Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procare - Offers comprehensive childcare management with integrated billing, invoicing, payments, and accounting features tailored for daycares.
- 2#2: Brightwheel - Delivers mobile-first childcare software with seamless billing, parent payments, attendance tracking, and automated invoicing.
- 3#3: Lillio - Provides all-in-one childcare platform featuring automated billing, online payments, and child attendance management.
- 4#4: Famly - Streamlines daycare operations with robust billing tools, parent communication, and financial reporting capabilities.
- 5#5: Childcare Manager - Cloud-based solution for childcare billing, scheduling, attendance, and family management with affordable pricing.
- 6#6: Kidkare - Specializes in childcare billing software with time tracking, invoicing, and subsidy management for providers.
- 7#7: Jackrabbit Class - Manages class-based childcare with billing, online registration, payments, and reporting features.
- 8#8: Sandbox - Childcare management tool offering billing automation, parent portals, and compliance reporting.
- 9#9: Tadpoles - Simplifies daily childcare updates with integrated billing, payments, and parent engagement tools.
- 10#10: QikKids - Focuses on automated childcare billing, attendance tracking, and financial management for small to medium providers.
These top tools were chosen based on a focus on robust functionality, user experience, reliability, and value, evaluating features like automation, payment processing, and reporting to ensure they deliver tangible benefits to providers.
Comparison Table
Effective daycare billing requires reliable software to manage expenses, invoices, and payments, and this comparison table compares top tools—Procare, Brightwheel, Lillio, Famly, Childcare Manager, and more—so readers can analyze features, pricing, and functionality to find the best fit for their center's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procare Offers comprehensive childcare management with integrated billing, invoicing, payments, and accounting features tailored for daycares. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Brightwheel Delivers mobile-first childcare software with seamless billing, parent payments, attendance tracking, and automated invoicing. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Lillio Provides all-in-one childcare platform featuring automated billing, online payments, and child attendance management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Famly Streamlines daycare operations with robust billing tools, parent communication, and financial reporting capabilities. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Childcare Manager Cloud-based solution for childcare billing, scheduling, attendance, and family management with affordable pricing. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Kidkare Specializes in childcare billing software with time tracking, invoicing, and subsidy management for providers. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Jackrabbit Class Manages class-based childcare with billing, online registration, payments, and reporting features. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Sandbox Childcare management tool offering billing automation, parent portals, and compliance reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Tadpoles Simplifies daily childcare updates with integrated billing, payments, and parent engagement tools. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | QikKids Focuses on automated childcare billing, attendance tracking, and financial management for small to medium providers. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Offers comprehensive childcare management with integrated billing, invoicing, payments, and accounting features tailored for daycares.
Delivers mobile-first childcare software with seamless billing, parent payments, attendance tracking, and automated invoicing.
Provides all-in-one childcare platform featuring automated billing, online payments, and child attendance management.
Streamlines daycare operations with robust billing tools, parent communication, and financial reporting capabilities.
Cloud-based solution for childcare billing, scheduling, attendance, and family management with affordable pricing.
Specializes in childcare billing software with time tracking, invoicing, and subsidy management for providers.
Manages class-based childcare with billing, online registration, payments, and reporting features.
Childcare management tool offering billing automation, parent portals, and compliance reporting.
Simplifies daily childcare updates with integrated billing, payments, and parent engagement tools.
Focuses on automated childcare billing, attendance tracking, and financial management for small to medium providers.
Procare
specializedOffers comprehensive childcare management with integrated billing, invoicing, payments, and accounting features tailored for daycares.
Dynamic attendance-based billing that automatically prorates charges, applies discounts, and handles government subsidies with pinpoint accuracy
Procare Software is a comprehensive childcare management solution designed specifically for daycare centers, preschools, and child care providers, with advanced billing capabilities at its core. It automates invoicing based on attendance tracking, handles complex rate structures including subsidies and multi-family discounts, and integrates family management, staff scheduling, and reporting. The cloud-based Procare One platform offers real-time data access, online parent portals for payments and updates, and extensive customization for diverse childcare operations.
Pros
- Highly automated billing that calculates charges in real-time based on attendance, schedules, and custom rates
- Seamless integration with childcare management tools like family portals, staff apps, and detailed financial reporting
- Scalable for single locations to multi-site enterprises with strong support for subsidies, taxes, and payments
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for small daycares compared to basic billing-only tools
- Initial setup and training may require time investment for full feature utilization
- Some advanced customizations need professional services add-ons
Best For
Established daycare centers and multi-location childcare providers seeking an all-in-one platform with enterprise-grade billing automation.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $150/month for small centers (based on child count and features), with tiered plans and add-ons for payments or hardware.
Brightwheel
specializedDelivers mobile-first childcare software with seamless billing, parent payments, attendance tracking, and automated invoicing.
Integrated parent app for instant payments, attendance check-ins, and billing notifications in one mobile experience
Brightwheel is a comprehensive childcare management platform with robust daycare billing features, including automated invoicing, online payments, and tuition tracking. It streamlines financial operations by handling recurring billing, late fees, discounts, and subsidy management like CACFP. Integrated with attendance and parent communication tools, it ensures accurate billing tied to actual child usage.
Pros
- Automated recurring billing and invoicing with customizable templates
- Seamless online payments via parent app supporting cards, ACH, and subsidies
- Detailed financial reporting and integration with attendance for accurate charges
Cons
- Pricing scales per child or location, becoming expensive for larger centers
- Limited advanced accounting features without third-party integrations
- Occasional reports of billing customization limitations for complex needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized daycares and preschools seeking an all-in-one platform with strong, user-friendly billing tied to daily operations.
Pricing
Quote-based starting at ~$10/child/month or $100-300/location/month depending on plan and size; free trial available.
Lillio
specializedProvides all-in-one childcare platform featuring automated billing, online payments, and child attendance management.
Touchless check-in integrated with automatic prorated billing for precise, attendance-based invoicing
Lillio is an all-in-one childcare management platform designed for daycares and preschools, with robust billing features that automate invoicing based on attendance and schedules. It handles tuition payments, late fees, subsidies, and multi-child discounts through a secure parent portal and integrated payment processing. The software also offers financial reporting, child tracking, and staff scheduling to streamline overall operations.
Pros
- Automated billing synced with real-time attendance and sign-ins
- User-friendly parent app for quick payments and updates
- Comprehensive reporting for tuition, receivables, and subsidies
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small home-based daycares
- Some advanced customizations require additional setup time
- Customer support response can vary during peak seasons
Best For
Medium-sized daycares and preschools needing integrated billing with parent engagement tools.
Pricing
Starts at around $150/month for small centers (up to 50 children), scales per child; custom quotes based on size and features.
Famly
specializedStreamlines daycare operations with robust billing tools, parent communication, and financial reporting capabilities.
Real-time attendance-driven billing with instant parent app notifications and payments
Famly is a comprehensive childcare management platform with robust daycare billing features, automating invoicing based on actual attendance, handling fees, subsidies, and multi-child discounts. It integrates billing seamlessly with parent communication, daily check-ins, and operational tools via a mobile app. Designed for nurseries and preschools, it streamlines payments while providing insights into occupancy and finances.
Pros
- Automated invoicing linked directly to attendance and bookings
- Parent app enables easy, real-time payments and reduces arrears
- Supports complex billing like subsidies, reservations, and custom fees
Cons
- Pricing scales with child numbers, expensive for very small daycares
- Full feature set has a moderate learning curve
- Limited native integrations with some US accounting tools
Best For
Mid-sized daycares and preschools needing integrated billing within a full childcare management suite.
Pricing
Custom subscription starting at ~$100/month for small sites, typically $3-5 per child/month; higher tiers for advanced features.
Childcare Manager
specializedCloud-based solution for childcare billing, scheduling, attendance, and family management with affordable pricing.
Precise attendance-to-billing automation that minimizes errors and ensures accurate invoicing
Childcare Manager is an all-in-one childcare management platform designed for daycare centers, with robust billing features that automate invoicing based on attendance, schedules, and custom rates. It integrates attendance tracking, parent portals for payments, and financial reporting to streamline operations. The software supports subsidies, multiple payment gateways, and compliance tools, making it suitable for centers handling complex billing needs.
Pros
- Automated billing linked directly to real-time attendance data
- Comprehensive parent portal for online payments and communication
- Flexible rate structures supporting subsidies and custom schedules
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive for larger centers with per-child fees
- Initial setup and learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
Best For
Medium-sized daycare centers seeking integrated billing with full childcare management capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for up to 50 children, plus $4.95 per additional child; custom enterprise plans available.
Kidkare
specializedSpecializes in childcare billing software with time tracking, invoicing, and subsidy management for providers.
Real-time attendance tracking that instantly calculates and prorates billing for partial days or holidays
KidKare is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for daycare providers, with a strong focus on automating billing processes. It generates invoices automatically based on real-time attendance tracking, customizable rates, schedules, and child-specific needs like tuition or extras. The platform also includes a parent portal for online payments, staff tools for check-ins, and reporting features to simplify financial management for small to medium centers.
