Quick Overview
- 1#1: Brightwheel - All-in-one child care management app for attendance tracking, billing, parent communication, and daily reporting.
- 2#2: Procare - Robust childcare software handling enrollment, tuition billing, attendance, and compliance reporting.
- 3#3: Jackrabbit Class - Class management software for child care programs with scheduling, payments, and online registration.
- 4#4: Lillio - Child care platform focused on child observations, portfolios, attendance, and family engagement.
- 5#5: Tadpoles - Early education management tool for daily sheets, photos, parent updates, and attendance.
- 6#6: Daycare Boss - User-friendly daycare software for scheduling, invoicing, child tracking, and parent portals.
- 7#7: BrightDay - Cloud-based child care solution for billing, attendance, staff management, and parent communication.
- 8#8: Famly - Child care app for nurseries with attendance, payments, messaging, and learning journals.
- 9#9: Storypark - Early learning platform for documentation, parent insights, and child development tracking.
- 10#10: EZCare - Affordable childcare management software for billing, attendance, and staff scheduling.
These tools were selected and ranked based on comprehensive feature sets (covering attendance, billing, communication, and more), user experience, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse operational requirements of day care providers.
Comparison Table
This comparison table showcases top daycare management software tools like Brightwheel, Procare, Jackrabbit Class, Lillio, Tadpoles, and more, helping readers understand their key features, usability, and suitability for different center needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brightwheel All-in-one child care management app for attendance tracking, billing, parent communication, and daily reporting. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Procare Robust childcare software handling enrollment, tuition billing, attendance, and compliance reporting. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Jackrabbit Class Class management software for child care programs with scheduling, payments, and online registration. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 4 | Lillio Child care platform focused on child observations, portfolios, attendance, and family engagement. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Tadpoles Early education management tool for daily sheets, photos, parent updates, and attendance. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Daycare Boss User-friendly daycare software for scheduling, invoicing, child tracking, and parent portals. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | BrightDay Cloud-based child care solution for billing, attendance, staff management, and parent communication. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Famly Child care app for nurseries with attendance, payments, messaging, and learning journals. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Storypark Early learning platform for documentation, parent insights, and child development tracking. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | EZCare Affordable childcare management software for billing, attendance, and staff scheduling. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
All-in-one child care management app for attendance tracking, billing, parent communication, and daily reporting.
Robust childcare software handling enrollment, tuition billing, attendance, and compliance reporting.
Class management software for child care programs with scheduling, payments, and online registration.
Child care platform focused on child observations, portfolios, attendance, and family engagement.
Early education management tool for daily sheets, photos, parent updates, and attendance.
User-friendly daycare software for scheduling, invoicing, child tracking, and parent portals.
Cloud-based child care solution for billing, attendance, staff management, and parent communication.
Child care app for nurseries with attendance, payments, messaging, and learning journals.
Early learning platform for documentation, parent insights, and child development tracking.
Affordable childcare management software for billing, attendance, and staff scheduling.
Brightwheel
specializedAll-in-one child care management app for attendance tracking, billing, parent communication, and daily reporting.
Seamless real-time parent app with photo/video sharing and instant notifications
Brightwheel is a comprehensive all-in-one childcare management platform tailored for daycare centers, preschools, and after-school programs. It handles essential operations like attendance tracking, automated billing and payments, staff scheduling, and child check-in/out with secure PIN or biometric options. Additionally, it fosters strong parent engagement through real-time updates, photo/video sharing, messaging, and developmental progress reports, while supporting curriculum planning and assessments.
Pros
- Robust parent communication tools with daily reports, photos, and messaging
- Streamlined billing and attendance tracking that saves administrative time
- Intuitive mobile apps for parents, teachers, and admins
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers needed for advanced features like custom reports
- Initial setup and data migration can take time for larger centers
- Limited customization options in lower plans
Best For
Medium to large daycare centers and preschools prioritizing parent engagement and operational efficiency.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $10/child/month (Essential), up to $25+/child/month (Pro), with annual discounts and no setup fees.
Procare
specializedRobust childcare software handling enrollment, tuition billing, attendance, and compliance reporting.
Integrated 'One Child, One Day' billing system that ensures precise daily tuition tracking and automated payments
Procare is a robust childcare management software tailored for daycare centers, preschools, and before/after-school programs, handling everything from child enrollment and daily attendance to tuition billing and staff scheduling. It features a parent portal for real-time updates on check-ins, payments, and child progress, along with comprehensive reporting for compliance and operations. With over 35,000 locations using it, Procare emphasizes financial accuracy through its 'One Child, One Day' tracking system.
Pros
- Comprehensive billing and payment processing with built-in accounting
- Strong parent communication via mobile app and portal
- Extensive reporting and compliance tools for state regulations
Cons
- Steep initial setup and learning curve
- Pricing can be high for very small centers
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Medium to large daycare centers and preschools needing advanced financial management and regulatory compliance tools.
Pricing
Tiered pricing starts at ~$1.25 per child/month (minimum $139/month for up to 50 children), with add-ons for payments and extras.
Jackrabbit Class
specializedClass management software for child care programs with scheduling, payments, and online registration.
Advanced online registration portal that handles waitlists, multi-location scheduling, and real-time availability
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based management platform primarily designed for class-based youth programs like gymnastics, dance, and enrichment activities, making it adaptable but not ideal for traditional day care centers. It excels in online registration, class scheduling, attendance tracking, automated billing, and parent communication via a dedicated portal. While it handles structured programs well, it lacks specialized tools for full-day childcare needs like shift scheduling, daily reports, or meal tracking.
Pros
- Powerful online registration and enrollment system
- Automated billing and payment processing with QuickBooks integration
- Mobile app for attendance and parent check-ins
Cons
- Limited support for full-day care workflows like naptime or meal logs
- Pricing scales quickly with student numbers, less ideal for small centers
- Initial setup and customization can be time-intensive
Best For
Day care centers emphasizing structured classes, enrichment programs, or after-school activities over traditional full-day infant/toddler care.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month base fee plus $3-5 per active student/month; custom quotes for larger programs.
Lillio
specializedChild care platform focused on child observations, portfolios, attendance, and family engagement.
Digital child portfolios that compile photos, videos, and observations into shareable developmental records
Lillio is a comprehensive childcare management software tailored for daycare centers, preschools, and early learning programs. It streamlines daily operations including child attendance tracking, staff scheduling, billing, and compliance reporting. The platform excels in parent engagement through daily updates, photo/video sharing, and digital developmental portfolios that document each child's progress.
Pros
- Robust parent communication with daily reports and portfolios
- Intuitive mobile app for on-the-go access
- Strong tools for attendance, billing, and compliance
Cons
- Pricing can escalate for larger centers or advanced features
- Limited third-party integrations
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers prioritizing parent engagement and daily child documentation.
Pricing
Tiered plans starting at $12/child/month for basics, up to $25+/child/month for premium features; custom quotes for larger programs.
Tadpoles
specializedEarly education management tool for daily sheets, photos, parent updates, and attendance.
Automated, customizable daily reports with photos and videos shared instantly via parent app
Tadpoles is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for daycare centers and preschools, focusing on streamlining daily operations like attendance tracking, billing, and staff scheduling. It emphasizes parent-teacher communication through a user-friendly app that delivers personalized daily reports with photos, videos, meals, naps, and activity updates. The platform also supports lesson planning, child assessments, and basic invoicing to help centers manage routines efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile apps for parents and staff
- Strong focus on daily reports and parent engagement
- Simple setup for attendance and basic billing
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting
- Pricing scales quickly for larger centers
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycares prioritizing easy parent communication and daily updates over complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for up to 50 children, with per-child pricing around $5-8/month thereafter; custom quotes for larger programs.
Daycare Boss
specializedUser-friendly daycare software for scheduling, invoicing, child tracking, and parent portals.
Seamless parent portal with real-time notifications for attendance, photos, and billing updates
Daycare Boss is a cloud-based management software tailored for daycare centers and preschools, handling child enrollment, daily attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and automated billing. It includes a parent portal for real-time updates on attendance, meals, and payments, along with tools for generating reports and managing compliance. The platform emphasizes ease of use with mobile apps for parents and staff to streamline communication and operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive billing and invoicing with online payments
- Intuitive parent and staff mobile apps
- Strong attendance and check-in/out tracking
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Customization options are somewhat basic
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers seeking an affordable, all-in-one solution for daily operations and parent communication.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 children, with per-child pricing tiers scaling up (e.g., $4.95/child/month for larger centers); free trial available.
BrightDay
specializedCloud-based child care solution for billing, attendance, staff management, and parent communication.
Dedicated parent portal app with photo sharing and daily reports
BrightDay is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for daycare centers and preschools, offering tools for daily attendance tracking, automated billing, and staff scheduling. It includes a mobile parent app for real-time updates on child activities, check-ins, and payments, along with compliance reporting features. The platform emphasizes seamless communication between staff, parents, and administrators to enhance operational efficiency.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for parents with real-time notifications
- Comprehensive billing and invoicing automation
- Strong focus on attendance and check-in/out management
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to top competitors
- Fewer third-party integrations available
- Pricing can add up for larger centers with multiple locations
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers seeking user-friendly tools for parent communication and basic administrative tasks.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 children, with tiered plans up to $299/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
Famly
specializedChild care app for nurseries with attendance, payments, messaging, and learning journals.
The parent app enabling instant photo/video sharing, daily reports, and self-service check-in/out
Famly is an all-in-one childcare management platform tailored for nurseries, preschools, and daycare centers, offering tools for attendance tracking, staff rostering, billing, and child observations. It features a dedicated mobile app for parents to view real-time updates, share moments, and handle check-ins/check-outs securely. The software emphasizes compliance with childcare regulations, particularly in Europe, and streamlines administrative tasks to free up time for caregivers.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for parents and staff with real-time communication
- Comprehensive attendance and billing integration
- Strong focus on child development tracking and learning journals
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger centers
- Limited advanced reporting without add-ons
- Primarily optimized for European markets with some US adaptation challenges
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers and nurseries prioritizing parent engagement and daily operations in Europe.
Pricing
Subscription starts at around €99/month for small settings (up to 50 children), with per-child fees and tiered plans up to enterprise levels.
Storypark
specializedEarly learning platform for documentation, parent insights, and child development tracking.
Interactive digital learning stories where parents can contribute photos, comments, and extensions to their child's developmental portfolio
Storypark is a child documentation and communication platform tailored for early childhood education providers, enabling educators to create digital portfolios with photos, videos, observations, and learning stories shared securely with parents. It supports curriculum planning, attendance tracking, and compliance reporting aligned with frameworks like EYLF and NQS. While it excels in pedagogical tools and family engagement, it offers limited administrative features like billing or staff rostering compared to full-spectrum day care management software.
Pros
- Superior parent engagement through real-time updates and two-way communication
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for quick documentation on the go
- Strong compliance and reporting tools for educational standards
Cons
- No built-in billing, invoicing, or financial management
- Limited staff scheduling, payroll, or advanced rostering capabilities
- Per-child pricing can become expensive for larger centers
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycares and preschools focused on child learning documentation and family involvement rather than comprehensive admin automation.
Pricing
Starts at ~$6-9 AUD per child per month (volume discounts apply); custom pricing for larger services or enterprise features.
EZCare
specializedAffordable childcare management software for billing, attendance, and staff scheduling.
Integrated family billing that automatically handles discounts and payments for siblings in the same household
EZCare is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for daycares, preschools, and after-school programs, offering tools for enrollment, attendance tracking, billing, and scheduling. It includes a parent portal for real-time updates, staff management features, and basic reporting to simplify daily operations. The platform emphasizes ease of use for small to medium-sized centers, with mobile apps for parents and staff.
Pros
- Intuitive interface suitable for users with minimal tech experience
- Affordable pricing with scalable plans
- Effective parent communication via portal and app
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics capabilities
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools compared to competitors
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Small to medium daycares and home-based providers needing straightforward, budget-friendly management without complex features.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 50 children, with tiered plans scaling to $199+/month based on enrollment size and features.
Conclusion
The reviewed day care management software options offer diverse solutions, but Brightwheel stands out as the top choice, excelling in all-in-one functionality. While Procare and Jackrabbit Class shine in specific areas like compliance and registration, respectively, Brightwheel's robust features make it a top pick for most. Each tool enhances operations, and the right choice ultimately depends on individual needs, though Brightwheel leads the pack.
Don't miss out on optimizing your day care operations—try Brightwheel today to leverage its comprehensive tools and elevate parent communication, attendance tracking, and billing.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison