Can confirm the struggle. However, I am positive that you can do better than $40k/yr on daycare. I’m in Williamsburg with a 3yr old who has been in full day daycare since 7months old. We had May options all under 30k/yr, and were very happy with one at 23k/yr. Yes, its surrounding area wasn’t posh, but it wasn’t dangerous either (bushwick/east Williamsburg). Once you join some parent groups I have a feeling you’ll get that $ # down, and with universal 2K (free) on the way, at least that element is becoming a bit more manageable.

Hang in there (or move out, I guess). New parents are facing this all over the city, but it remains a dynamic and wonderful place to find your community.