Quick Overview
- 1#1: Brightwheel - All-in-one childcare platform that simplifies enrollment, billing, attendance, and parent communication via mobile app.
- 2#2: Procare - Comprehensive child care management software featuring robust enrollment tracking, family billing, and attendance tools.
- 3#3: Lillio - Cloud-based solution for childcare enrollment, daily reporting, curriculum planning, and parent engagement.
- 4#4: Kinderlime - Modern preschool management software with online enrollment, tuition collection, and child progress tracking.
- 5#5: Jackrabbit Class - Class and childcare management system supporting online enrollment, scheduling, and payment processing.
- 6#6: Sandbox Software - Child care software designed for enrollment management, staff scheduling, and family billing automation.
- 7#7: BrightDay - Integrated childcare tool for handling enrollments, invoicing, attendance, and compliance reporting.
- 8#8: Tadpoles - Early education app facilitating enrollment, daily updates, photos, and parent-teacher communication.
- 9#9: MomentPath - Digital portfolio platform for childcare with enrollment features, observations, and family sharing.
- 10#10: ChildPlus - Enterprise software for Head Start programs focusing on enrollment, eligibility, and family case management.
Tools were rigorously evaluated based on feature richness, usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring the recommendations prioritize functionality and the ability to optimize enrollment and management processes.
Comparison Table
Navigating childcare enrollment software? This comparison table outlines top tools—such as Brightwheel, Procare, Lillio, Kinderlime, and Jackrabbit Class—to help you find the best match. Learn about key features, user experience, and operational integrations to streamline processes and enhance family engagement.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brightwheel All-in-one childcare platform that simplifies enrollment, billing, attendance, and parent communication via mobile app. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Procare Comprehensive child care management software featuring robust enrollment tracking, family billing, and attendance tools. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lillio Cloud-based solution for childcare enrollment, daily reporting, curriculum planning, and parent engagement. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Kinderlime Modern preschool management software with online enrollment, tuition collection, and child progress tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Jackrabbit Class Class and childcare management system supporting online enrollment, scheduling, and payment processing. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Sandbox Software Child care software designed for enrollment management, staff scheduling, and family billing automation. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | BrightDay Integrated childcare tool for handling enrollments, invoicing, attendance, and compliance reporting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Tadpoles Early education app facilitating enrollment, daily updates, photos, and parent-teacher communication. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | MomentPath Digital portfolio platform for childcare with enrollment features, observations, and family sharing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | ChildPlus Enterprise software for Head Start programs focusing on enrollment, eligibility, and family case management. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
All-in-one childcare platform that simplifies enrollment, billing, attendance, and parent communication via mobile app.
Comprehensive child care management software featuring robust enrollment tracking, family billing, and attendance tools.
Cloud-based solution for childcare enrollment, daily reporting, curriculum planning, and parent engagement.
Modern preschool management software with online enrollment, tuition collection, and child progress tracking.
Class and childcare management system supporting online enrollment, scheduling, and payment processing.
Child care software designed for enrollment management, staff scheduling, and family billing automation.
Integrated childcare tool for handling enrollments, invoicing, attendance, and compliance reporting.
Early education app facilitating enrollment, daily updates, photos, and parent-teacher communication.
Digital portfolio platform for childcare with enrollment features, observations, and family sharing.
Enterprise software for Head Start programs focusing on enrollment, eligibility, and family case management.
Brightwheel
specializedAll-in-one childcare platform that simplifies enrollment, billing, attendance, and parent communication via mobile app.
Integrated online enrollment portal with automated waitlists and e-signatures for quick, paperless parent onboarding
Brightwheel is a comprehensive childcare management platform that excels in enrollment by offering customizable online forms, waitlist management, and seamless parent onboarding. It integrates enrollment with attendance tracking, billing, daily reports, and secure parent communication via a mobile app. Providers can manage child profiles, payments, and compliance in one intuitive system, making it ideal for streamlining administrative tasks in daycare and preschool settings.
Pros
- All-in-one solution covering enrollment, billing, and parent engagement
- Intuitive mobile app for teachers and parents with real-time updates
- Automated payments and waitlist management save significant admin time
Cons
- Higher tiers required for advanced reporting and unlimited storage
- Pricing scales per child, which can add up for large centers
- Occasional glitches in photo uploads during peak usage
Best For
Small to medium-sized childcare centers and preschools seeking a user-friendly, mobile-first platform for enrollment and daily operations.
Pricing
Essential: Free for up to 30 children; Plus: $13.50/child/month (annual); Premium: Custom pricing for enterprises.
Procare
enterpriseComprehensive child care management software featuring robust enrollment tracking, family billing, and attendance tools.
Procare One's real-time cloud dashboard with automated enrollment workflows and two-way parent-staff messaging
Procare Software is a robust, childcare-specific management platform that streamlines enrollment, attendance tracking, billing, and family management for centers, preschools, and after-school programs. It provides tools for staff scheduling, compliance reporting, and parent communication via a dedicated portal. With over 35,000 users, Procare offers both cloud-based (Procare One) and on-premise solutions, integrating seamlessly with payment processors and accounting software.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite tailored for childcare enrollment, billing, and attendance
- Powerful reporting and analytics for compliance and business insights
- Mobile apps and parent portal enhance family engagement and real-time updates
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for small centers
- Initial setup and training require time investment
- Interface feels dated in some areas despite cloud updates
Best For
Medium to large childcare centers and multi-location providers seeking a full-featured enrollment and management solution.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $137/month for basic cloud plans, scaling with child count (typically $1-2/child/month) and features; custom quotes for enterprises.
Lillio
specializedCloud-based solution for childcare enrollment, daily reporting, curriculum planning, and parent engagement.
Automated online enrollment funnel with built-in e-signatures, document collection, and seamless transition to child records and billing.
Lillio is an all-in-one childcare management software that specializes in streamlining enrollment processes, daily operations, and parent-teacher communication for childcare centers and preschools. It provides online enrollment forms with e-signatures, automated waitlists, child profiles, attendance tracking, and integrated billing. Additionally, the platform offers a mobile app for parents to view updates, pay invoices, and communicate, while supporting staff scheduling and compliance reporting.
Pros
- Comprehensive enrollment tools with online forms, e-signatures, and waitlist management
- Strong parent portal and mobile app for real-time communication and payments
- Integrated billing, attendance, and compliance features tailored for childcare
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for larger centers
- Limited advanced customization without add-ons
- Occasional reports of mobile app glitches during peak usage
Best For
Small to medium-sized childcare centers seeking an intuitive, all-in-one platform for enrollment and family engagement.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for up to 50 children, with tiered plans up to $399+/month for larger programs; custom quotes available and 14-day free trial.
Kinderlime
specializedModern preschool management software with online enrollment, tuition collection, and child progress tracking.
Automated waitlist and enrollment funnel that qualifies leads and fills spots efficiently with minimal admin effort
Kinderlime is a comprehensive childcare management platform that specializes in streamlining enrollment processes, including online forms, waitlists, and family registrations for childcare centers and preschools. It integrates billing, attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and parent communication into a single system, helping administrators manage operations efficiently. The software also provides robust reporting and compliance tools to support regulatory requirements in the childcare industry.
Pros
- Seamless online enrollment and automated waitlist management
- Integrated billing and payment processing with QuickBooks sync
- Strong parent portal for real-time updates and communication
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small centers
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited advanced customization options compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized childcare centers and preschools seeking an all-in-one solution for enrollment, billing, and daily operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at $125/month for small centers, scaling based on number of children and locations (typically $2-5 per child/month).
Jackrabbit Class
specializedClass and childcare management system supporting online enrollment, scheduling, and payment processing.
Dynamic class scheduling with level-based progression and automatic waitlist management
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based management software designed for class-based businesses, including childcare centers, dance studios, and enrichment programs. It streamlines enrollment through online registration, handles class scheduling, attendance tracking, automated billing, and family communications. The platform provides robust reporting tools and a parent portal to enhance operational efficiency and parent engagement.
Pros
- Comprehensive online enrollment with waitlists and multi-session sign-ups
- Integrated payment processing and automated invoicing
- Strong reporting and attendance tracking via mobile app
Cons
- Pricing scales with student volume, costly for small centers
- Initial setup and customization require time
- Limited advanced integrations compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Medium-sized childcare centers and class-based programs seeking all-in-one enrollment and management capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $100+ per month base fee plus $5-8 per active student; custom quotes required.
Sandbox Software
specializedChild care software designed for enrollment management, staff scheduling, and family billing automation.
Per-family billing model that aligns costs directly with enrollment growth, eliminating per-user or per-child fees
Sandbox Software is a cloud-based childcare management platform designed to streamline enrollment, billing, attendance tracking, and family communication for childcare centers and preschools. It features an intuitive online enrollment portal that allows parents to complete registrations, submit paperwork, and make payments seamlessly from any device. The software also provides tools for staff scheduling, compliance reporting, and parent engagement through a dedicated mobile app, helping providers manage daily operations efficiently.
Pros
- User-friendly online enrollment process with e-signatures and payments
- Strong parent portal and mobile app for real-time communication and updates
- Flexible per-family pricing model that scales with enrollment size
Cons
- Limited integrations with third-party accounting or payroll systems
- Reporting features lack advanced customization for larger centers
- Customer support response times can vary during peak seasons
Best For
Small to medium-sized childcare centers seeking an affordable, all-in-one solution focused on enrollment and parent engagement.
