Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procare Software - Delivers full-featured accounting, billing, payroll, and financial reporting specifically designed for child care centers.
- 2#2: Brightwheel - Simplifies childcare billing, parent payments, invoicing, and financial insights via a user-friendly mobile-first platform.
- 3#3: Jackrabbit Class - Manages class schedules, attendance, automated invoicing, and payment processing for child care and enrichment programs.
- 4#4: Lillio - Offers integrated childcare management with advanced invoicing, online payments, and financial tracking tools.
- 5#5: Sandbox - Provides robust financial management, payroll, budgeting, and accounting tailored for child care operations.
- 6#6: Childcare Manager - Cloud-based platform for child care billing, collections, payroll, and comprehensive financial oversight.
- 7#7: EZChildTrack - All-in-one childcare software with scheduling, parent billing, payments, and accounting functionalities.
- 8#8: ChildCare Sage - Handles child care accounting, payroll processing, invoicing, and expense tracking in an intuitive system.
- 9#9: Kinderlime - Supports family child care providers with digital invoicing, payment collection, and basic financial management.
- 10#10: Tadpoles - Facilitates childcare attendance tracking, simple billing, and payment reminders for home-based providers.
We ranked these tools by focusing on tailored features for child care operations, user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring each entry meets the diverse needs of modern child care businesses.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top child care accounting software tools, such as Procare Software, Brightwheel, Jackrabbit Class, Lillio, Sandbox, and more, providing insights into key features, pricing, and usability to help readers identify the best fit for their center's specific needs. It simplifies the selection process, ensuring efficient management of finances, invoicing, and reporting tailored to child care operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procare Software Delivers full-featured accounting, billing, payroll, and financial reporting specifically designed for child care centers. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Brightwheel Simplifies childcare billing, parent payments, invoicing, and financial insights via a user-friendly mobile-first platform. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Jackrabbit Class Manages class schedules, attendance, automated invoicing, and payment processing for child care and enrichment programs. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 4 | Lillio Offers integrated childcare management with advanced invoicing, online payments, and financial tracking tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Sandbox Provides robust financial management, payroll, budgeting, and accounting tailored for child care operations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Childcare Manager Cloud-based platform for child care billing, collections, payroll, and comprehensive financial oversight. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 7 | EZChildTrack All-in-one childcare software with scheduling, parent billing, payments, and accounting functionalities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | ChildCare Sage Handles child care accounting, payroll processing, invoicing, and expense tracking in an intuitive system. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Kinderlime Supports family child care providers with digital invoicing, payment collection, and basic financial management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Tadpoles Facilitates childcare attendance tracking, simple billing, and payment reminders for home-based providers. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
Delivers full-featured accounting, billing, payroll, and financial reporting specifically designed for child care centers.
Simplifies childcare billing, parent payments, invoicing, and financial insights via a user-friendly mobile-first platform.
Manages class schedules, attendance, automated invoicing, and payment processing for child care and enrichment programs.
Offers integrated childcare management with advanced invoicing, online payments, and financial tracking tools.
Provides robust financial management, payroll, budgeting, and accounting tailored for child care operations.
Cloud-based platform for child care billing, collections, payroll, and comprehensive financial oversight.
All-in-one childcare software with scheduling, parent billing, payments, and accounting functionalities.
Handles child care accounting, payroll processing, invoicing, and expense tracking in an intuitive system.
Supports family child care providers with digital invoicing, payment collection, and basic financial management.
Facilitates childcare attendance tracking, simple billing, and payment reminders for home-based providers.
Procare Software
specializedDelivers full-featured accounting, billing, payroll, and financial reporting specifically designed for child care centers.
Intelligent Billing Engine that automatically calculates prorated tuition, discounts, and tax credits based on child care-specific rules
Procare Software is a leading all-in-one management platform tailored for child care centers, with powerful accounting tools that automate tuition billing, payment collection, and financial reporting. It excels in handling complex child care-specific scenarios like sibling discounts, schedule-based billing, and subsidy tracking. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for effortless bookkeeping, ensuring accurate ledgers and compliance with industry regulations. Overall, it streamlines financial operations while supporting broader center management needs.
Pros
- Comprehensive child care billing engine handles multi-child families, variable schedules, and subsidies effortlessly
- Real-time financial reporting and QuickBooks integration reduce manual accounting work significantly
- Procare Pay enables secure, contactless payments with automatic reconciliation
Cons
- Initial setup and training can be time-intensive for new users
- Pricing scales with center size, potentially costly for very small operations
- Advanced custom reporting requires add-ons or technical support
Best For
Mid-to-large child care centers and preschools seeking an integrated accounting solution tightly coupled with daily operations.
Pricing
Starts at $137/month for basic single-location plans (billed annually), with custom quotes for multi-site or enterprise needs; per-child or modular pricing available.
