Quick Overview
- 1#1: Brightwheel - All-in-one childcare management platform for attendance tracking, billing, daily updates, and parent communication.
- 2#2: Procare Software - Comprehensive child care management solution with accounting, attendance, family data, and staff scheduling features.
- 3#3: HiMama - Early learning platform focused on child observations, assessments, parent engagement, and curriculum planning.
- 4#4: Lillio - Cloud-based childcare software for billing, attendance, meal tracking, and parent messaging.
- 5#5: Tadpoles - Parent communication app for sharing daily reports, photos, videos, and attendance updates in daycare settings.
- 6#6: Famly - Nursery and preschool management tool for attendance, invoicing, staff rotas, and parent involvement.
- 7#7: Sandbox Software - Childcare management system handling enrollments, billing, compliance reporting, and family portals.
- 8#8: Jackrabbit Class - Class and childcare management software with online registration, payments, and scheduling capabilities.
- 9#9: EZChildTrack - Web-based childcare software for tracking attendance, child information, billing, and state reporting.
- 10#10: ChildWatch - Affordable daycare management tool for attendance, invoicing, staff management, and parent notifications.
Tools were ranked based on feature depth (including attendance, billing, and engagement tools), usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the multifaceted needs of daycares.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores popular daycare computer software tools, including Brightwheel, Procare Software, HiMama, Lillio, Tadpoles, and others, to guide providers in finding the right fit for their operations. It outlines key features, usability, cost, and unique strengths, helping readers understand how each platform supports daily management, parent communication, and records—simplifying the selection process for both new and established facilities.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brightwheel All-in-one childcare management platform for attendance tracking, billing, daily updates, and parent communication. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Procare Software Comprehensive child care management solution with accounting, attendance, family data, and staff scheduling features. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | HiMama Early learning platform focused on child observations, assessments, parent engagement, and curriculum planning. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Lillio Cloud-based childcare software for billing, attendance, meal tracking, and parent messaging. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Tadpoles Parent communication app for sharing daily reports, photos, videos, and attendance updates in daycare settings. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Famly Nursery and preschool management tool for attendance, invoicing, staff rotas, and parent involvement. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Sandbox Software Childcare management system handling enrollments, billing, compliance reporting, and family portals. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Jackrabbit Class Class and childcare management software with online registration, payments, and scheduling capabilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | EZChildTrack Web-based childcare software for tracking attendance, child information, billing, and state reporting. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | ChildWatch Affordable daycare management tool for attendance, invoicing, staff management, and parent notifications. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
All-in-one childcare management platform for attendance tracking, billing, daily updates, and parent communication.
Comprehensive child care management solution with accounting, attendance, family data, and staff scheduling features.
Early learning platform focused on child observations, assessments, parent engagement, and curriculum planning.
Cloud-based childcare software for billing, attendance, meal tracking, and parent messaging.
Parent communication app for sharing daily reports, photos, videos, and attendance updates in daycare settings.
Nursery and preschool management tool for attendance, invoicing, staff rotas, and parent involvement.
Childcare management system handling enrollments, billing, compliance reporting, and family portals.
Class and childcare management software with online registration, payments, and scheduling capabilities.
Web-based childcare software for tracking attendance, child information, billing, and state reporting.
Affordable daycare management tool for attendance, invoicing, staff management, and parent notifications.
Brightwheel
specializedAll-in-one childcare management platform for attendance tracking, billing, daily updates, and parent communication.
Real-time parent app with secure photo-verified check-in/out and personalized daily reports
Brightwheel is a comprehensive childcare management software tailored for daycares, preschools, and after-school programs, offering tools for attendance tracking, secure check-in/out, billing, and payments. It excels in parent communication through a dedicated mobile app that shares real-time updates, photos, videos, daily reports, and lesson plans. The platform streamlines administrative tasks while fostering family engagement, making it a top choice for modern childcare providers.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first interface accessible for staff and parents
- Robust parent engagement tools including instant photo/video sharing and messaging
- Seamless billing, invoicing, and attendance tracking with QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Pricing scales with number of children, which can be costly for large centers
- Some advanced reporting features locked behind higher tiers
- Occasional mobile app sync delays during peak hours
Best For
Daycare owners and directors of small to medium-sized centers looking for an all-in-one mobile solution to simplify operations and enhance parent involvement.
Pricing
Essential plan free; Childcare Plus starts at $12/provider/month (up to 30 children), scales to $8.25/child/month; Pro and Enterprise custom pricing.
