Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procare Software - Comprehensive childcare management software handling attendance, billing, parent communication, and scheduling for after-school programs.
- 2#2: Brightwheel - All-in-one mobile platform for childcare providers to manage daily operations, payments, and parent updates in after-school settings.
- 3#3: Sandbox Software - Childcare software tailored for school-age before and after-school programs with online registration, attendance, and family portals.
- 4#4: Jackrabbit Care - Management solution for school-age childcare centers featuring rostering, invoicing, and compliance tools for after-school care.
- 5#5: Sawyer - Platform for camps, classes, and after-school programs with enrollment, payments, and staff management features.
- 6#6: Lillio - Childcare management app with touchless check-in, billing, and lesson planning suitable for after-school environments.
- 7#7: Childcare Manager - Cloud-based software for childcare operations including attendance tracking and financial management for after-school services.
- 8#8: Peek Pro - Activity and childcare management software with scheduling, POS, and reporting for after-school and camp programs.
- 9#9: iClassPro - Class management system for after-school enrichment programs handling registrations, payments, and attendance.
- 10#10: Tadpoles - Early education and childcare app for sharing updates, tracking attendance, and managing parent communications in after-school care.
Tools were evaluated based on feature breadth (e.g., scheduling, invoicing, family portals), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they align with the unique demands of after-school care environments.
Comparison Table
After school care software simplifies managing daily operations, and selecting the ideal platform demands comparing key features. This comparison table explores tools like Procare Software, Brightwheel, Sandbox Software, Jackrabbit Care, Sawyer, and more, offering insights into their functionality, usability, and suitability for diverse needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procare Software Comprehensive childcare management software handling attendance, billing, parent communication, and scheduling for after-school programs. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Brightwheel All-in-one mobile platform for childcare providers to manage daily operations, payments, and parent updates in after-school settings. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Sandbox Software Childcare software tailored for school-age before and after-school programs with online registration, attendance, and family portals. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Jackrabbit Care Management solution for school-age childcare centers featuring rostering, invoicing, and compliance tools for after-school care. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Sawyer Platform for camps, classes, and after-school programs with enrollment, payments, and staff management features. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Lillio Childcare management app with touchless check-in, billing, and lesson planning suitable for after-school environments. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Childcare Manager Cloud-based software for childcare operations including attendance tracking and financial management for after-school services. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Peek Pro Activity and childcare management software with scheduling, POS, and reporting for after-school and camp programs. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | iClassPro Class management system for after-school enrichment programs handling registrations, payments, and attendance. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Tadpoles Early education and childcare app for sharing updates, tracking attendance, and managing parent communications in after-school care. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive childcare management software handling attendance, billing, parent communication, and scheduling for after-school programs.
All-in-one mobile platform for childcare providers to manage daily operations, payments, and parent updates in after-school settings.
Childcare software tailored for school-age before and after-school programs with online registration, attendance, and family portals.
Management solution for school-age childcare centers featuring rostering, invoicing, and compliance tools for after-school care.
Platform for camps, classes, and after-school programs with enrollment, payments, and staff management features.
Childcare management app with touchless check-in, billing, and lesson planning suitable for after-school environments.
Cloud-based software for childcare operations including attendance tracking and financial management for after-school services.
Activity and childcare management software with scheduling, POS, and reporting for after-school and camp programs.
Class management system for after-school enrichment programs handling registrations, payments, and attendance.
Early education and childcare app for sharing updates, tracking attendance, and managing parent communications in after-school care.
Procare Software
enterpriseComprehensive childcare management software handling attendance, billing, parent communication, and scheduling for after-school programs.
Procare QuickCare kiosks for touchless, secure child sign-in/out with photo verification and real-time parent notifications
Procare Software is a leading child care management platform tailored for after-school programs, daycares, and preschools, offering tools for seamless child attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and parent communication. It excels in automating tuition billing, payments, and compliance reporting, reducing administrative burdens. With mobile apps, kiosks, and web access, Procare ensures real-time updates and secure check-in/out processes for after-school care.
Pros
- Comprehensive attendance tracking with kiosk and biometric options for quick check-in/out
- Robust integrated billing and payment processing with automated invoicing
- Strong parent portal and mobile app for real-time communication and updates
Cons
- Higher cost may deter very small after-school programs
- Initial setup and training require time investment
- Some advanced customizations need additional modules
Best For
Medium to large after-school programs and child care centers needing integrated financial management and compliance tools.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Essentials plan (up to 50 children), scales to $299+/month for advanced tiers; custom quotes, hardware extra.
Brightwheel
specializedAll-in-one mobile platform for childcare providers to manage daily operations, payments, and parent updates in after-school settings.