Brightwheel
specializedSimplifies childcare billing, parent payments, invoicing, and financial insights via a user-friendly mobile-first platform.
Attendance-linked automated billing that calculates tuition prorations and fees in real-time, eliminating manual errors.
Brightwheel is a comprehensive child care management platform with integrated accounting tools designed for daycare centers, preschools, and early education providers. It automates tuition billing, processes secure online payments from parents, and generates financial reports linked to attendance and enrollment data. While it excels in child care-specific billing workflows, it pairs operational management with basic financial tracking rather than serving as a full-fledged accounting suite.
Pros
- Automated invoicing synced with real-time attendance for accurate billing
- Parent-friendly online payment portal that boosts collection rates
- Child care-focused financial reports including revenue summaries and aging receivables
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting like payroll processing or accounts payable
- Pricing scales with enrollment size, which can add up for larger centers
- Limited integrations with external accounting software like QuickBooks for complex needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized child care providers who want streamlined billing and payments integrated with daily operations without deep accounting expertise.
Pricing
Starts at $0 for basic features, with full plans at $10-25 per child per month based on tier (Essential, Plus, Premium) and program size; custom enterprise pricing available.
Jackrabbit Class
specializedManages class schedules, attendance, automated invoicing, and payment processing for child care and enrichment programs.
Attendance-driven automated invoicing that charges families only for actual sessions attended
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based management platform primarily designed for child enrichment programs like dance studios, gyms, and childcare centers, with integrated accounting tools for handling tuition billing and payments. It automates invoicing, processes online payments, tracks attendance-linked charges, and generates financial reports to simplify childcare financial operations. While not a standalone accounting software, it provides essential fiscal management within a broader class scheduling and family portal ecosystem.
Pros
- Automated recurring billing tied to attendance and schedules
- Integrated online payment processing with family self-service portal
- Customizable financial reporting for multi-location childcare centers
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with student volume, less ideal for very small centers
- Steeper learning curve for full accounting customization
- Limited advanced accounting features like payroll integration compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Mid-sized childcare centers needing integrated class management and billing without separate accounting software.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on student count and locations, typically starting at $125/month for small centers plus per-student fees.
Lillio
specializedOffers integrated childcare management with advanced invoicing, online payments, and financial tracking tools.
Smart Billing that automatically generates invoices based on actual sign-in/out times and custom rate schedules
Lillio is a comprehensive childcare management platform with strong accounting features designed specifically for daycare and preschool operators. It automates billing by linking attendance tracking to invoices, supports online parent payments, and provides financial reports for revenue tracking and subsidies. The software streamlines childcare-specific financial tasks like multi-rate billing and compliance reporting, reducing manual accounting efforts.
Pros
- Automated billing directly tied to real-time attendance data
- Seamless parent payment portal with multiple methods including ACH and cards
- Childcare-specific financial reports for subsidies and compliance
Cons
- Limited integrations with advanced accounting software like QuickBooks
- Pricing scales with number of children, which can add up for larger centers
- Some advanced customization requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized childcare centers needing integrated daily operations with straightforward billing and payments.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month for up to 50 children (Essentials plan), scales to $300+/month for larger centers; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Sandbox
specializedProvides robust financial management, payroll, budgeting, and accounting tailored for child care operations.
Real-time automatic invoice generation based on actual attendance and schedule adherence
Sandbox is an all-in-one childcare management software with strong accounting features tailored for child care providers, automating invoicing, payments, and financial reporting based on attendance and enrollment data. It handles complex billing scenarios like hourly rates, subsidies, and multi-child discounts while integrating payments through a parent portal. The platform provides customizable reports for cash flow, receivables, and profitability, making it suitable for childcare centers seeking streamlined financial operations.
Pros
- Automated billing tied directly to attendance and schedules
- Integrated parent payment portal with multiple methods including subsidies
- Comprehensive financial reporting and dashboards for childcare-specific metrics
Cons
- Lacks depth in general ledger and advanced tax accounting compared to dedicated ERP systems
- Pricing can become expensive for larger centers with many children
- Custom report building requires some setup time
Best For
Medium-sized childcare centers and kindergartens that need integrated attendance tracking with automated childcare billing and basic accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for up to 50 children; scales to $3+ per child/month for larger centers, with custom enterprise plans.
Childcare Manager
specializedCloud-based platform for child care billing, collections, payroll, and comprehensive financial oversight.
Attendance-driven automatic billing that calculates charges precisely based on actual hours attended and scheduled rates
Childcare Manager is an all-in-one childcare management software with strong accounting capabilities tailored for daycare centers and preschools. It automates billing, invoicing, payment processing, and financial reporting based on attendance, schedules, and enrollment data. The platform also integrates payroll, accounts receivable tracking, and compliance reporting for childcare-specific regulations, streamlining financial operations.