Pros
- Automated billing tied directly to attendance and schedules
- User-friendly parent portal for quick online payments
- Mobile app for staff check-ins and parent updates
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex billing scenarios
- Reporting features lack depth compared to enterprise tools
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers needing straightforward, affordable billing automation without advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for up to 25 children (Starter plan), with higher tiers like Pro at $59/month for 75 children; additional per-child fees apply beyond limits.
Jackrabbit Class
specializedManages class-based childcare with billing, online registration, payments, and reporting features.
Family billing engine that automatically consolidates and prorates charges across multiple children in one invoice
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based management platform tailored for childcare centers, daycare providers, gymnastics studios, and activity-based programs. It handles class scheduling, attendance tracking, family management, and comprehensive billing with automated invoicing, prorated tuition, late fees, and integrated online payments. The software also offers a parent portal for real-time updates and self-service payments, making it suitable for streamlining daycare operations.
Pros
- Robust automated billing with family consolidation and prorated charges
- Integrated parent portal for easy online payments and communication
- Comprehensive reporting for financial tracking and attendance
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small daycare operations
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited advanced customizations without higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-sized daycare centers and childcare programs needing an all-in-one solution with strong billing and family management capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $125/month for up to 100 students, scaling with enrollment size; includes Essentials, Professional, and Enterprise tiers.
Sandbox
specializedChildcare management tool offering billing automation, parent portals, and compliance reporting.
Real-time attendance scanning that instantly calculates and generates accurate bills
Sandbox is a childcare management platform designed for daycares and preschools, with robust billing features that automate invoicing based on real-time attendance tracking. It handles complex billing scenarios including subsidies, multi-child discounts, and various payment methods like credit cards and ACH. The software also integrates family management, scheduling, and reporting to streamline daycare operations beyond just billing.
Pros
- Seamless integration of attendance data with automated billing
- Strong support for subsidies and prorated charges
- User-friendly parent portal for payments and communication
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with center size
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
- Steeper learning curve for advanced billing customizations
Best For
Small to medium daycares needing reliable attendance-driven billing without extensive custom needs.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 50 children, with tiers up to $199+/month for larger centers; includes setup fees.
Tadpoles
specializedSimplifies daily childcare updates with integrated billing, payments, and parent engagement tools.
Real-time attendance-to-invoice automation that generates accurate bills from daily check-ins
Tadpoles is an all-in-one childcare management software with strong daycare billing capabilities, automating invoicing based on real-time attendance tracking. It handles tuition, late fees, multi-child discounts, and recurring payments while integrating with processors like Stripe and PayPal. The platform also offers parent portals for easy payment access and reporting.
Pros
- Automated billing directly tied to attendance data for accuracy
- User-friendly parent app for quick online payments
- Customizable invoices with discounts and fees
Cons
- Pricing scales with child enrollment, costly for large centers
- Limited native integrations with advanced accounting software
- Full suite may overwhelm users needing only billing
Best For
Small to medium daycare providers seeking integrated attendance and billing in a childcare-focused platform.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for up to 50 children (Essentials plan), $125/month for 100 children (Pro), and custom Enterprise pricing.
QikKids
specializedFocuses on automated childcare billing, attendance tracking, and financial management for small to medium providers.
Touchless mobile check-in and real-time attendance tracking linked directly to automated billing
QikKids is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for daycare centers, preschools, and after-school programs. It automates billing and invoicing, tracks attendance via mobile check-in, and facilitates parent communication through a dedicated app. The platform also handles enrollment, scheduling, and basic reporting to simplify daily operations for childcare providers.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for small centers
- Automated billing and online payment processing
- Mobile app for parents and staff enhances communication
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations with third-party tools like accounting software
- Scalability issues for very large facilities
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers seeking an affordable, user-friendly billing and management solution.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 children, with tiered plans scaling to $299+/month based on enrollment size; includes a free trial.
Conclusion
After thoroughly evaluating the 10 tools, the top three—Procare, Brightwheel, and Lillio—rise to the forefront, each offering unique strengths to simplify daycare operations. Procare leads with its comprehensive suite of integrated billing, accounting, and management features, making it the top choice for many providers. Brightwheel stands out for its mobile-first design and seamless parent payment integration, while Lillio impresses with its all-in-one platform combining billing and attendance tools. Together, these options highlight the best of what daycare software has to offer, with Procare as the clear leader.
To unlock efficient, hassle-free billing and management, start with Procare—its tailored features are designed to elevate your daycare's operations and free up time to focus on what matters most: nurturing your children.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison