one on one time, but also develop social skills at the same time. You will want to make sure if you choose a home care provider that they have other children close the age of yours for the social interaction. Also, home care usually has less trouble with sicknesses, so you should have a healthier child. Center care is good too though. One thing I will say about home care is, you want to pick one that has an activity schedule posted so you know your child will have a routine to follow. One definite advantage with center care is, they will always have employees to watch your child, no matter if their regular caregiver is sick or not. With home care, you would probably need a back up.
Best of luck to you on your quest! :)
J.