Pros
- Automated attendance-based billing and invoicing
- Integrated parent portal for online payments
- Childcare-specific financial reports and regulatory compliance tools
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for very small centers
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced accounting features
Best For
Small to medium-sized childcare centers seeking integrated management and accounting without needing separate financial software.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on center size and children enrolled; typically starts at $129/month for small centers with add-ons for additional features.
EZChildTrack
specializedAll-in-one childcare software with scheduling, parent billing, payments, and accounting functionalities.
Seamless attendance-to-billing automation that prorates tuition based on actual days attended
EZChildTrack is a cloud-based child care management software with integrated accounting tools designed specifically for daycare centers, preschools, and after-school programs. It automates tuition billing, tracks payments and attendance, generates financial reports, and handles accounts receivable with features like recurring invoices and online parent payments. The platform streamlines administrative tasks by linking child enrollment data directly to financial operations, reducing manual entry errors.
Pros
- Automated billing tied to daily attendance tracking
- Online payment processing with multiple options
- Comprehensive financial reporting and export to QuickBooks
Cons
- Lacks advanced payroll integration
- Limited customization for complex accounting needs
- No dedicated mobile app for on-the-go accounting
Best For
Small to medium child care providers needing straightforward billing and basic accounting without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 50 children, scaling to $99+/month for larger centers; includes unlimited users and free setup.
ChildCare Sage
specializedHandles child care accounting, payroll processing, invoicing, and expense tracking in an intuitive system.
Automated subsidy and grant billing with built-in compliance tracking
ChildCare Sage is a specialized accounting software for child care providers, focusing on automated billing, invoicing, and payment processing tailored to the childcare industry. It handles childcare-specific needs like subsidy tracking, multi-child family discounts, and payroll integration for staff. The platform offers financial reporting and insights to help centers manage cash flow efficiently.
Pros
- Childcare-specific billing automation including subsidies
- Robust financial reporting and dashboards
- Cost-effective for small centers
Cons
- Outdated user interface
- Limited integrations with other childcare apps
- Occasional glitches in payment processing
Best For
Small to medium child care centers seeking affordable, industry-tailored accounting without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 50 children, with tiers up to $199/month for larger centers; annual discounts available.
Kinderlime
specializedSupports family child care providers with digital invoicing, payment collection, and basic financial management.
Automated billing that dynamically adjusts tuition based on actual GPS-tracked attendance and schedules
Kinderlime is a comprehensive child care management platform with integrated accounting features designed specifically for daycare centers and preschools. It automates tuition billing, handles invoicing for part-time schedules, subsidies, and multiple payment methods, while providing financial reports like profit/loss statements and accounts receivable aging. The software ensures billing accuracy by linking directly to daily attendance tracking, reducing manual errors in child care financial management.
Pros
- Seamless integration of attendance data with automated billing for precise invoicing
- Supports complex child care billing scenarios like subsidies, sibling discounts, and prorated tuition
- Real-time financial dashboards and customizable reports for better cash flow management
Cons
- Lacks depth in advanced general ledger accounting compared to dedicated tools like QuickBooks
- Pricing scales quickly with center size, potentially expensive for small operations
- Full customization and setup may require initial support assistance
Best For
Mid-sized child care centers needing an all-in-one platform where accounting is tightly integrated with daily operations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$100/month for small centers, plus per-child fees; scales with locations and enrollment.
Tadpoles
specializedFacilitates childcare attendance tracking, simple billing, and payment reminders for home-based providers.
Real-time billing automation directly synced with attendance tracking for accurate, effort-free invoicing.
Tadpoles is a childcare management platform with integrated accounting tools designed for preschools and daycare centers, focusing on attendance-based billing and payment processing. It automates invoicing by linking daily attendance to tuition charges, handles online payments via parent portals, and tracks family balances. While it streamlines basic financial operations within childcare workflows, it lacks the depth of dedicated accounting software for complex reporting or integrations.
Pros
- Seamless attendance-to-billing automation reduces manual errors
- User-friendly parent app for quick payments and balance checks
- Mobile access for staff to manage finances on the go
Cons
- Limited advanced financial reporting and analytics
- No native integrations with major accounting tools like QuickBooks
- Scalability issues for very large centers with complex accounting needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized childcare providers seeking simple, integrated billing tied to daily operations without needing full accounting software.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for up to 50 children, plus $1.50 per additional child/month; payment processing fees apply (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).
Conclusion
The reviewed childcare accounting software tools vary in focus, but Procare Software stands tall as the top choice, offering a comprehensive suite of accounting, billing, payroll, and reporting features tailored for child care centers. Brightwheel and Jackrabbit Class follow closely; Brightwheel impresses with its user-friendly mobile-first design for billing and insights, while Jackrabbit Class excels in integrating scheduling, attendance, and invoicing, making them strong options for different operational needs.
Take the first step toward efficient childcare management by trying Procare Software today—its specialized tools can transform how you handle finances, saving time and ensuring accuracy for your center.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison