M.R.
Hi - I have a 5 1/2 year old daughter and when she was about 15 months I was looking to hire someone while I helped my husband out at his office. I found lots of wonderful candidates by posting an ad on the ASU website. There is a place to post ads for off-campus part-time positions. Lots of education majors responded and the 2 people I ended up using I loved!!
I also am a big believer in following your heart and first impressions - if you meet someone and you don't have a good feeling at first, then go with your instincts - chances are you won't be happy if you try to make yourself like them or identify what you don't like because you feel bad.
The most important qualities to me (besides the obvious of responsible and safe) were energetic, creative, loving, nurturing and passion for kids and those are things that I think you can spot from the first moment you see them with your child.
Hope this helps a bit!