Quick Overview
- 1#1: Brightwheel - All-in-one childcare management platform for attendance tracking, parent communication, billing, and daily reports in afterschool programs.
- 2#2: Procare Software - Comprehensive child care software handling family billing, child tracking, attendance, and staff management for afterschool care.
- 3#3: Jackrabbit Class - Online class management system for scheduling, registration, payments, and reporting tailored to afterschool enrichment programs.
- 4#4: Lillio - Mobile-first childcare app providing daily sheets, attendance, messaging, and insights for afterschool program operators.
- 5#5: EZChildTrack - Affordable childcare management solution for sign-in/out, billing, and parent portals in small to mid-size afterschool programs.
- 6#6: iClassPro - Class scheduling and management software with online registration and payments for youth and afterschool activity programs.
- 7#7: RecDesk - Recreation management platform for program registration, facility booking, and online payments in afterschool rec activities.
- 8#8: PerfectMind - Community and recreation software for managing memberships, events, and classes in afterschool and youth programs.
- 9#9: KidCheck - Secure children's check-in and check-out system with family ID verification for safe afterschool program attendance.
- 10#10: ActivityMessenger - Parent communication tool for SMS alerts, newsletters, and event management in afterschool clubs and groups.
Tools were ranked based on their ability to deliver robust, user-friendly features (including attendance tracking, billing, and parent communication), quality performance, and value, catering to programs of varying sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
With tools like Brightwheel, Procare Software, Jackrabbit Class, Lillio, EZChildTrack, and more, choosing the right afterschool software can feel overwhelming. This comparison table outlines key features, strengths, and suitability, guiding readers to find the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brightwheel All-in-one childcare management platform for attendance tracking, parent communication, billing, and daily reports in afterschool programs. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Procare Software Comprehensive child care software handling family billing, child tracking, attendance, and staff management for afterschool care. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Jackrabbit Class Online class management system for scheduling, registration, payments, and reporting tailored to afterschool enrichment programs. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Lillio Mobile-first childcare app providing daily sheets, attendance, messaging, and insights for afterschool program operators. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | EZChildTrack Affordable childcare management solution for sign-in/out, billing, and parent portals in small to mid-size afterschool programs. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | iClassPro Class scheduling and management software with online registration and payments for youth and afterschool activity programs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | RecDesk Recreation management platform for program registration, facility booking, and online payments in afterschool rec activities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | PerfectMind Community and recreation software for managing memberships, events, and classes in afterschool and youth programs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | KidCheck Secure children's check-in and check-out system with family ID verification for safe afterschool program attendance. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | ActivityMessenger Parent communication tool for SMS alerts, newsletters, and event management in afterschool clubs and groups. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 |
All-in-one childcare management platform for attendance tracking, parent communication, billing, and daily reports in afterschool programs.
Comprehensive child care software handling family billing, child tracking, attendance, and staff management for afterschool care.
Online class management system for scheduling, registration, payments, and reporting tailored to afterschool enrichment programs.
Mobile-first childcare app providing daily sheets, attendance, messaging, and insights for afterschool program operators.
Affordable childcare management solution for sign-in/out, billing, and parent portals in small to mid-size afterschool programs.
Class scheduling and management software with online registration and payments for youth and afterschool activity programs.
Recreation management platform for program registration, facility booking, and online payments in afterschool rec activities.
Community and recreation software for managing memberships, events, and classes in afterschool and youth programs.
Secure children's check-in and check-out system with family ID verification for safe afterschool program attendance.
Parent communication tool for SMS alerts, newsletters, and event management in afterschool clubs and groups.
Brightwheel
specializedAll-in-one childcare management platform for attendance tracking, parent communication, billing, and daily reports in afterschool programs.
Secure PIN-based check-in/out with photo capture and real-time parent notifications
Brightwheel is an all-in-one management platform tailored for childcare providers, including afterschool programs, offering tools for attendance tracking, parent communication, billing, and staff scheduling. It features a user-friendly mobile app that allows real-time photo sharing, secure check-in/out with photo verification, and customizable lesson plans to enhance daily operations. The software streamlines administrative tasks while fostering strong parent-teacher partnerships through instant updates and messaging.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app accessible for staff and parents
- Robust parent engagement tools like photo portfolios and messaging
- Comprehensive attendance, billing, and reporting for efficient operations
Cons
- Pricing scales with number of children, costly for larger programs
- Some advanced reporting features require higher-tier plans
- Occasional sync issues between app and web dashboard
Best For
Afterschool programs of any size looking for seamless parent communication and streamlined daily management.
Pricing
Starts at $12 per child/month for Essential plan; Plus at $20/child/month and Premium at $29/child/month, with nonprofit discounts and custom enterprise options.
Procare Software
enterpriseComprehensive child care software handling family billing, child tracking, attendance, and staff management for afterschool care.
Advanced childcare billing engine that automates complex invoicing, subsidy tracking, and one-click payments
Procare Software is a robust childcare management platform tailored for afterschool programs, child care centers, and preschools, offering tools for attendance tracking, enrollment, billing, and staff scheduling. It features a parent portal and mobile app for real-time check-ins, payments, and communication, ensuring seamless operations and family engagement. With comprehensive reporting and compliance features, Procare helps afterschool providers manage daily routines efficiently while prioritizing child safety and regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Comprehensive billing and payment processing with support for subsidies and multi-family accounts
- Intuitive mobile app for parent check-in/out and real-time updates
- Strong reporting tools for attendance, finances, and compliance
Cons
- Higher pricing can be a barrier for very small afterschool programs
- Initial setup and customization require some training
- Limited advanced customization for unique program workflows
Best For
Medium to large afterschool programs needing integrated billing, attendance, and parent communication tools.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for Essentials plan (up to 50 children), scales with Pro and Enterprise tiers based on enrollment size; custom quotes for multi-site.
Jackrabbit Class
specializedOnline class management system for scheduling, registration, payments, and reporting tailored to afterschool enrichment programs.
Advanced family ledger billing that automatically prorates fees and handles multi-child discounts seamlessly
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based class management software tailored for afterschool programs, enrichment classes, dance studios, and similar youth-focused businesses. It handles online registration, scheduling, attendance tracking, automated billing, and family communications through a user-friendly parent portal. The platform supports multi-location management and provides detailed reporting to help administrators optimize operations and grow enrollment.
Pros
- Robust scheduling and multi-location support
- Integrated payment processing with family billing
- Strong reporting and analytics for program insights
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for small programs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Mobile app lacks some desktop features
Best For
Mid-sized afterschool and enrichment programs managing 50+ students across multiple classes or locations.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month base fee plus $3.50-$5 per active student/month and 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; custom quotes available.
Lillio
specializedMobile-first childcare app providing daily sheets, attendance, messaging, and insights for afterschool program operators.
Parent Engagement App delivering customizable daily reports with photos, videos, and two-way messaging
Lillio is a comprehensive all-in-one platform tailored for childcare centers, preschools, and afterschool programs, handling everything from attendance tracking and staff scheduling to billing and curriculum planning. It features a user-friendly mobile app for parents to receive real-time updates, photos, and daily reports on their child's activities. The software emphasizes compliance reporting and parent engagement, making it efficient for managing afterschool operations while fostering strong family connections.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile apps for staff and parents
- Robust attendance, billing, and compliance tools
- Excellent parent communication with daily reports and photos
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger programs
- Limited customization for niche afterschool workflows
- Some advanced features require premium plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized afterschool programs prioritizing parent engagement and streamlined daily operations.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for up to 50 children; scales per child (~$3-5/child/month) with Essentials, Premium, and Enterprise tiers.
EZChildTrack
specializedAffordable childcare management solution for sign-in/out, billing, and parent portals in small to mid-size afterschool programs.
Multi-method touchless attendance tracking (PIN, RFID, biometrics) for quick, secure check-ins
EZChildTrack is a cloud-based child care management software tailored for afterschool programs, daycares, and camps, focusing on streamlined attendance tracking, billing, and parent communication. It enables quick check-in/out via PIN codes, RFID badges, or biometrics, with real-time updates accessible through a parent portal and mobile app. The platform also handles staff scheduling, invoicing, and compliance reporting, making it suitable for programs needing efficient daily operations.
Pros
- Affordable pricing scalable for small programs
- Fast and reliable attendance tracking with multiple methods
- User-friendly mobile app for parents and staff
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and customization options
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium afterschool programs looking for straightforward, budget-friendly tools to manage attendance and billing.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 50 children, plus $1.50 per additional child; custom quotes for larger programs.
iClassPro
specializedClass scheduling and management software with online registration and payments for youth and afterschool activity programs.
Skill tracking and progression reports with customizable achievement badges tailored for activity-based learning
iClassPro is a robust management software designed primarily for class-based activity providers like gymnastics, dance, martial arts, and afterschool programs offering structured classes and camps. It handles online registration, automated billing, attendance tracking, skill assessments, and family communication through a dedicated portal. The platform supports multi-location operations and includes mobile apps for quick check-ins and reporting.
Pros
- Powerful scheduling and online registration with waitlists
- Advanced automated billing and payment integrations
- Comprehensive reporting and skill tracking tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve during initial setup
- Pricing can become expensive as student numbers grow
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Afterschool programs focused on structured classes like sports, arts, or fitness academies needing detailed progression tracking and family self-service portals.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$129/month for up to 100 students, scales per active student with setup fees (~$500+) and add-ons.
