Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procare Solutions - Comprehensive childcare management software with automated billing, invoicing, and payment processing tailored for afterschool programs.
- 2#2: Brightwheel - Mobile-first platform for childcare providers featuring seamless parent payments, recurring billing, and financial reporting for afterschool care.
- 3#3: Sawyer - Management and marketplace software for kids' classes and afterschool programs with integrated online payments and invoicing.
- 4#4: Jackrabbit Class - Class management system designed for enrichment programs including afterschool activities with advanced scheduling and billing automation.
- 5#5: iClassPro - Online booking and management software for activity centers with automated invoicing, family billing, and payment collections for afterschool sessions.
- 6#6: Kinderlime - Childcare operations platform offering tuition billing, attendance tracking, and parent payment portals suitable for afterschool programs.
- 7#7: Sandbox Software - Childcare management solution with EZCare features for daily billing, subsidies, and financial management in afterschool settings.
- 8#8: HiMama - Childcare app with documentation, parent communication, and integrated billing tools for managing afterschool program finances.
- 9#9: RecDesk - Recreation management software providing registration, program billing, and online payments for community afterschool activities.
- 10#10: Zen Planner - Studio management software with membership billing, online payments, and reporting adaptable for afterschool martial arts and fitness programs.
These tools were chosen based on feature depth (including automated processes and reporting), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring alignment with the diverse demands of afterschool settings.
Comparison Table
Efficient afterschool billing management is critical, and selecting the right software can transform operations. This comparison table showcases popular tools like Procare Solutions, Brightwheel, Sawyer, Jackrabbit Class, iClassPro, and more, detailing their features and benefits. Readers will discover key differences to choose the best fit for their program's unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procare Solutions Comprehensive childcare management software with automated billing, invoicing, and payment processing tailored for afterschool programs. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Brightwheel Mobile-first platform for childcare providers featuring seamless parent payments, recurring billing, and financial reporting for afterschool care. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Sawyer Management and marketplace software for kids' classes and afterschool programs with integrated online payments and invoicing. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Jackrabbit Class Class management system designed for enrichment programs including afterschool activities with advanced scheduling and billing automation. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | iClassPro Online booking and management software for activity centers with automated invoicing, family billing, and payment collections for afterschool sessions. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Kinderlime Childcare operations platform offering tuition billing, attendance tracking, and parent payment portals suitable for afterschool programs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Sandbox Software Childcare management solution with EZCare features for daily billing, subsidies, and financial management in afterschool settings. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | HiMama Childcare app with documentation, parent communication, and integrated billing tools for managing afterschool program finances. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | RecDesk Recreation management software providing registration, program billing, and online payments for community afterschool activities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Zen Planner Studio management software with membership billing, online payments, and reporting adaptable for afterschool martial arts and fitness programs. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
Comprehensive childcare management software with automated billing, invoicing, and payment processing tailored for afterschool programs.
Mobile-first platform for childcare providers featuring seamless parent payments, recurring billing, and financial reporting for afterschool care.
Management and marketplace software for kids' classes and afterschool programs with integrated online payments and invoicing.
Class management system designed for enrichment programs including afterschool activities with advanced scheduling and billing automation.
Online booking and management software for activity centers with automated invoicing, family billing, and payment collections for afterschool sessions.
Childcare operations platform offering tuition billing, attendance tracking, and parent payment portals suitable for afterschool programs.
Childcare management solution with EZCare features for daily billing, subsidies, and financial management in afterschool settings.
Childcare app with documentation, parent communication, and integrated billing tools for managing afterschool program finances.
Recreation management software providing registration, program billing, and online payments for community afterschool activities.
Studio management software with membership billing, online payments, and reporting adaptable for afterschool martial arts and fitness programs.
Procare Solutions
enterpriseComprehensive childcare management software with automated billing, invoicing, and payment processing tailored for afterschool programs.
Intelligent billing engine that automatically calculates multi-child family discounts, regulatory subsidies, and variable care schedules
Procare Solutions is a leading childcare management platform tailored for afterschool programs, offering robust automated billing for tuition, extended care, and fees. It seamlessly integrates attendance tracking, family management, and online payments to streamline financial operations. With comprehensive reporting and compliance tools, it ensures accurate invoicing while supporting parent engagement through portals and mobile apps.
Pros
- Highly automated billing handles complex scenarios like sibling discounts, prorated absences, and extended care
- Seamless integration with attendance and child tracking for precise invoicing
- Strong reporting and analytics for financial oversight and compliance
Cons
- Initial setup and training can require time investment
- Pricing scales with program size, potentially higher for larger centers
- Some advanced customizations may need additional modules
Best For
Afterschool programs and childcare centers seeking an all-in-one solution for accurate, automated billing and family management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around $100-200/month based on number of children and modules selected; includes free implementation support.