Procare Software
enterpriseComprehensive child care management solution with accounting, attendance, family data, and staff scheduling features.
Advanced tuition billing engine with automated invoicing, recurring payments, and direct QuickBooks sync for flawless financial tracking.
Procare Software is a veteran childcare management platform tailored for daycares, preschools, and youth programs, offering end-to-end solutions for enrollment, attendance tracking, tuition billing, and family engagement. It includes staff scheduling, compliance reporting, parent portals, and seamless integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks. With over 35 years in the industry, it emphasizes financial accuracy and operational efficiency for childcare providers.
Pros
- Comprehensive billing and payment processing with QuickBooks integration
- Extensive customizable reporting for compliance and insights
- Reliable uptime and dedicated support for childcare-specific needs
Cons
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive than modern competitors
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced features
- Pricing scales quickly for larger centers or added modules
Best For
Medium to large daycare centers prioritizing robust financial management and detailed reporting over sleek design.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $137/month for up to 50 children (Essentials plan), with per-child fees (~$1.50/child) and higher tiers up to $500+/month for advanced features.
HiMama
specializedEarly learning platform focused on child observations, assessments, parent engagement, and curriculum planning.
The parent app's interactive Learning Stories, which compile staff observations into shareable digital portfolios tracking child milestones.
HiMama is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for daycare centers, preschools, and early learning programs. It facilitates daily child documentation, attendance tracking, lesson planning, staff scheduling, and billing through an intuitive web and mobile platform. The standout parent engagement app allows real-time sharing of photos, videos, observations, and developmental reports, fostering strong family connections. It also supports compliance with licensing requirements and builds digital portfolios for each child.
Pros
- Exceptional parent communication via a dedicated mobile app with real-time updates and portfolios
- Comprehensive child observation and documentation tools that meet curriculum and compliance needs
- Seamless integration of attendance, scheduling, and billing in one platform
Cons
- Pricing scales per child, which can be costly for very small centers
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting and customization features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Medium-sized daycare centers and preschools prioritizing parent engagement and detailed child development tracking.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on center size; typically $10-15 per child per month, with a free trial available.
Lillio
specializedCloud-based childcare software for billing, attendance, meal tracking, and parent messaging.
The parent app with real-time daily sheets, photos, videos, and two-way messaging for seamless family involvement
Lillio is a comprehensive childcare management software designed for daycares, preschools, and early learning centers, offering tools for daily attendance tracking, staff scheduling, and billing automation. It features a robust parent engagement app that shares real-time updates, photos, videos, and developmental insights. The platform also supports curriculum planning, child assessments, and compliance reporting to streamline operations and enhance family communication.
Pros
- Excellent parent communication via mobile app with daily reports and media sharing
- Strong compliance and reporting tools for licensing requirements
- All-in-one platform covering attendance, billing, and curriculum management
Cons
- Pricing can become expensive for larger centers with many children
- Some advanced features have a moderate learning curve
- Limited customization options for reports and branding
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycares seeking strong parent engagement and operational efficiency without needing extensive customization.
Pricing
Starts at $12 per child per month (minimum 25 children), with custom enterprise plans available.
Tadpoles
specializedParent communication app for sharing daily reports, photos, videos, and attendance updates in daycare settings.
Interactive digital daily sheets and portfolios that allow parents to view and comment on their child's day in real-time
Tadpoles is a childcare management platform tailored for daycare centers and preschools, offering tools for attendance tracking, digital daily reports, and parent-teacher communication through a dedicated mobile app. It enables the creation of child portfolios with photos, videos, and developmental notes, while also handling billing, scheduling, and compliance reporting. Overall, it focuses on enhancing parent engagement and simplifying administrative tasks in early childhood education settings.
Pros
- Robust parent communication tools including real-time updates and messaging
- Comprehensive child portfolios for tracking milestones and sharing with families
- Reliable attendance and check-in/out system with touchless options
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger centers or additional features
- Limited customization in reporting and templates
- Occasional glitches in the mobile app reported by users
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers prioritizing strong parent engagement and daily reporting features.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for centers with up to 50 children, plus $3-5 per additional child; custom enterprise plans available.
Famly
specializedNursery and preschool management tool for attendance, invoicing, staff rotas, and parent involvement.
The award-winning Famly Parent App for seamless, real-time communication and family involvement.
Famly is an all-in-one childcare management software tailored for daycares, nurseries, and preschools, offering tools for attendance tracking, staff scheduling, parent communication, and billing. It features a highly rated parent app for sharing updates, photos, and payments in real-time, alongside staff tools for observations, rosters, and compliance reporting. The platform emphasizes simplifying daily operations to improve child outcomes and parent satisfaction.