The intuitive family app providing instant photo/video sharing, daily sheets, and secure check-in/out notifications
Brightwheel is a versatile childcare management platform tailored for after-school programs, daycares, and preschools, offering tools for attendance tracking, parent-teacher communication, and billing. It features a user-friendly mobile app for parents to receive real-time updates, photos, videos, and daily reports on their child's activities. The software streamlines administrative tasks like scheduling, payments, and check-in/out, making it ideal for managing after-school care operations efficiently.
Pros
- Seamless parent communication via a dedicated mobile app with real-time updates and messaging
- Robust billing and payment processing with automated invoicing
- Comprehensive attendance and check-in/out tracking with GPS verification
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger programs, potentially becoming expensive
- Some advanced reporting and customization locked behind premium tiers
- Less specialized for unique after-school activities like homework tracking compared to niche tools
Best For
After-school care providers with 20+ children who prioritize parent engagement and streamlined admin tasks.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 children; paid plans start at $8/child/month (Essential, billed annually), up to $16/child/month (Premium) with add-ons.
Sandbox Software
specializedChildcare software tailored for school-age before and after-school programs with online registration, attendance, and family portals.
Touchless check-in with facial recognition and real-time parent notifications
Sandbox Software (mysandbox.net) is a cloud-based childcare management platform tailored for after-school care programs, offering tools for attendance tracking, parent communication, scheduling, and billing. It streamlines daily operations with features like real-time check-in/out, automated invoicing, and compliance reporting to meet licensing requirements. The intuitive parent portal allows families to view schedules, payments, and child updates on the go, making it efficient for providers managing school-age children.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with mobile apps for staff and parents
- Strong attendance and check-in system with photo verification
- Reliable billing and reporting for compliance
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Pricing scales up quickly for larger programs
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to mid-sized after-school care centers with 20-150 children needing straightforward daily management and parent engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 children, plus $1.50 per additional child; custom enterprise plans available.
Jackrabbit Care
specializedManagement solution for school-age childcare centers featuring rostering, invoicing, and compliance tools for after-school care.
Family-style billing that consolidates charges across multiple children and programs in one invoice
Jackrabbit Care is a cloud-based management platform tailored for childcare centers and after-school programs, offering tools for enrollment, attendance tracking, scheduling, and billing. It features a parent portal for real-time updates, online payments, and communication, simplifying daily operations for providers. The software supports compliance reporting and customizable programs, making it suitable for managing after-school care efficiently.
Pros
- Robust parent portal with mobile access for check-ins and updates
- Automated billing and payment processing integrated with attendance
- Comprehensive reporting for compliance and program insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with student numbers, less ideal for very small programs
- Mobile app lacks some desktop features
- Initial setup and customization can require training
Best For
Medium-sized after-school care providers needing an all-in-one solution for enrollment, billing, and parent engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $165/month for up to 50 students, with per-student fees thereafter (typically $3-5/student/month); custom quotes available.
Sawyer
specializedPlatform for camps, classes, and after-school programs with enrollment, payments, and staff management features.
The built-in activity marketplace that allows parents to discover and book after-school programs directly.
Sawyer (mysawyer.com) is an all-in-one platform tailored for managing youth activities, including after-school care programs, classes, and camps. It offers tools for online registration, secure payments, scheduling, attendance tracking, and parent communication to streamline operations for providers. With a focus on user-friendly interfaces, it connects parents directly to programs via a discoverable marketplace, making it efficient for after-school care coordination.
Pros
- Seamless online booking and registration for parents
- Integrated payment processing with invoicing and refunds
- Mobile check-in app and automated attendance tracking
Cons
- Transaction fees (around 3.5%) can accumulate for high-volume programs
- Limited advanced customization for reporting and branding
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium after-school care providers seeking an intuitive platform for parent self-service registrations and basic program management.
Pricing
Free for up to 100 enrollments/month; paid plans start at $59/month + 3.5% transaction fee, with enterprise options available.
Lillio
specializedChildcare management app with touchless check-in, billing, and lesson planning suitable for after-school environments.
The family mobile app delivering instant daily reports, photos, and two-way messaging to boost parent involvement
Lillio is an all-in-one childcare management software tailored for preschools, child care centers, and after-school programs. It handles key operations like attendance tracking with touchless check-in/out, daily activity documentation, parent communication via a mobile app, and automated billing. The platform also supports staff scheduling, compliance reporting, and family engagement tools to streamline after-school care workflows.
Pros
- Robust parent app for real-time updates, photos, and communication
- Touchless attendance and secure check-in/out for after-school pickups
- Integrated billing, payments, and compliance reporting
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger programs or add-ons
- Some reporting customization is limited
- Initial setup and learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
Best For
Medium-sized after-school programs needing strong family engagement and daily documentation tools.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month per location for basic plans, with per-child fees (~$3-5/child) and custom enterprise pricing.
Childcare Manager
specializedCloud-based software for childcare operations including attendance tracking and financial management for after-school services.
Integrated QuickBooks sync for seamless accounting and billing automation
Childcare Manager is a cloud-based software platform tailored for childcare providers, including after-school care programs, offering tools for enrollment, attendance tracking, billing, and parent communication. It enables staff to manage daily check-ins, schedule activities, generate reports for compliance, and process payments seamlessly. The solution supports multiple locations and scales with program size, making it suitable for structured after-school environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive billing and invoicing with automated invoicing
- Intuitive parent portal for real-time updates and payments
- Strong attendance and scheduling tools with compliance reporting
Cons
- Moderate learning curve for advanced features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Pricing can feel high for very small after-school programs
Best For
Medium-sized after-school care providers needing robust administrative tools for enrollment, billing, and parent engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for up to 75 children; scales with enrollment size, with custom enterprise plans available.
Peek Pro
specializedActivity and childcare management software with scheduling, POS, and reporting for after-school and camp programs.
QR code-based check-in/out with instant parent notifications
Peek Pro is a cloud-based management software tailored for after-school programs, youth camps, and activity-based childcare providers. It handles online registration, automated billing, attendance tracking, scheduling, and parent communications through a dedicated app and portal. The platform emphasizes streamlined operations for non-traditional childcare like clubs and sports programs, with real-time reporting to support efficient program management.
Pros
- Intuitive online registration and waiver management
- Real-time attendance tracking via mobile app
- Automated invoicing and payment processing
Cons
- Limited depth in childcare-specific compliance tools
- Reporting customization could be more advanced
- Pricing scales quickly for larger programs
Best For
Small to mid-sized after-school clubs and activity programs focused on easy enrollment and parent engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $119/month for up to 100 participants; scales to custom enterprise pricing based on volume and features.
iClassPro
specializedClass management system for after-school enrichment programs handling registrations, payments, and attendance.
ProScheduler's advanced online registration and waitlist management with real-time availability
iClassPro is a cloud-based management software primarily designed for class-based businesses like gymnastics, dance, and martial arts studios, providing tools for scheduling, online registration, attendance tracking, and billing. For after-school care, it handles activity scheduling, parent communications via a dedicated portal, and automated invoicing effectively. However, it lacks specialized childcare features such as transportation tracking or detailed daily reports, making it more suitable for structured activity-focused programs than full daycare operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive class scheduling and attendance tracking
- User-friendly parent portal with mobile app access
- Automated billing and online payment processing
Cons
- Lacks childcare-specific tools like pickup authorization or behavior logging
- Pricing scales quickly with enrollment size
- Customization limited for non-studio after-school workflows
Best For
Small to mid-sized after-school programs focused on structured classes or activities that need strong online registration and billing capabilities.
Pricing
Monthly subscriptions start at $110 for up to 100 active students, with tiers increasing based on enrollment (e.g., $225 for 201-300 students); additional fees for setup and premium add-ons.
Tadpoles
specializedEarly education and childcare app for sharing updates, tracking attendance, and managing parent communications in after-school care.
Tadpole Tales: Personalized, automated daily digital reports with photos and updates shared instantly to parents' phones.
Tadpoles is a user-friendly childcare management software tailored for after-school programs, preschools, and daycares, focusing on streamlining daily operations like attendance tracking, check-in/out via PIN or badges, and parent communication. It excels in generating automated daily reports (Tadpole Tales) with photos, videos, meals, naps, and activities, which are instantly shared via a mobile app. Additional features include basic billing, staff scheduling, and real-time updates to keep parents informed throughout the day.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for parents and staff with real-time notifications
- Automated daily reports that save time on paperwork
- Affordable entry-level pricing suitable for small programs
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and custom reporting options
- Fewer integrations with accounting or payroll systems
- Basic customization for schedules and forms
Best For
Small to medium-sized after-school care providers prioritizing simple parent communication and daily updates over complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for Essentials plan (up to 50 children), with Pro and Enterprise tiers scaling by size; per-child billing available for larger programs.
Conclusion
The range of after school care software reviewed showcases strong solutions, with Procare Software emerging as the top choice, offering comprehensive management of attendance, billing, parent communication, and scheduling. Brightwheel stands out for its mobile-focused operations, while Sandbox Software excels with tailored tools for school-age programs, making them exceptional alternatives depending on specific needs.
Don’t miss out—explore Procare Software to simplify your after school care management and elevate the experience for both staff and families.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison