Biglips, as frayedknot described, it takes a while to sort out childcare (4-6 weeks minimum). So the best thing is to do it at the same time as looking for a job.
For childminders, they must surely have a settling-in period. Whether it is free or not, perhaps another mumnetter with experience can advise. The first thing I'd do is call the childminder you have in mind as to whether she has vacancies and what her terms are like.
To research nurseries, call your council for a list of registered day nurseries. Shortlist them (location of course being the first factor). Then arrange for a visit ideally with your dd, make sure you and dd have a good feeling about it, ask lots of questions. Check the prices, times, and very importantly, whether they have vacancies. My dd was on a wait list for 3 nurseries for a year (put her down before she was even born!) and I had to pay a non-refundable £25 registration fee with each for the privilege with no guarantee of places. So unless there are lots of places going spare in your area, I wouldn't necessarily call nurseries a place of last resort, esp the good ones.
It is worthwhile to take the time to find the right childminder/nursery for your dd. If your dd is happy, it makes leaving her to go to work so much easier. And she will adapt .
And I know this is pretty obvious, but some of us find ourselves in a position whereby the cost of childcare may equal or even exceed our take home pay. Whatever job/hours you are looking for, you have to bear that in mind.