I NEED CHILDCARE!

Hello everyone. I am a  34 year old working, single parent who cannot afford decent childcare for my 17mo old daughter. I went to school for fashion design and have a career in my field, yet my salary is not enough to cover all of our living expenses AND the high cost of daycare. I don't have a lavish lifestyle and adhere to a strict budget, yet childcare runs on average $180 a week with more sought after facilities charging up to $250, if not more. I have looked into over a dozen daycare facilities in the area around my apartment and job. The rates are all the same. When I asked one director why everyone charges a base of $180 a week she told me that's what the State of California pays out in subsidies. I am not considered low income and I do not receive cash aid, so I therefore do not qualify for any subsidies or assistance programs. The problem is I can't match what the government is reimbursing to these daycares. I have written the governor, Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein, my local senator and a couple of others regarding this issue. I think the gov't should either lower the subsidy amount so cash paying parents like myself can afford to match it or they need to increase the salary cap. In the meantime, I have a full-time job and must place my child somewhere. I currently pay my mother to watch my daughter but she's 65 years old and unable to keep up with a toddler.  The amount I am asking for is a partial amount for 6months of daycare. Once my daughter is 2years old I plan on enrolling her in a pre-school I have already found that is within my budget. I just need to get through this stage.  Thank you, Karmel (P.S. there is no one in my family or friends who can assist me. I tried that road first)