Brightwheel
specializedMobile-first platform for childcare providers featuring seamless parent payments, recurring billing, and financial reporting for afterschool care.
Real-time attendance-to-billing automation that ensures precise charges based on actual child participation
Brightwheel is an all-in-one child care management platform tailored for afterschool programs, preschools, and daycare centers, with robust billing features that automate invoicing based on real-time attendance tracking. It supports flexible tuition structures, online payments via multiple methods, and detailed financial reporting to streamline afterschool billing processes. The platform also enhances parent engagement through a mobile app for viewing bills, making payments, and receiving program updates.
Pros
- Automated billing synced with attendance for accurate invoicing
- Parent app enables easy online payments and communication
- Comprehensive financial reports and multi-child family billing
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger programs
- Full feature set can have a learning curve for billing-only users
- Limited advanced customization in invoice templates
Best For
Afterschool programs and childcare centers needing integrated billing with attendance tracking and parent communication tools.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$129/month for up to 50 children (Essentials plan), with Plus and Premium tiers scaling by program size and features.
Sawyer
specializedManagement and marketplace software for kids' classes and afterschool programs with integrated online payments and invoicing.
Parent self-service portal with one-click payments, waivers, and real-time attendance updates
Sawyer (mysawyer.com) is an all-in-one platform tailored for youth programs like afterschool care, classes, and camps, offering robust billing tools for handling registrations, payments, and invoicing. It streamlines afterschool billing through automated recurring payments, session-based charges, and parent self-service portals for easy sign-ups and payments. Providers benefit from attendance tracking, financial reporting, and integrated communications to manage billing efficiently.
Pros
- Seamless automated billing and recurring payments for afterschool sessions
- User-friendly parent portal for quick registrations and payments
- Comprehensive financial reporting and attendance integration
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume programs with transaction fees
- Some advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
- Primarily class-focused, less optimized for non-program-based care billing
Best For
Afterschool programs and enrichment providers needing integrated registration, billing, and parent management tools.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 10 registrations/month; paid plans start at $59/month (Essentials for 100 registrations) plus 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fees.
Jackrabbit Class
specializedClass management system designed for enrichment programs including afterschool activities with advanced scheduling and billing automation.
Family account billing that automatically groups siblings, applies discounts, and handles multi-child enrollments
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based management platform tailored for class-based businesses like afterschool programs, offering robust tools for scheduling, registration, and billing. It automates invoicing with recurring payments, prorated charges, family grouping, and online payment processing via integrated gateways. The software also provides attendance tracking, reporting, and a parent portal to streamline operations for afterschool providers.
Pros
- Automated recurring billing with family discounts and prorations
- Seamless integration of billing with scheduling and attendance
- Comprehensive reporting for revenue tracking and receivables
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced features
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location or high-volume programs
- Limited free trial and customization in standard reports
Best For
Medium to large afterschool programs managing multiple classes, families, and locations that need an all-in-one billing and management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month for basic plans, scaling to $300+ based on students/locations; includes payment processing fees.
iClassPro
specializedOnline booking and management software for activity centers with automated invoicing, family billing, and payment collections for afterschool sessions.
Intelligent prorated billing engine that automatically adjusts invoices for partial sessions, absences, and credits
iClassPro is a comprehensive cloud-based management platform designed for afterschool programs, childcare centers, and enrichment classes, offering robust tools for scheduling, attendance tracking, and automated billing. It excels in handling recurring invoicing, prorated charges for partial attendance, and family-based billing to simplify payments for parents. The software integrates online registration, payment processing, and reporting, making it a full operational solution for afterschool providers. Its mobile app further supports real-time updates for staff and families.
Pros
- Advanced automated billing with prorations, credits, and make-up handling
- Intuitive family portal for self-service payments and account management
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks, payment gateways, and attendance tracking
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for setup and advanced customization
- Pricing scales with student count, less ideal for very small programs
- Reporting customization can feel limited without add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized afterschool programs (50+ students) needing integrated class scheduling and precise billing automation.
Pricing
Tiered per-active-student pricing starting at ~$2.50/student/month (min. ~100 students or $250/month), plus setup fees and optional add-ons.
Kinderlime
specializedChildcare operations platform offering tuition billing, attendance tracking, and parent payment portals suitable for afterschool programs.
Real-time attendance-to-billing automation with subsidy tracking and prorated invoicing
Kinderlime is a comprehensive child care management platform tailored for preschools, daycare centers, and afterschool programs, with robust billing features that automate invoicing based on real-time attendance tracking. It supports flexible billing structures including family discounts, subsidies, drop-in fees, and multiple payment gateways for efficient afterschool revenue management. The software integrates parent portals, staff tools, and reporting to streamline operations beyond just billing.
