Childcare while job hunting, what worked? - first time posting

My hours will change when I find a job and childcare is my biggest worry. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I am willing to trade favours. Is there an emergency option?

Libraries and community centres run free activities that gave me a couple of hours.

Our county's childcare assistance took about 22 weeks to approve, but it covered most of the cost.