Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procare Solutions - Comprehensive childcare management software for centers, preschools, and before/after school programs handling attendance, billing, and parent communication.
- 2#2: Brightwheel - All-in-one mobile platform for childcare providers managing daily sheets, payments, and parent updates for afterschool programs.
- 3#3: EZCare - Specialized afterschool management software for scheduling, attendance tracking, billing, and child check-in/out.
- 4#4: Jackrabbit Class - Online class management system for afterschool programs, gyms, and enrichment classes with registration, payments, and reporting.
- 5#5: Lillio - Modern childcare software simplifying attendance, invoicing, and family engagement for afterschool care.
- 6#6: HiMama - Childcare app focused on documentation, parent communication, and program insights for afterschool settings.
- 7#7: Sandbox Software - Cloud-based childcare management tool for tracking attendance, staff scheduling, and compliance in afterschool programs.
- 8#8: Childcare Manager - Affordable software for managing childcare and afterschool operations including billing, rosters, and reporting.
- 9#9: Famly - Childcare management platform with tools for attendance, payments, and parent apps suitable for afterschool use.
- 10#10: KidCheck - Secure check-in and security management system designed specifically for children's ministries and afterschool programs.
Tools were selected based on a careful assessment of features (including scheduling, compliance, and parent engagement), usability for both staff and families, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse afterschool program requirements.
Comparison Table
Discover a comparison of top afterschool management software tools, such as Procare Solutions, Brightwheel, EZCare, Jackrabbit Class, Lillio, and others, tailored to simplify daily operations, enhance communication, and support child care workflows. This table offers clear insights into key features, usability, and suitability for various program needs, guiding users to identify the best fit for their afterschool environment.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procare Solutions Comprehensive childcare management software for centers, preschools, and before/after school programs handling attendance, billing, and parent communication. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Brightwheel All-in-one mobile platform for childcare providers managing daily sheets, payments, and parent updates for afterschool programs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | EZCare Specialized afterschool management software for scheduling, attendance tracking, billing, and child check-in/out. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Jackrabbit Class Online class management system for afterschool programs, gyms, and enrichment classes with registration, payments, and reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Lillio Modern childcare software simplifying attendance, invoicing, and family engagement for afterschool care. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | HiMama Childcare app focused on documentation, parent communication, and program insights for afterschool settings. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 7 | Sandbox Software Cloud-based childcare management tool for tracking attendance, staff scheduling, and compliance in afterschool programs. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Childcare Manager Affordable software for managing childcare and afterschool operations including billing, rosters, and reporting. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Famly Childcare management platform with tools for attendance, payments, and parent apps suitable for afterschool use. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | KidCheck Secure check-in and security management system designed specifically for children's ministries and afterschool programs. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
Comprehensive childcare management software for centers, preschools, and before/after school programs handling attendance, billing, and parent communication.
All-in-one mobile platform for childcare providers managing daily sheets, payments, and parent updates for afterschool programs.
Specialized afterschool management software for scheduling, attendance tracking, billing, and child check-in/out.
Online class management system for afterschool programs, gyms, and enrichment classes with registration, payments, and reporting.
Modern childcare software simplifying attendance, invoicing, and family engagement for afterschool care.
Childcare app focused on documentation, parent communication, and program insights for afterschool settings.
Cloud-based childcare management tool for tracking attendance, staff scheduling, and compliance in afterschool programs.
Affordable software for managing childcare and afterschool operations including billing, rosters, and reporting.
Childcare management platform with tools for attendance, payments, and parent apps suitable for afterschool use.
Secure check-in and security management system designed specifically for children's ministries and afterschool programs.
Procare Solutions
enterpriseComprehensive childcare management software for centers, preschools, and before/after school programs handling attendance, billing, and parent communication.
Advanced billing system with seamless subsidy handling, multi-payment processing, and automated invoicing tailored for child care regulations
Procare Solutions is a comprehensive afterschool management software tailored for child care centers, preschools, and before/afterschool programs, offering tools for attendance tracking, scheduling, billing, and parent communication. It streamlines daily operations with features like touchless check-in/out, real-time reporting, and staff management to ensure efficiency and compliance. The platform's mobile app enhances parent engagement by providing instant updates, payments, and schedule access, making it ideal for modern afterschool environments.
Pros
- Robust all-in-one features including attendance, billing, and scheduling
- Strong parent and staff mobile apps for real-time communication
- Excellent compliance tools and detailed financial reporting
Cons
- Higher pricing for small programs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Interface feels slightly dated in some areas
Best For
Afterschool programs and child care centers of any size needing scalable, feature-rich management with strong billing capabilities.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on program size and modules; typically starts at $129/month for single sites, with enterprise options scaling up.
Brightwheel
specializedAll-in-one mobile platform for childcare providers managing daily sheets, payments, and parent updates for afterschool programs.