Pricing
Per-family pricing starting at $4.50 per active family per month (minimum $99/month), with no setup fees and scalable tiers up to enterprise levels.
BrightDay
specializedIntegrated childcare tool for handling enrollments, invoicing, attendance, and compliance reporting.
Automated waitlist management with real-time notifications and priority ranking
BrightDay is a cloud-based childcare management software that simplifies enrollment, billing, attendance tracking, and parent communication for daycare centers and preschools. It offers an intuitive online parent portal for submitting applications, paying tuition, and signing digital forms, reducing administrative paperwork. The platform also includes staff scheduling, compliance reporting, and mobile apps for real-time updates, making it suitable for modern childcare operations.
Pros
- User-friendly parent portal for seamless online enrollment and payments
- Strong mobile app support for parents and staff
- Integrated billing and automated reminders reduce errors
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for reporting and workflows
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location centers
- Occasional integration glitches with third-party tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized childcare centers seeking straightforward enrollment tools without complex setup.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for up to 50 children; scales to $299+/month for larger programs with custom enterprise quotes.
Tadpoles
specializedEarly education app facilitating enrollment, daily updates, photos, and parent-teacher communication.
Automated daily digital sheets with photos, videos, and milestone tracking shared instantly with parents
Tadpoles is a cloud-based childcare management software focused on streamlining enrollment, daily attendance tracking, parent communication, and billing for daycare centers and preschools. It offers online enrollment forms, waitlists, automated tuition payments, and real-time updates via a parent app. The platform emphasizes daily digital sheets with photos, videos, and reports to enhance parent engagement while reducing paperwork.
Pros
- Intuitive online enrollment and waitlist management
- Strong parent communication tools including daily reports and messaging
- Affordable per-child pricing with integrated billing
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer third-party integrations (e.g., accounting software)
- Customization options for forms and workflows are somewhat basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized childcare centers seeking simple, mobile-friendly enrollment and daily management tools without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $4 per child per month (billed annually), with tiers up to $7 per child for advanced features; free trial available.
MomentPath
specializedDigital portfolio platform for childcare with enrollment features, observations, and family sharing.
SmartPaths for individualized child development tracking linked directly to enrollment and progress reports
MomentPath is an all-in-one childcare management software designed to streamline enrollment, attendance tracking, billing, and parent communications for childcare centers and preschools. It features customizable online enrollment forms, automated waitlists, secure payment processing, and a parent portal for real-time updates. The platform also supports staff scheduling, lesson planning, and compliance reporting, helping providers manage operations efficiently from a single dashboard.
Pros
- Intuitive online enrollment with customizable forms and e-signatures
- Robust parent and staff mobile apps for seamless communication
- Integrated billing and attendance tracking that reduces administrative time
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger centers, potentially becoming expensive
- Limited advanced customization options compared to enterprise competitors
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Small to mid-sized childcare centers and family daycares needing a user-friendly platform for enrollment and daily operations.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 children, with tiered plans scaling by enrollment size (typically $3-5 per child/month); custom enterprise pricing available.
ChildPlus
enterpriseEnterprise software for Head Start programs focusing on enrollment, eligibility, and family case management.
Automated Program Information Report (PIR) generation for seamless federal compliance
ChildPlus is a robust child care management software tailored for Head Start, Early Head Start, and large child care centers, focusing on enrollment, family data management, attendance tracking, and compliance reporting. It automates administrative tasks like billing, health screenings, and program performance standards to ensure regulatory adherence. The platform includes a family portal for parent engagement and supports CACFP meal tracking.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance tools for Head Start Performance Standards and PIR reporting
- Integrated attendance, billing, and family management modules
- Secure online family portal for document sharing and updates
Cons
- Dated user interface with a steep learning curve
- Lengthy implementation and customization process
- Higher pricing less suitable for small child care centers
Best For
Large Head Start programs and child care centers needing advanced regulatory compliance and reporting features.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on program size, typically $5-12 per child per month with modular add-ons.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 childcare enrollment tools reveals Brightwheel as the standout choice, combining seamless all-in-one functionality for enrollment, billing, and parent communication. Procare and Lillio follow closely—with strong management features and daily operations focus, respectively—offering excellent alternatives depending on specific needs. Regardless of tool, the group streamlines processes, highlighting the importance of choosing one that aligns with unique childcare goals.
Don’t miss out on simplifying your childcare workflow—explore Brightwheel today to experience its intuitive platform and how it can elevate your enrollment and management efficiency
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison