How to Find Reasonable Daycare

consider a nanny. it could be a grandma, a mom who brings her own or a high school or college student. you'll have a lot more flexibility that way and the cost should be less. Our first nanny, we nanny shared to keep the cost down. We had one child and it was the same as using daycare. Our second nanny brought her own kid (then kids). We had two by that time and the cost was signficantly less than daycare.
look at nearby colleges/community colleges for students in early childhood. also consider an internet nanny provider - they're relatively inexpensive and will help w/the background checks.

Try Care.com or Sitters Family Care.
Both good companies. I actually have an ad on Care as I do part time child care from my home! :)
I know in the school system when school is in they have before/after school care for the older girls. It costs but not sure how much it is. Typically it is onsite so that is a comfort that they don't leave the school.

A lot of SAHMs who are looking to make a bit of extra money post on Craigslist. I would also try there.

Try qualistar. They are a non-profit that rates childcare providers (centers as well as in-home). They are connected to a referral service that can help you narrow your search. They are a great resource. But I can tell you from experience that I am a stay at home mom because my standards were too high after my second was born. Good luck.