Pros
- Intuitive parent app with real-time updates and photo sharing
- Streamlined attendance and check-in via mobile or tablet
- Strong focus on compliance, observations, and reporting for early years standards
Cons
- Pricing scales per child, which can become costly for larger centers
- Limited advanced customization and reporting compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycares and nurseries prioritizing parent engagement and simple daily management.
Pricing
Starts at approximately $3-5 per child per month (minimum fees apply), with custom quotes for larger facilities and add-ons for premium features.
Sandbox Software
specializedChildcare management system handling enrollments, billing, compliance reporting, and family portals.
Visual classroom dashboard with real-time child check-in/out and photo verification
Sandbox Software is a cloud-based childcare management platform tailored for daycares, preschools, and after-school programs. It offers tools for attendance tracking, automated billing, staff scheduling, parent communication via portals and apps, and compliance reporting. The system emphasizes real-time updates and mobile accessibility to streamline daily operations and enhance family engagement.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one features including billing and attendance
- Strong parent portal and mobile app for real-time communication
- Robust reporting for compliance and business insights
Cons
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep for small teams
- Pricing scales quickly for larger centers
- Occasional reports of minor bugs in updates
Best For
Medium-sized daycares seeking integrated parent engagement and operational efficiency.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 children; tiered plans with custom quotes for larger programs (billed annually).
Jackrabbit Class
specializedClass and childcare management software with online registration, payments, and scheduling capabilities.
Advanced multi-location class scheduling with automatic waitlists, substitutions, and prorated billing
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based management platform tailored for class-based programs like daycares, dance studios, camps, and activity centers. It streamlines operations with features for online registration, automated billing, attendance tracking, scheduling, and parent portals. The software excels in handling multi-location facilities and provides detailed reporting for compliance and business insights.
Pros
- Robust class scheduling and waitlist management
- Strong billing automation and payment processing
- Comprehensive reporting for compliance and analytics
Cons
- Interface feels dated and has a learning curve
- Pricing scales with student count, costly for large centers
- Limited support for non-class-based infant daycare needs
Best For
Daycares and preschools with structured class schedules, multiple locations, and a focus on activity-based programs.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Lite plan (up to 50 students), scales to $299+/month for Premier with per-student fees (~$1-2/student); custom enterprise pricing.
EZChildTrack
specializedWeb-based childcare software for tracking attendance, child information, billing, and state reporting.
EZCheckIn with photo verification for secure, real-time attendance tracking
EZChildTrack is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for daycares, offering tools for child attendance tracking, billing, daily activity reports, and parent communication. It includes a mobile app for real-time updates, staff scheduling, and secure check-in/out processes. The platform emphasizes simplicity and affordability, helping providers manage operations without complex setups.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with scalable plans
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
- Effective parent portal for real-time updates
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer integrations with accounting or payroll systems
- Customization options are basic
Best For
Small to medium daycares seeking a straightforward, budget-friendly solution for daily operations and parent communication.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for up to 50 children; scales to $99+/month for larger centers with more features.
ChildWatch
specializedAffordable daycare management tool for attendance, invoicing, staff management, and parent notifications.
PIN pad check-in/out system for secure, real-time child attendance tracking
ChildWatch is a childcare management software tailored for daycare centers and preschools, focusing on attendance tracking, billing, and daily operations. It provides tools like PIN-based check-in/out, parent notifications, staff scheduling, and financial reporting to streamline center management. The platform emphasizes compliance and real-time visibility into child attendance and payments.
Pros
- Strong attendance and check-in tracking with PIN pads
- Integrated billing and invoicing capabilities
- Reliable reporting for compliance and operations
Cons
- Outdated interface that feels less modern
- Limited mobile app functionality
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium daycare centers needing solid core tracking and billing without advanced customization.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $99/month based on center size and children enrolled; modular add-ons available.
Conclusion
The top daycare software tools offer exceptional solutions, with Brightwheel leading as the top choice, its all-in-one approach seamlessly integrating attendance tracking, billing, and parent communication. Procare Software stands out with its comprehensive management features, while HiMama excels in early learning observations and curriculum planning—each addressing unique needs but all delivering value. Brightwheel, however, combines functionality and ease, making it the ideal pick for most daycares.
Explore Brightwheel to simplify operations and enhance parent and staff experiences, or consider Procare or HiMama if your focus lies in specific areas—any of these tools will elevate your daycare management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison