L.B.
you can contac 4-C from their website http://www.four-c.org/ or via phone and they will get you a list of providers in your target area with openings. it's a great way to start to search.
my son went to a wonderful in-home licensed daycare in mchenry for almost 4 years, my daughter went there for 2.5 years. they are both now in preschool so no longer go there, but i highly recommend jenny anderson at ###-###-####. i am not positive whether she still has openings or will by the time you'll need a slot, but it is worth a call. she has a lot of experience and i was very happy having her watch my kids while i worked from home a few days a week.