Daycare costs in Seattle are INSANE

We're paying $2,400/month for one kid at a supposedly mid-range place in Ballard. TWENTY FOUR HUNDRED. That's almost 30% of our household income.

I've heard horror stories about the in-home places too - kids getting sick constantly, owners who don't really care. Has anyone found a legitimate affordable option in the area or are we just supposed to accept this financial reality?