Pros
- Automated billing synced directly to attendance and schedules
- Strong support for subsidies, multi-child families, and varied fee structures
- Integrated parent app for payments and communication
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and customization
- Pricing can be high for small afterschool programs
- Occasional reports of customer support delays
Best For
Medium to large afterschool programs needing an all-in-one solution for billing, attendance, and parent engagement.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $125/month for small sites, typically $3-5 per child/month, scaling with enrollment and features.
Sandbox Software
specializedChildcare management solution with EZCare features for daily billing, subsidies, and financial management in afterschool settings.
Real-time prorated billing that automatically adjusts invoices based on actual daily attendance
Sandbox Software is a comprehensive childcare management platform designed for afterschool programs, preschools, and child care centers, with strong billing features that automate invoicing based on attendance and enrollment. It handles complex billing scenarios like prorated tuition, multi-child discounts, and multiple payment gateways for seamless parent payments. The software integrates attendance tracking, parent portals, and reporting to ensure accurate and timely financial management for afterschool providers.
Pros
- Robust automated billing tied directly to attendance data
- User-friendly parent portal for payments and communication
- Scalable for growing afterschool programs with compliance tools
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers for smaller programs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited standalone billing without full childcare suite
Best For
Medium-sized afterschool programs needing integrated billing, attendance, and parent engagement tools.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 children, scaling to $2.50/child/month for larger enrollments; includes payment processing fees.
HiMama
specializedChildcare app with documentation, parent communication, and integrated billing tools for managing afterschool program finances.
Real-time automated invoicing synced with attendance logs to ensure accurate, hassle-free billing
HiMama is a comprehensive childcare management platform designed for preschools, daycares, and afterschool programs, offering integrated billing tools that automate invoicing based on attendance and enrollment. It streamlines afterschool billing by handling tuition payments, late fees, and subsidies through a parent portal, while also providing daily reporting and communication features. The software supports multi-location management, making it suitable for expanding afterschool networks.
Pros
- Automated billing tied directly to attendance tracking
- User-friendly parent app for payments and updates
- Robust reporting for financial reconciliation
Cons
- Pricing scales with child count, costly for small programs
- Billing features are part of a broader suite, not billing-only focused
- Limited customization for complex afterschool fee structures
Best For
Afterschool programs integrated with early childhood care that need all-in-one management with strong parent engagement.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$99/month base + $3-7 per child/month, with quotes based on program size.
RecDesk
enterpriseRecreation management software providing registration, program billing, and online payments for community afterschool activities.
All-in-one recreation dashboard with real-time financial tracking and automated prorated billing for variable program attendance
RecDesk is a cloud-based recreation management platform designed for parks, rec departments, and afterschool programs, offering tools for registration, scheduling, and billing. It automates invoicing, payment processing, and financial reporting tailored to youth programs like afterschool care. The software supports online payments, attendance tracking, and customizable billing cycles to streamline operations for program directors.
Pros
- Automated billing and invoicing with flexible payment plans
- Seamless integration of online registration and payment processing
- Comprehensive reporting for financial oversight and program analytics
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for smaller afterschool programs
- Steeper learning curve for non-rec professionals
- Limited third-party integrations compared to specialized billing tools
Best For
Mid-sized afterschool programs and recreation centers needing an all-in-one solution for billing, registrations, and program management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $100-300/month depending on organization size, registrations volume, and features.
Zen Planner
enterpriseStudio management software with membership billing, online payments, and reporting adaptable for afterschool martial arts and fitness programs.
Family Billing Portal allowing parents to manage payments for multiple children in one account
Zen Planner is a management platform primarily tailored for martial arts schools, fitness studios, and similar programs, with strong billing features adaptable for afterschool class billing. It automates recurring invoicing, processes online payments, and manages family enrollments for multiple child accounts. The software also includes class scheduling, attendance tracking, and reporting tools to streamline afterschool program operations.
Pros
- Automated recurring billing and online payment processing
- Family account management for multi-child enrollments
- Integrated scheduling and attendance tracking
Cons
- Primarily optimized for fitness/martial arts, limiting flexibility for diverse afterschool activities
- Pricing scales with enrollment size, which can be costly for small programs
- Steeper learning curve for non-fitness users
Best For
Afterschool programs offering martial arts, dance, or fitness classes that require robust family billing and scheduling integration.
Pricing
Starts at $179/month for up to 100 active members, plus $2.49-$3.49 per additional active member/month; custom quotes for larger programs.
Conclusion
With robust tools for managing afterschool program finances, the top 10 billing software options vary in focus, but Procare Solutions stands out as the overall choice, offering comprehensive, tailored automation for billing, invoicing, and payments. Brightwheel excels as a mobile-first platform with seamless parent payment integration and financial reporting, while Sawyer impresses with its integrated online payments and marketplace features, making both strong alternatives for different operational needs.
Take the next step in streamlining your afterschool program’s financial management—explore Procare Solutions to experience its tailored tools firsthand and simplify billing, so you can focus on providing quality care.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison