Quick Overview
- 1#1: Jackrabbit Class - Cloud-based class management software that handles registration, scheduling, payments, attendance, and parent communications for afterschool enrichment programs.
- 2#2: Sawyer - All-in-one platform for discovering, booking, and managing kids' afterschool classes, camps, and activities with integrated payments and marketing tools.
- 3#3: iClassPro - Comprehensive management system for class-based programs like dance, gymnastics, arts, and afterschool activities, featuring online registration, billing, and reporting.
- 4#4: Procare - Robust childcare and afterschool management solution with attendance tracking, family billing, child records, and parent portal access.
- 5#5: Brightwheel - Mobile app for managing afterschool and preschool programs, including daily check-ins, payments, messaging, and progress sharing with parents.
- 6#6: Lillio - Streamlined software for child care and afterschool operations, covering attendance, billing, lesson planning, and family engagement.
- 7#7: RecDesk - Online recreation management platform for program registration, facility scheduling, point-of-sale, and reporting in afterschool and community programs.
- 8#8: Kinderlime - Child care management tool supporting afterschool programs with touchless check-in, invoicing, staff scheduling, and parent updates.
- 9#9: ThinkWave - Web-based student information system for tracking attendance, grades, and progress in afterschool academic and tutoring programs.
- 10#10: EZChildTrack - Simple afterschool care software for managing child enrollment, daily attendance, billing, and emergency contacts.
These tools were selected and evaluated based on their depth of features, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they align with the dynamic needs of afterschool programs and their administrators.
Comparison Table
Managing afterschool programs efficiently requires the right tools, and this comparison table features top options like Jackrabbit Class, Sawyer, iClassPro, Procare, Brightwheel, and more. Readers will learn key features, pricing structures, and unique strengths to find the software that best fits their organization’s goals and operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jackrabbit Class Cloud-based class management software that handles registration, scheduling, payments, attendance, and parent communications for afterschool enrichment programs. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Sawyer All-in-one platform for discovering, booking, and managing kids' afterschool classes, camps, and activities with integrated payments and marketing tools. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | iClassPro Comprehensive management system for class-based programs like dance, gymnastics, arts, and afterschool activities, featuring online registration, billing, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Procare Robust childcare and afterschool management solution with attendance tracking, family billing, child records, and parent portal access. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Brightwheel Mobile app for managing afterschool and preschool programs, including daily check-ins, payments, messaging, and progress sharing with parents. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Lillio Streamlined software for child care and afterschool operations, covering attendance, billing, lesson planning, and family engagement. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | RecDesk Online recreation management platform for program registration, facility scheduling, point-of-sale, and reporting in afterschool and community programs. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Kinderlime Child care management tool supporting afterschool programs with touchless check-in, invoicing, staff scheduling, and parent updates. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | ThinkWave Web-based student information system for tracking attendance, grades, and progress in afterschool academic and tutoring programs. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | EZChildTrack Simple afterschool care software for managing child enrollment, daily attendance, billing, and emergency contacts. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Cloud-based class management software that handles registration, scheduling, payments, attendance, and parent communications for afterschool enrichment programs.
All-in-one platform for discovering, booking, and managing kids' afterschool classes, camps, and activities with integrated payments and marketing tools.
Comprehensive management system for class-based programs like dance, gymnastics, arts, and afterschool activities, featuring online registration, billing, and reporting.
Robust childcare and afterschool management solution with attendance tracking, family billing, child records, and parent portal access.
Mobile app for managing afterschool and preschool programs, including daily check-ins, payments, messaging, and progress sharing with parents.
Streamlined software for child care and afterschool operations, covering attendance, billing, lesson planning, and family engagement.
Online recreation management platform for program registration, facility scheduling, point-of-sale, and reporting in afterschool and community programs.
Child care management tool supporting afterschool programs with touchless check-in, invoicing, staff scheduling, and parent updates.
Web-based student information system for tracking attendance, grades, and progress in afterschool academic and tutoring programs.
Simple afterschool care software for managing child enrollment, daily attendance, billing, and emergency contacts.
Jackrabbit Class
enterpriseCloud-based class management software that handles registration, scheduling, payments, attendance, and parent communications for afterschool enrichment programs.
Family Portal for self-service registration, payments, and schedule viewing
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based management software tailored for class-based programs like afterschool enrichment, gymnastics, dance, and swim schools. It streamlines operations with online registration, automated scheduling, attendance tracking, billing, and family portals for parent communication. The platform offers robust reporting, multi-location support, and mobile apps to enhance efficiency for afterschool program directors.
Pros
- Comprehensive online registration and waitlist management
- Automated billing and payment processing with QuickBooks integration
- Powerful reporting and analytics for program insights
Cons
- Higher cost for smaller programs with low enrollment
- Initial setup requires some training for advanced features
- Limited customization for non-class-based afterschool activities
Best For
Afterschool programs offering structured classes in arts, sports, or STEM that need an all-in-one solution for enrollment, payments, and parent engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month for up to 100 students; scales with enrollment (e.g., $225/month for 101-200 students); custom quotes for larger programs.
Sawyer
enterpriseAll-in-one platform for discovering, booking, and managing kids' afterschool classes, camps, and activities with integrated payments and marketing tools.
Customizable program websites integrated directly with booking and payments for seamless family self-service
Sawyer is a user-friendly platform tailored for managing afterschool programs, kids' classes, camps, and enrichment activities. It handles online registrations, secure payments, scheduling, attendance tracking, and automated parent communications via email and SMS. Providers benefit from customizable websites that showcase programs and drive enrollments, along with reporting tools for business insights.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Built-in website builder and marketing tools to attract families
- Robust parent portal and communication features
Cons
- Transaction fees can accumulate for high-volume programs
- Advanced reporting limited in entry-level plans
- Customer support can be slower during peak seasons
Best For
Small to medium afterschool providers seeking an all-in-one tool to streamline operations and grow enrollments through professional online presence.
Pricing
Monthly plans start at $49 for Starter (up to 100 enrollments), $99 for Pro, and custom Enterprise; plus 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fees.
iClassPro
enterpriseComprehensive management system for class-based programs like dance, gymnastics, arts, and afterschool activities, featuring online registration, billing, and reporting.
Family Portal with self-service enrollment, payments, and real-time schedule/attendance access
iClassPro is a cloud-based management platform tailored for class-based programs like dance studios, gymnastics, swim schools, and afterschool activities, offering tools for scheduling, online registration, billing, and attendance tracking. It provides a family portal for parents to enroll, pay, and view schedules, along with staff apps for real-time management. The software excels in handling multi-location operations and skill-based progressions, making it suitable for structured afterschool programs.
Pros
- Comprehensive online registration and automated billing with QuickBooks integration
- Robust family and staff mobile apps for seamless communication and attendance
- Advanced reporting and skill-tracking for program progression
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with student numbers, less ideal for very small programs
- Initial setup and customization require some training
- Limited built-in tools for non-class-based care like drop-in childcare
Best For
Medium-sized afterschool programs with class schedules, multiple locations, and a need for parent self-service portals.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$100/month for small enrollments, ~$1.00-$1.50 per active student/month thereafter; custom quotes for enterprises.
Procare
enterpriseRobust childcare and afterschool management solution with attendance tracking, family billing, child records, and parent portal access.
Fully integrated family billing system that automatically handles multi-child discounts, subsidies, and recurring payments
Procare Software is a robust childcare management platform tailored for daycare centers, preschools, and afterschool programs, offering tools for attendance tracking, family billing, staff scheduling, and parent communication. It features mobile apps for real-time check-in/out, parent portals for updates, and comprehensive reporting to ensure compliance and efficiency. Ideal for managing afterschool routines like extended care, activities, and payments, it integrates seamlessly with accounting systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive attendance tracking with PIN, barcode, and touchless options
- Integrated billing and payment processing for families with multiple children
- Strong reporting tools for compliance and program insights
Cons
- User interface can feel dated and clunky for new users
- Pricing scales quickly for larger programs or multiple locations
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Medium to large afterschool programs needing integrated billing, attendance, and parent communication tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; starts at around $137/month for up to 50 children, with tiers scaling by size and features.
Brightwheel
enterpriseMobile app for managing afterschool and preschool programs, including daily check-ins, payments, messaging, and progress sharing with parents.
The award-winning parent app for instant check-ins, photo/video sharing, and personalized updates
Brightwheel is a mobile-first child care management platform that supports afterschool programs with tools for attendance tracking, parent communication, billing, and staff scheduling. It enables real-time check-ins with photos, secure messaging, daily reports, and automated invoicing to streamline operations. While originally designed for preschools and daycare, it adapts well to afterschool settings with its user-friendly app ecosystem.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for parents and staff with real-time updates and photo sharing
- Seamless integrated billing and payment processing with QuickBooks sync
- Strong communication tools including messaging, newsletters, and daily sheets
Cons
- Less tailored for older afterschool students compared to preschool focus
- Limited advanced reporting and customization for program-specific analytics
- Pricing can add up for multi-location or larger programs
Best For
Afterschool programs prioritizing parent engagement and simple daily operations, especially those serving younger children.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $119 per location/month (billed annually); Plus at $159, Premium at $199, with Enterprise custom pricing.
Lillio
enterpriseStreamlined software for child care and afterschool operations, covering attendance, billing, lesson planning, and family engagement.
Daily digital sheets with real-time photos, observations, and updates automatically shared to the parent app
Lillio is an all-in-one management software tailored for childcare centers, preschools, and afterschool programs, providing tools for attendance tracking, billing, scheduling, and parent communication. It features touchless check-in/out, daily digital reports with photos and updates shared via a parent app, and automated invoicing to streamline operations. The platform supports lesson planning, staff rostering, and compliance reporting, making it suitable for managing extended afterschool activities and family engagement.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with strong mobile app for parents and staff
- Automated daily reports and photo sharing enhance parent engagement
- Efficient touchless attendance and billing integration
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Customization options are somewhat basic
- Pricing scales quickly for larger programs
Best For
Small to medium afterschool programs seeking intuitive software with excellent parent communication tools.
Pricing
Starts at around $12 per child per month (billed annually), with tiered plans and custom quotes for larger organizations; free trial available.
RecDesk
enterpriseOnline recreation management platform for program registration, facility scheduling, point-of-sale, and reporting in afterschool and community programs.
Integrated child care module with QR code sign-in/out and automated prorated billing based on actual attendance
RecDesk is a cloud-based, all-in-one recreation management software tailored for community organizations, including afterschool program management with features like online registration, attendance tracking, and automated billing. It offers child care modules for sign-in/out, waitlists, parent notifications, and daily rosters, alongside facility scheduling and POS capabilities. The platform provides robust reporting and a mobile app to enhance operational efficiency for afterschool providers.
Pros
- Comprehensive online registration and payment processing with waitlist management
- Mobile app for quick attendance tracking and parent/staff communication
- Detailed reporting and analytics for program insights
Cons
- User interface feels dated and has a learning curve
- Pricing can be expensive for small-scale afterschool programs
- Limited advanced customization and third-party integrations
Best For
Mid-sized recreation centers, YMCAs, and community organizations managing afterschool programs alongside camps, classes, and facilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $150/month, scaled by users, programs, and transactions; includes modular add-ons.
Kinderlime
enterpriseChild care management tool supporting afterschool programs with touchless check-in, invoicing, staff scheduling, and parent updates.
Touchless mobile check-in/out with real-time parent notifications and photo verification
Kinderlime is a cloud-based management platform primarily designed for childcare centers, preschools, and afterschool programs, offering tools for streamlining enrollment, attendance tracking, billing, and daily operations. It provides a parent portal for real-time updates, communication, and payments, along with staff scheduling and compliance reporting features. The software emphasizes mobile accessibility, enabling touchless check-ins and on-the-go management for afterschool providers.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for attendance and parent communication
- Automated billing and integrated payment processing
- Strong compliance tools and reporting for regulatory needs
Cons
- Pricing scales with child count, expensive for small programs
- More preschool-focused, less tailored for afterschool activities
- Limited customization for unique program schedules
Best For
Small to mid-sized afterschool programs attached to childcare centers needing robust parent engagement and billing tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on enrollment size; typically $5-10 per child/month with minimum fees starting around $100/month.
ThinkWave
enterpriseWeb-based student information system for tracking attendance, grades, and progress in afterschool academic and tutoring programs.
Real-time parent and student portals for instant access to attendance and progress updates
ThinkWave is a web-based student information system (SIS) primarily designed for K-12 schools, offering tools for gradebooks, attendance tracking, scheduling, and parent/student portals. For afterschool programs, it provides basic management of attendance, student records, and reporting, but lacks specialized features like activity registrations or payment processing. It serves as a centralized hub for data accessible to staff, parents, and administrators in educational settings.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small programs
- Intuitive web interface requiring no installation
- Strong attendance and reporting tools adaptable for programs
Cons
- Not tailored for afterschool specifics like waivers, sign-ups, or billing
- Limited integrations with payment or activity management systems
- No dedicated mobile app for quick check-ins
Best For
Small school-affiliated afterschool programs needing basic attendance and student tracking on a budget.
Pricing
Free basic plan for individuals; school licenses start at around $475/year or custom quotes based on student count.
EZChildTrack
enterpriseSimple afterschool care software for managing child enrollment, daily attendance, billing, and emergency contacts.
Fast PIN or barcode-based check-in/out with real-time parent alerts
EZChildTrack is a cloud-based management software tailored for afterschool programs, child care centers, and preschools, focusing on streamlined attendance tracking, parent communication, and billing. It enables quick check-in/out via PINs, barcodes, or apps, with real-time notifications to parents about arrivals, departures, and daily activities. The platform also handles scheduling, invoicing, and basic reporting to simplify daily operations for small to mid-sized programs.
Pros
- Affordable and scalable pricing
- User-friendly interface with quick setup
- Reliable attendance tracking via PIN or barcode
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- Few third-party integrations
- Basic customization for larger programs
Best For
Small to medium afterschool programs needing simple, cost-effective tools for attendance and parent updates.
Pricing
Starts at $25/month for up to 25 children; scales to $99+/month for larger groups with added features; month-to-month, no contracts.
Conclusion
While all reviewed tools excel in managing afterschool programs, Jackrabbit Class stands out as the top choice, with robust cloud-based features for registration, payments, attendance, and parent communication. Sawyer and iClassPro follow closely, offering unique strengths: Sawyer focuses on discovery and booking for diverse activities, while iClassPro provides comprehensive tools for arts, dance, and similar programs, making each a strong fit for specific needs. Together, these top three deliver reliable solutions to streamline operations.
Don’t miss out—start with Jackrabbit Class to simplify your afterschool program management, and experience the ease of integrated tools that save time and enhance engagement for both staff and families.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison