1. How much gas/depreciation would you save by shortening your drive? FYI IRS rate assumes a total of @$0.54/mi, which is a reasonable baseline, unless your car is much cheaper or more expensive.
2. Would the earlier hours and/or shorter commute allow you to put in additional time at work and earn more money?* I did PM pickup, so a place that stayed open until 6:30-7 was invaluable to me, because it meant I could leave later without worrying about a huge backup on the highway.
3. What is the rest of your financial situation? If you have CC debt at high rates, for ex., you can't "afford" the more expensive daycare, unless the extra time would absolutely cover the difference.
4. Is this a high-priority quality of life issue? E.g., if you see your kids now for 30-60 mins. a day because of the long commutes, the extra money may be worth it to increase your weekday kid-time by 50-100%.**
5. Assuming you can't make up the money through increased earnings, have you figured out how much the extra costs would affect your FIRE date? Or, if you would maintain your current savings, what else would go to cover the delta (e.g., maybe trade your current car for a smaller/more efficient/older/cheaper one to offset the extra costs?)? Which is more important?
No one here can tell you the "right" answer; only you can do that. But $3K is a lot of money, and so the decision deserves careful analysis, both financially and emotionally.
*Note that this can be direct, such as if you work on an hourly basis; or it can have more indirect effects, if you dedicate that extra time to work and so get a better bonus/faster promotions. Obviously depends on your individual situation.
**Unless you have CC debt, of course, in which case revert to 3.