RecDesk
enterpriseRecreation management platform for program registration, facility booking, and online payments in afterschool rec activities.
Integrated mobile app with QR code check-ins for quick attendance in afterschool settings
RecDesk is a cloud-based recreation management platform tailored for parks, rec departments, community centers, and afterschool programs, offering tools for online registrations, program scheduling, facility management, and payment processing. It features a parent portal for easy sign-ups and real-time updates, along with mobile apps for staff and families to handle check-ins and communications. The software emphasizes scalability for handling multiple afterschool sessions, attendance tracking, and reporting to support program efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive online registration and parent portal for seamless enrollments
- Robust scheduling and attendance tracking ideal for afterschool programs
- Strong mobile app support for check-ins and real-time notifications
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can escalate with add-on modules
- Customization options are somewhat limited for unique afterschool workflows
- Initial setup requires training for non-tech-savvy staff
Best For
Mid-sized afterschool programs and recreation departments needing an all-in-one solution for registrations, payments, and attendance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $150-$300/month based on modules, users, and program volume.
PerfectMind
enterpriseCommunity and recreation software for managing memberships, events, and classes in afterschool and youth programs.
Parent self-service portal for real-time registration, payments, and activity updates
PerfectMind is a cloud-based management platform tailored for recreation centers, schools, and community organizations, specializing in afterschool programs through features like online registration, scheduling, and attendance tracking. It streamlines operations with member management, automated billing, and reporting tools to handle classes, camps, and childcare efficiently. The software supports parent portals for easy sign-ups and payments, making it suitable for afterschool providers managing multiple activities.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling and registration tools ideal for afterschool classes and camps
- Strong payment processing and automated billing integrations
- Robust reporting and analytics for program insights
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing can be high for smaller afterschool programs
- Limited customization options in some reporting templates
Best For
Medium to large afterschool programs in schools or community centers needing scalable registration and payment management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $200/month based on users, transactions, and features; includes tiered plans with add-ons for payments.
KidCheck
specializedSecure children's check-in and check-out system with family ID verification for safe afterschool program attendance.
Kiosk-based check-in with auto-generated security labels and real-time parental PIN matching for pickups
KidCheck is a secure check-in and check-out software solution designed for children's programs, including afterschool care, churches, and youth ministries. It enables quick parent-child check-ins via kiosks, mobile apps, or online portals, generating security labels and wristbands for safe pickups. The platform manages family profiles, attendance tracking, allergies, and basic reporting, with integrations for church management systems.
Pros
- Highly secure check-in/out with PIN verification and printed labels
- User-friendly kiosks and mobile app for parents
- Strong attendance tracking and family management tools
Cons
- Limited features beyond check-in (no billing, scheduling, or curriculum tools)
- Primarily church-focused integrations may not suit secular afterschool programs
- Pricing can add up for high-volume or multi-site use
Best For
Small to mid-sized afterschool programs prioritizing secure child check-in/out over comprehensive program management.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for Starter plan (up to 100 kids), $49/month for Plus, with per-check-in billing options and enterprise custom pricing.
ActivityMessenger
specializedParent communication tool for SMS alerts, newsletters, and event management in afterschool clubs and groups.
Two-way SMS that allows instant parent replies without requiring app downloads or sign-ups
ActivityMessenger is a communication-focused platform tailored for afterschool programs, youth sports, and activity organizers to engage parents via SMS texting and a mobile app. It facilitates instant updates, schedules, RSVPs, attendance checks, and announcements with high open rates typical of text messages. While strong in parent outreach, it lacks broader management tools like full registration or payment processing found in comprehensive afterschool software suites.
Pros
- Reliable two-way SMS with 98% open rates
- Quick setup for groups and rosters
- No app required for parents to respond via text
Cons
- Limited scope beyond communication
- Per-message pricing can become expensive for high-volume use
- No native integration for payments or advanced scheduling
Best For
Small afterschool programs or coaches needing simple, high-engagement parent messaging without complex admin tools.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for 500 texts, with pay-per-text at $0.05/message and unlimited plans from $99/month.
Conclusion
After careful evaluation, the top afterschool software stands out as Brightwheel, a versatile all-in-one platform that excels in childcare management, including attendance, communication, and billing. Close contenders are Procare Software, with its strong tracking and staff management tools, and Jackrabbit Class, tailored for scheduling and registration in enrichment programs—each offering unique strengths to meet varied operational needs. These tools collectively highlight the essential features required for efficient, family-connected afterschool programs.
Explore Brightwheel now to experience its comprehensive capabilities and transform how you manage your afterschool program—don't miss the top choice for seamless, effective operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison