Quick Overview
- 1#1: Brightwheel - Brightwheel is a mobile-first childcare management platform that enables seamless daily attendance tracking with touchless check-ins, real-time parent notifications, and integration with billing.
- 2#2: Procare Software - Procare provides comprehensive childcare management with advanced kiosk-based and app-driven attendance tracking, family billing, and compliance reporting.
- 3#3: Lillio - Lillio offers an all-in-one childcare solution with real-time attendance logging, automated parent alerts, and easy check-in/out via mobile or web.
- 4#4: HiMama - HiMama is a documentation and communication app for early childhood centers featuring touchless attendance sign-ins and daily activity updates for parents.
- 5#5: Jackrabbit Care - Jackrabbit Care delivers cloud-based daycare management with automated attendance tracking, online payments, and parent portal access.
- 6#6: Tadpoles - Tadpoles simplifies childcare attendance with secure digital sign-in/out sheets, instant parent notifications, and daily report sharing.
- 7#7: Daily Connect - Daily Connect is a parent engagement app that tracks attendance in real-time, shares updates, and manages schedules for childcare providers.
- 8#8: Famly - Famly provides an all-in-one childcare platform with easy attendance check-ins, financial tools, and communication features for nurseries and daycares.
- 9#9: Storypark - Storypark supports early learning programs with attendance management, digital portfolios, and parent-teacher communication tools.
- 10#10: EZChildTrack - EZChildTrack is an affordable childcare software solution offering attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and basic parent portal features.
Tools were selected based on core features like attendance tracking accuracy, user-friendliness, integration capabilities, and value, ensuring they balance practical functionality with affordability to serve modern childcare operations.
Comparison Table
For childcare providers aiming to streamline attendance and center management, this comparison table details leading software tools like Brightwheel, Procare Software, Lillio, HiMama, Jackrabbit Care, and more. It helps readers evaluate key features, pricing models, and integration strengths to find the right solution for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brightwheel Brightwheel is a mobile-first childcare management platform that enables seamless daily attendance tracking with touchless check-ins, real-time parent notifications, and integration with billing. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Procare Software Procare provides comprehensive childcare management with advanced kiosk-based and app-driven attendance tracking, family billing, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Lillio Lillio offers an all-in-one childcare solution with real-time attendance logging, automated parent alerts, and easy check-in/out via mobile or web. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | HiMama HiMama is a documentation and communication app for early childhood centers featuring touchless attendance sign-ins and daily activity updates for parents. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Jackrabbit Care Jackrabbit Care delivers cloud-based daycare management with automated attendance tracking, online payments, and parent portal access. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Tadpoles Tadpoles simplifies childcare attendance with secure digital sign-in/out sheets, instant parent notifications, and daily report sharing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Daily Connect Daily Connect is a parent engagement app that tracks attendance in real-time, shares updates, and manages schedules for childcare providers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Famly Famly provides an all-in-one childcare platform with easy attendance check-ins, financial tools, and communication features for nurseries and daycares. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Storypark Storypark supports early learning programs with attendance management, digital portfolios, and parent-teacher communication tools. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 10 | EZChildTrack EZChildTrack is an affordable childcare software solution offering attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and basic parent portal features. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
Brightwheel is a mobile-first childcare management platform that enables seamless daily attendance tracking with touchless check-ins, real-time parent notifications, and integration with billing.
Procare provides comprehensive childcare management with advanced kiosk-based and app-driven attendance tracking, family billing, and compliance reporting.
Lillio offers an all-in-one childcare solution with real-time attendance logging, automated parent alerts, and easy check-in/out via mobile or web.
HiMama is a documentation and communication app for early childhood centers featuring touchless attendance sign-ins and daily activity updates for parents.
Jackrabbit Care delivers cloud-based daycare management with automated attendance tracking, online payments, and parent portal access.
Tadpoles simplifies childcare attendance with secure digital sign-in/out sheets, instant parent notifications, and daily report sharing.
