M.O.
Have you considered working at a day care or facility like a YMCA that offers child care? Several of our friends have left their "job" to spend more time with their kids.
A day care center (Bright Horizons, Kindercare, etc.) could offer a part/full time job with benefits. Your kids could go there for a discounted rate and have other kids to play with while you work.
A child care in a YMCA/health club doesn't always allow food or diapers to be changed there since the DCFS requirements are different since the kids are expected to only be there a short time. Your kids could be there too. And I know at our Y, your kids can also get a discount on other programs like their preschool, day camps, swim lessons, etc. Whether you work in the child care area or in another area (I work in aquatics) your kids aren't far away and have the benefit of playing with others while you are working. (I get free child care while I am working, no minimum age.)
One other option would be to look into a PDO program - this is a Parent's Day Out preschool program offered at local churches. They have certified pre-school teachers and assistants and only run a few days a week, usually only mornings, and your kids (depending on their ages) may be able to go to school there while you work. Although I think minimum age is 18mos. (My kids have LOVED their PDO teachers. Several work at more than one program once their kids are grown to get "full-time" hours.)
I hope this helps!
Best of luck.