Seamless parent app for instant photo/video sharing and daily reports
Brightwheel is a versatile childcare management platform that excels in streamlining operations for afterschool programs through features like attendance tracking, billing, and parent communication. It offers an intuitive mobile app for parents to view daily reports, photos, and updates, while staff can manage check-ins, scheduling, and payments seamlessly. Designed primarily for early childhood but adaptable for afterschool, it supports program management, staff tools, and compliance reporting to keep everything organized.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for parents and staff
- Integrated billing and payment processing with QuickBooks sync
- Real-time attendance tracking with photo check-in/out
Cons
- Less specialized for older students or activity-heavy afterschool programs
- Pricing scales per child, which can add up for larger groups
- Limited customization for unique afterschool workflows
Best For
Small to medium afterschool programs emphasizing parent engagement, attendance, and basic billing over complex activity scheduling.
Pricing
Tiered plans start at $12/child/month (Essential), $20/child/month (Combo), and $28/child/month (Premier), with custom enterprise options and a free trial.
EZCare
specializedSpecialized afterschool management software for scheduling, attendance tracking, billing, and child check-in/out.
EZCheckIn mobile app for touchless attendance and real-time parent notifications
EZCare is a cloud-based childcare and afterschool management software that simplifies operations for programs handling enrollment, daily attendance, staff scheduling, and parent communications. It features an intuitive parent portal for online registrations, payments, and real-time updates, alongside automated billing and compliance reporting tools. Designed for small to medium-sized centers, it supports mobile check-in via apps, making it efficient for afterschool environments with varying schedules.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with minimal training required
- Robust parent portal for seamless communication and payments
- Mobile apps for quick attendance tracking and staff management
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Advanced reporting features require higher-tier plans
- Initial setup and data migration can be lengthy
Best For
Small to medium afterschool programs needing an affordable, user-friendly platform for daily operations and parent engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for up to 50 children, with scalable tiers from $3-5 per child/month plus add-ons for advanced features.
Jackrabbit Class
specializedOnline class management system for afterschool programs, gyms, and enrichment classes with registration, payments, and reporting.
Integrated online waitlist and auto-enrollment system for high-demand classes
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based management software tailored for class-based businesses like dance studios, gymnastics centers, and afterschool enrichment programs. It handles online registration, class scheduling, attendance tracking, automated billing, and parent communications via email and SMS. The platform offers robust reporting tools and a family portal for parents to manage enrollments and payments effortlessly.
Pros
- Seamless online registration and payment processing
- Comprehensive attendance and scheduling tools
- Strong family portal for parent engagement
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with student volume
- Geared more toward performing arts than general afterschool
- Some advanced reporting requires add-ons
Best For
Afterschool programs offering structured classes in arts, sports, or enrichment activities that need efficient enrollment and billing.
Pricing
Starts at around $55/month for basic plans; scales based on number of students and locations (custom quotes available).
Lillio
specializedModern childcare software simplifying attendance, invoicing, and family engagement for afterschool care.
The Family Engagement App, providing parents with instant access to attendance, photos, reports, and two-way communication
Lillio is an all-in-one management software tailored for childcare centers, preschools, and afterschool programs, handling everything from daily attendance and check-in/out to staff scheduling and billing. It features a robust parent app for real-time communication, photo sharing, and updates, alongside tools for lesson planning, compliance reporting, and child progress tracking. Designed to simplify operations for afterschool providers, it emphasizes family engagement and operational efficiency in a mobile-first platform.
Pros
- Excellent parent engagement via the intuitive Family app with real-time updates and messaging
- Streamlined touchless check-in/out and attendance tracking ideal for afterschool schedules
- Integrated billing, payments, and automated invoicing reduce administrative workload
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger programs, potentially reducing value for big operations
- Advanced reporting and customization options feel limited without add-ons
- Occasional learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff during initial setup
Best For
Small to mid-sized afterschool programs (20-150 children) prioritizing parent communication and daily operational efficiency.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on children and staff count; starts at ~$59/month for small programs (up to 25 kids) with per-child fees around $3-5/month.
HiMama
specializedChildcare app focused on documentation, parent communication, and program insights for afterschool settings.
Digital daily reports that automatically generate and send personalized activity summaries, photos, and videos to parents
HiMama is a comprehensive child care management platform primarily designed for preschools and early childhood centers, offering tools for attendance tracking, parent communication, staff scheduling, billing, and curriculum planning. While adaptable for afterschool programs, it excels in daily reporting and photo/video sharing with parents to document children's activities. It supports check-in/out via mobile app and integrates basic compliance features, making it suitable for smaller afterschool operations focused on communication.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for parents and staff with real-time updates and photo sharing
- Strong attendance and check-in/out system with PIN or biometric options
- Automated billing and payment processing integrated with parent portals
Cons
- Primarily tailored for preschool/early childhood, lacking specialized afterschool features like homework tracking or transportation management
- Pricing can become expensive for larger programs with per-child fees
- Limited customization for school-age activity planning and reporting
Best For
Small to mid-sized afterschool programs prioritizing parent engagement and simple daily operations over advanced school-age specific tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $99/month for base features plus $5-10 per child/month; free trial available.