Daily Connect is a parent engagement app that tracks attendance in real-time, shares updates, and manages schedules for childcare providers.
Famly provides an all-in-one childcare platform with easy attendance check-ins, financial tools, and communication features for nurseries and daycares.
Storypark supports early learning programs with attendance management, digital portfolios, and parent-teacher communication tools.
EZChildTrack is an affordable childcare software solution offering attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and basic parent portal features.
Brightwheel
specializedBrightwheel is a mobile-first childcare management platform that enables seamless daily attendance tracking with touchless check-ins, real-time parent notifications, and integration with billing.
Contactless check-in with facial recognition and badge scanning for fast, secure attendance tracking
Brightwheel is a comprehensive child care management platform that excels in daycare attendance tracking, offering seamless check-in/check-out via PIN, QR codes, facial recognition, and NFC badges. It provides real-time attendance reports, automated daily sheets, and parent notifications to ensure accurate headcounts and compliance. Beyond attendance, it integrates billing, parent communication, and lesson planning, making it a top all-in-one solution for daycares and preschools.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile check-in with multiple contactless options like facial recognition and QR codes
- Real-time attendance dashboards and automated parent alerts for arrivals/departures
- Seamless integration with billing, payments, and compliance reporting
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for larger centers with many children
- Full feature set requires higher-tier plans
- Occasional sync delays reported in high-volume usage
Best For
Daycare centers and preschools of all sizes seeking a robust, parent-friendly attendance system integrated with full child care management.
Pricing
Free Core plan for up to 30 children; Essentials ($99+/month), Plus, and Premium plans scale by child count starting at ~$8-12/child/month.
Procare Software
enterpriseProcare provides comprehensive childcare management with advanced kiosk-based and app-driven attendance tracking, family billing, and compliance reporting.
Touchless kiosk check-in with QR codes and parental notifications for secure, efficient attendance management
Procare Software is a robust childcare management platform with advanced attendance tracking tailored for daycares and preschools. It provides real-time check-in/check-out via kiosks, mobile apps, and web portals, generating accurate daily attendance reports and sign-in sheets. The system integrates seamlessly with billing, family management, and compliance tools, making it ideal for operational efficiency in childcare settings.
Pros
- Comprehensive real-time attendance tracking with kiosk and mobile support
- Seamless integration with billing and parent portals
- Strong compliance reporting for licensing and audits
Cons
- Higher pricing suitable for larger centers only
- Initial setup and training require time investment
- Can feel overwhelming for users needing only basic attendance
Best For
Medium to large daycare centers seeking an all-in-one solution with integrated attendance and management features.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on children count and modules; starts around $129/month for core features, with per-child fees and setup costs.
Lillio
specializedLillio offers an all-in-one childcare solution with real-time attendance logging, automated parent alerts, and easy check-in/out via mobile or web.
Touchless check-in with QR codes, NFC badges, and facial recognition for secure, efficient attendance tracking.
Lillio is an all-in-one childcare management platform designed specifically for daycares and preschools, with robust attendance tracking at its core. It enables real-time check-in/out via mobile apps, QR codes, PINs, or touchless options, providing instant visibility into student attendance and classroom ratios. The software also integrates daily reports, photo/video sharing, parent messaging, and billing to streamline daycare operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive attendance tools including touchless check-in and real-time dashboards
- Strong parent engagement via app with daily sheets and notifications
- Seamless integration with billing and compliance reporting
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for smaller centers
- Initial setup and staff training require time
- Occasional reports of app sync delays
Best For
Medium-sized daycares seeking an integrated platform for attendance, parent communication, and operations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$12/child/month, with tiers based on features and center size; free trial available.
HiMama
specializedHiMama is a documentation and communication app for early childhood centers featuring touchless attendance sign-ins and daily activity updates for parents.
Real-time attendance sharing and notifications directly to parents' mobile app
HiMama is a comprehensive child care management platform designed for daycares and preschools, with robust attendance tracking as a core feature enabling quick sign-in/out via mobile app, PIN codes, or kiosks. It provides real-time attendance updates, automated parent notifications, and detailed reports for compliance and insights. Beyond basic tracking, it integrates daily activity logs, photos, and parent communication to streamline daycare operations.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile check-in with real-time parent alerts
- Comprehensive reporting for attendance and compliance
- Strong integration with parent engagement tools
Cons
- Pricing scales with number of children, costly for small centers
- Full feature set has a moderate learning curve
- Overkill for centers needing only basic attendance tracking
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycares seeking an all-in-one platform with advanced parent communication and attendance features.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$10-15 per child per month, with a free trial and tiered plans based on center size.
Jackrabbit Care
specializedJackrabbit Care delivers cloud-based daycare management with automated attendance tracking, online payments, and parent portal access.
Touchless QR code check-in system that enables fast, secure attendance logging without physical contact
Jackrabbit Care is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for daycare centers, preschools, and after-school programs, with strong emphasis on attendance tracking via mobile check-in/out. It provides real-time attendance updates, family portals for parents to view schedules and rosters, and integrates with billing and payments for seamless operations. The platform also offers staff scheduling, reporting, and online registration to help centers manage daily attendance efficiently.
Pros
- Robust mobile attendance tracking with QR code and PIN check-in for quick daily logs
- Real-time parent notifications and family portal for enhanced communication
- Integrated billing and reporting tools that tie directly to attendance data
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger centers, potentially reducing value for high-volume users
- Some advanced customization options are limited compared to top competitors
- Mobile app can experience occasional sync delays during peak hours
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers seeking reliable attendance tracking combined with parent engagement and basic administrative tools.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for up to 50 students, with tiered plans scaling by enrollment size and additional fees for premium features or multiple locations.
Tadpoles
specializedTadpoles simplifies childcare attendance with secure digital sign-in/out sheets, instant parent notifications, and daily report sharing.
Automated daily reports delivered instantly to parents' phones with attendance, activities, and photos
Tadpoles is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for daycare centers and preschools, with robust attendance tracking via mobile check-in/out using PINs or apps. It provides real-time updates to parents on attendance, meals, naps, and activities through a dedicated parent app. The platform also includes daily reports, photo/video sharing, and basic administrative tools for rosters and billing integration.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick attendance check-in/out with real-time parent notifications
- Strong parent communication tools including daily sheets and media sharing
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small centers
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer integrations with third-party payment or accounting systems
- Customization options for attendance workflows are basic
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers and preschools seeking an easy-to-use, all-in-one tool for attendance and parent engagement.
Pricing
Free basic plan for up to 10 children; Pro plan at $5 per child/month (minimum 10 children); Enterprise custom pricing.
Daily Connect
specializedDaily Connect is a parent engagement app that tracks attendance in real-time, shares updates, and manages schedules for childcare providers.
Touchless check-in/out with facial recognition and QR codes for fast, secure attendance tracking
Daily Connect is a cloud-based child care management software designed primarily for daycares and preschools, with robust attendance tracking at its core through touchless check-in/out via PIN, QR codes, or biometrics. It provides real-time visibility into student attendance, tardy alerts, and daily reports, while integrating parent communication tools like messaging, photo sharing, and event updates. Beyond attendance, it supports billing, staff scheduling, and compliance reporting to manage full daycare operations efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick check-in/out and real-time attendance updates
- Strong parent engagement features including notifications and daily reports
- Scalable for small to mid-sized centers with integrated billing and scheduling
Cons
- Pricing scales per child, which can become expensive for larger facilities
- Advanced reporting and customizations require higher-tier plans or add-ons
- Occasional glitches in app reported during peak hours
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycares seeking a mobile-first solution for attendance tracking and parent communication without needing extensive enterprise-level customization.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 children; $3-5 per additional child/month, with custom enterprise plans available.
Famly
specializedFamly provides an all-in-one childcare platform with easy attendance check-ins, financial tools, and communication features for nurseries and daycares.
Parent app with instant attendance notifications and shared daily journals
Famly is a comprehensive childcare management platform designed for daycares, nurseries, and preschools, with robust attendance tracking at its core via mobile check-in/out and real-time updates. It integrates attendance data with parent communication, daily reports, observations, and billing to streamline operations. The software emphasizes compliance and parent engagement, making it suitable for modern childcare settings focused on transparency and efficiency.
Pros
- Seamless mobile check-in/out with facial recognition options for accurate attendance
- Strong parent app for real-time updates, photos, and communication
- All-in-one tools including billing and child progress tracking
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small daycares
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
- Limited advanced reporting customization
Best For
Medium-sized daycares and nurseries seeking integrated attendance tracking with strong parent engagement features.
Pricing
Custom subscription starting at ~£79/month for up to 50 children, scaling with enrollment size and features.
Storypark
specializedStorypark supports early learning programs with attendance management, digital portfolios, and parent-teacher communication tools.
Seamless linking of attendance records to personalized digital learning stories shared instantly with parents
Storypark is a cloud-based platform for early childhood education centers, offering attendance tracking as part of its broader suite for documenting children's learning journeys and communicating with parents. It enables educators to log daily roll calls, check-ins/check-outs, and generate compliance reports while integrating attendance data with photos, videos, and observations shared in real-time with families. Though not a standalone attendance tool, it supports daycare operations by combining attendance with family engagement features to streamline daily workflows.
Pros
- Integrated attendance with child documentation and parent sharing for holistic insights
- Mobile app for quick check-ins and real-time notifications
- Strong compliance reporting for regulatory needs
Cons
- Overemphasis on documentation features may overwhelm users seeking pure attendance tools
- Pricing scales with child numbers, less ideal for small daycares
- Limited advanced attendance analytics like biometric or RFID integration
Best For
Daycare and preschool centers needing attendance tracking combined with parent communication and learning portfolio tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at ~$5-8 per child/month, with plans scaled by center size and features.
EZChildTrack
otherEZChildTrack is an affordable childcare software solution offering attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and basic parent portal features.
Contactless PIN-based kiosk check-in with instant parent alerts and photo capture
EZChildTrack is a web-based childcare management software designed primarily for daycares and preschools to streamline attendance tracking and daily operations. It offers real-time check-in/out via PIN codes, kiosks, or mobile apps, along with parent notifications and detailed attendance reports. The platform also includes child profiles, billing integration, and staff scheduling to support overall center management.
Pros
- Intuitive real-time attendance tracking with mobile check-in options
- Affordable pricing scaled to center size
- Strong parent communication tools including notifications and portals
Cons
- Limited advanced features like biometric or GPS tracking
- Reporting capabilities are basic compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycares seeking a straightforward, cost-effective attendance solution without complex needs.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for up to 50 children, with tiered plans scaling to $1.50-$2 per child/month for larger centers; free trial available.
Conclusion
The reviewed daycare attendance software all deliver robust solutions for tracking attendance, communicating with families, and managing operations, with Brightwheel leading as the top choice due to its mobile-first design, touchless check-in features, and seamless billing integration—ideal for centers prioritizing convenience and real-time parent engagement. Procare Software and Lillio follow closely, offering versatile options: Procare excels with comprehensive tools for compliance and family billing, while Lillio impresses with its user-friendly mobile/web check-in and automated alerts, catering to diverse operational needs. These top tools collectively showcase the best in the market, ensuring there’s a solution to suit nearly every daycare’s unique requirements.
Don’t miss out on simplifying your center’s workflow—start with Brightwheel to enjoy intuitive, touchless attendance tracking and keep parents connected in real time, enhancing both efficiency and satisfaction.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison