Childcare in Sarasota and Manatee Counties isn’t just a line item in the family budget—it’s one of the biggest financial decisions parents make. In fact, annual costs for full-time care can run $12,000–$13,000 per child, which is higher than the average tuition at a Florida public university. For many local families, the math doesn’t add up.
Related Article: How to Financially Prepare When Starting a Family
But here’s the good news: families are finding creative ways to stretch every dollar. With the right mix of financial planning, community resources, and alternative care options, it’s possible to bring those costs down without compromising your child’s well-being.
Let’s explore some smart, practical strategies Sarasota and Manatee families can use to save money on childcare today.
While center-based care is the most common choice, it’s also one of the most expensive. According to the Sarasota/Manatee Childcare Cost Report, Sarasota families pay around $1,057 per month for infant care in a center, compared to $961 in a licensed family childcare home. In Manatee, the savings are even greater—home-based infant care averages $769 per month, offering families more than $4,000 in annual savings compared to a center.
Pro Tip: Always verify licensing through the Florida Department of Children and Families and ask about backup care plans in case the provider is unavailable.
Hiring a nanny might sound out of reach—but what about sharing one? In Sarasota, individual providers charge $18–$21 per hour, and in Manatee, $17–$20 per hour (Care.com data). For a full-time family, that’s more than $2,500 per month. But with a nanny share, two families split the cost, bringing each household’s portion down by a third or more.
Websites like The Nanny Share Network and TopNanny help parents in Sarasota and Bradenton connect for nanny-sharing arrangements.
Some of the most overlooked savings come from statewide and federal programs already available to families:
Action Step: Even if you think you may not qualify, apply. Demand often exceeds funding, and being on the waitlist ensures your family is in line for assistance.
Local nonprofits and community organizations are stepping in to support parents:
These resources won’t replace full-time childcare, but they can cut down on paid hours by offering reliable, free, or low-cost enrichment opportunities.
Many providers quietly offer discounts—but you have to ask.
Some providers also offer flexible payment schedules, allowing families to spread tuition across the month instead of paying a large lump sum upfront.
Tip: If your provider doesn’t advertise discounts, it’s still worth asking. A respectful conversation can sometimes open doors.
While not possible for everyone, some parents find savings by adjusting their work hours:
In Sarasota and Manatee, where many employers are adapting to flexible work trends, it’s worth having the conversation with your HR department.
Childcare is predictable—it comes every month like clockwork. That makes it perfect for a sinking fund, a dedicated savings bucket you contribute to regularly.
For example, if you expect to pay $1,000/month in tuition, set aside $250 weekly in a high-yield savings account. By automating transfers, you’ll smooth cash flow and avoid surprises.
At Liberty Savings Bank, many families use dedicated savings accounts to manage predictable big-ticket expenses like childcare, summer camps, or holiday costs. It’s about turning a stressful bill into a planned investment.
Parent co-ops are growing in popularity. Families pool time and resources, with each parent volunteering in the classroom on a rotating basis. In exchange, tuition is reduced—sometimes by hundreds of dollars per month.
Locally, the Sarasota Cooperative Learning Project is one example, though many informal co-ops exist. They do require a time commitment, but for parents with flexible schedules, the savings can be substantial.
Costs shift dramatically as children grow:
Mapping out these changes helps families forecast expenses and align savings strategies. Consider using a multi-year budget to plan for transitions like the move from full-day care to half-day preschool.
Here’s where the real power comes in: combining approaches. Imagine a Sarasota family with two kids.
Add in a sibling discount or flexible work arrangement, and that number drops even further.
Childcare will always be a significant investment—but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Sarasota and Manatee families have more options than ever, from creative care-sharing models to powerful financial assistance programs. And by planning ahead, leveraging community support, and being proactive about costs, families can reclaim control over one of the biggest expenses of raising children.
At Liberty Savings Bank, we believe strong families build strong communities. That’s why we’re committed to providing the tools and financial solutions parents need to navigate challenges like childcare costs with confidence.
Because when families thrive, so does our community.