Sandbox Software
specializedCloud-based childcare management tool for tracking attendance, staff scheduling, and compliance in afterschool programs.
Secure photo-verified check-in/out system integrated with family accounts for enhanced child safety
Sandbox Software (mysandbox.net) is a cloud-based platform tailored for afterschool programs, summer camps, and youth organizations, providing tools for online registration, attendance tracking, billing, and parent communication. It streamlines administrative tasks like managing family accounts, scheduling classes, and generating reports to ensure smooth operations and compliance. With a focus on user-friendly interfaces, it helps coordinators focus more on child engagement rather than paperwork.
Pros
- Intuitive online registration and payment processing
- Real-time attendance tracking with mobile check-in
- Strong parent portal for updates and communication
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics options
- Customization of forms and workflows is basic
- Customer support can be slow during peak seasons
Best For
Small to medium-sized afterschool programs seeking an affordable, straightforward solution without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for up to 100 enrollments, with tiered plans scaling to $199/month; additional fees for payment processing.
Childcare Manager
specializedAffordable software for managing childcare and afterschool operations including billing, rosters, and reporting.
The family mobile app for seamless parent engagement, including real-time updates, photo sharing, and self-service enrollment
Childcare Manager is a cloud-based platform tailored for childcare centers and afterschool programs, offering tools for enrollment, daily attendance tracking, automated billing, and staff scheduling. It includes a parent portal and mobile apps for real-time communication, updates, and payments. The software emphasizes compliance with state regulations and provides customizable reporting for program management.
Pros
- Integrated billing with online payments and automated invoicing
- Mobile apps for parents and staff enabling check-in/out and communication
- Robust attendance tracking with kiosk support and compliance reporting
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with enrollment size
- Some advanced features require training
- Limited native integrations with external tools like accounting software
Best For
Small to medium afterschool programs needing streamlined administrative tools without extensive customization.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $59/month for up to 25 children, up to $299/month for 200+ children, plus setup fees.
Famly
enterpriseChildcare management platform with tools for attendance, payments, and parent apps suitable for afterschool use.
The family-facing mobile app with instant updates, photo sharing, and two-way messaging
Famly is an all-in-one child care management platform tailored for nurseries, preschools, and afterschool programs, streamlining daily operations like attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and billing. It features a mobile app for parents to receive real-time updates, share photos, and communicate with staff, while administrators handle invoicing, compliance reporting, and child progress documentation. The software emphasizes child development observations and family engagement, making it suitable for programs focused on holistic care.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for parents and staff with real-time communication
- Comprehensive billing and automated invoicing with payment integrations
- Robust child observation and learning journal tools for progress tracking
Cons
- Less specialized for school-age afterschool activities compared to preschool focus
- Pricing scales quickly with number of children, challenging for very small programs
- Limited native integrations with school district systems or third-party tools
Best For
Afterschool programs attached to preschools or daycares that need strong parent engagement and administrative automation.
Pricing
Tiered subscription starting at around $5-10 per child per month, with minimum fees for small groups (e.g., $89/month base); custom quotes for larger programs.
KidCheck
specializedSecure check-in and security management system designed specifically for children's ministries and afterschool programs.
Two-step verification system ensuring only pre-authorized adults with matching security codes can check out children
KidCheck is a specialized child check-in and security system designed for churches, schools, daycare centers, and afterschool programs. It streamlines secure parent-child check-in/out via kiosks, mobile apps, or web portals, generating customizable labels with critical info like allergies, medical notes, and custody restrictions. The platform emphasizes safety through two-step verification, volunteer background checks, and real-time notifications, making it ideal for high-volume pickup scenarios. While strong in security, it lacks broader afterschool management tools like scheduling, billing, or curriculum planning.
Pros
- Highly secure two-step check-in/out process prevents unauthorized pickups
- Customizable labels, wristbands, and parent notifications enhance safety and communication
- User-friendly kiosks and mobile app with quick setup for volunteers and staff
Cons
- Narrow focus on check-in/out only; lacks full afterschool tools like attendance tracking, payments, or activity scheduling
- Pricing model includes per-scan fees and hardware costs that add up for larger programs
- Limited integrations with comprehensive management software
Best For
Small to mid-sized afterschool programs or childcare centers that prioritize child safety and efficient pickups over all-in-one management features.
Pricing
Starts at $19/month for basic plans (up to 75 checks); scales to $99+/month for larger volumes with pay-per-scan options (~$0.20/check) and custom enterprise pricing; hardware like kiosks extra.
Conclusion
Among the 10 reviewed afterschool management tools, Procare Solutions rises as the top pick, boasting a comprehensive range of features including attendance tracking, billing, and parent communication. Brightwheel and EZCare follow as strong alternatives, with Brightwheel excelling in mobile accessibility and EZCare impressing with its scheduling and check-in capabilities. Each tool addresses distinct needs, yet Procare stands out for its all-encompassing approach to program management.
Take the first step toward streamlined operations—explore Procare Solutions to elevate your afterschool program's efficiency and parent engagement.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison