Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procare - Comprehensive childcare management platform with automated billing, online payments, and integrated accounting for daycares.
- 2#2: Brightwheel - Mobile-first childcare app featuring seamless invoicing, recurring payments, and parent payment portals.
- 3#3: Jackrabbit Care - Childcare software with class scheduling, attendance tracking, and automated tuition billing and collections.
- 4#4: Kinderlime - Cloud-based childcare solution providing customizable invoicing, online payments, and financial insights.
- 5#5: Lillio - All-in-one childcare platform with streamlined billing, payment processing, and family engagement tools.
- 6#6: HiMama - Childcare management app offering daily updates, attendance-based billing, and secure online payments.
- 7#7: Tadpoles - Early education software with attendance tracking, automated invoicing, and integrated payment options.
- 8#8: ChildCare Cloud - Cloud childcare management system featuring EZCare billing, online payments, and compliance reporting.
- 9#9: SmartCare - Childcare software with robust accounting, recurring billing, and multi-location payment management.
- 10#10: Childcare Manager - Affordable childcare platform for tracking attendance, generating invoices, and processing payments.
Tools were ranked based on key attributes including feature functionality (automation, integration), user experience (intuitive design, ease of use), reliability, and overall value, ensuring a balanced list of top-performing solutions for modern childcare operations.
Comparison Table
Managing daycare payments efficiently is key to smooth operations and parent trust. This comparison table features top tools like Procare, Brightwheel, Jackrabbit Care, Kinderlime, Lillio, and more, helping you compare essential features to find the best fit for your center's needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procare Comprehensive childcare management platform with automated billing, online payments, and integrated accounting for daycares. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Brightwheel Mobile-first childcare app featuring seamless invoicing, recurring payments, and parent payment portals. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Jackrabbit Care Childcare software with class scheduling, attendance tracking, and automated tuition billing and collections. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Kinderlime Cloud-based childcare solution providing customizable invoicing, online payments, and financial insights. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Lillio All-in-one childcare platform with streamlined billing, payment processing, and family engagement tools. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | HiMama Childcare management app offering daily updates, attendance-based billing, and secure online payments. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 7 | Tadpoles Early education software with attendance tracking, automated invoicing, and integrated payment options. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | ChildCare Cloud Cloud childcare management system featuring EZCare billing, online payments, and compliance reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | SmartCare Childcare software with robust accounting, recurring billing, and multi-location payment management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Childcare Manager Affordable childcare platform for tracking attendance, generating invoices, and processing payments. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive childcare management platform with automated billing, online payments, and integrated accounting for daycares.
Mobile-first childcare app featuring seamless invoicing, recurring payments, and parent payment portals.
Childcare software with class scheduling, attendance tracking, and automated tuition billing and collections.
Cloud-based childcare solution providing customizable invoicing, online payments, and financial insights.
All-in-one childcare platform with streamlined billing, payment processing, and family engagement tools.
Childcare management app offering daily updates, attendance-based billing, and secure online payments.
Early education software with attendance tracking, automated invoicing, and integrated payment options.
Cloud childcare management system featuring EZCare billing, online payments, and compliance reporting.
Childcare software with robust accounting, recurring billing, and multi-location payment management.
Affordable childcare platform for tracking attendance, generating invoices, and processing payments.
Procare
specializedComprehensive childcare management platform with automated billing, online payments, and integrated accounting for daycares.
Procare Payments with real-time attendance-linked auto-billing and parent self-service portal for seamless tuition collection
Procare Software is a comprehensive childcare management platform with advanced payment and billing capabilities designed specifically for daycare centers and preschools. It automates tuition invoicing, processes online payments via ACH, credit cards, and more, while integrating attendance tracking to ensure accurate billing based on actual hours attended. The system also offers a parent portal for easy payments, financial reporting, and seamless accounting integration, making it a top choice for streamlined financial operations in childcare.
Pros
- Robust payment processing with support for multiple methods including ACH, credit/debit cards, and installment plans
- Automated billing tied directly to attendance and scheduling for accuracy and efficiency
- Integrated accounting and detailed financial reporting to simplify compliance and cash flow management
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for smaller centers due to per-child fees
- Initial setup and training require some time investment
- Customization options are somewhat limited compared to more modular competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large daycare centers and preschools needing a fully integrated payment and management system.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $129/month for base software, plus $3-5 per child/month and payment processing fees.
Brightwheel
specializedMobile-first childcare app featuring seamless invoicing, recurring payments, and parent payment portals.
Parent app with one-tap payments and real-time billing notifications
Brightwheel is an all-in-one childcare management platform with robust payment features tailored for daycares, enabling automated invoicing, recurring billing, and secure online payments through a dedicated parent app. It streamlines tuition collection, handles late fees, and provides real-time payment tracking integrated with attendance and daily reports. Providers benefit from seamless bank integrations and customizable billing schedules, reducing administrative hassle while enhancing parent engagement.
Pros
- Automated recurring billing and payment reminders
- User-friendly parent app for quick payments
- Seamless integration with attendance and reporting
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30) add to costs
- Full features require higher-tier plans
- Limited advanced customization for complex billing
Best For
Small to mid-sized daycares needing integrated payment processing within a comprehensive childcare management system.
Pricing
Free Essential plan; Plus at $12/child/month (min 10 children); Premium custom pricing; payment processing at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.
Jackrabbit Care
specializedChildcare software with class scheduling, attendance tracking, and automated tuition billing and collections.
JackrabbitPay with one-click QuickBooks sync for real-time financial reconciliation
Jackrabbit Care is a comprehensive childcare management software with robust payment processing features designed for daycare centers, preschools, and child-focused programs. It automates billing, invoicing, and tuition collection through a user-friendly parent portal that supports online payments, recurring charges, and late fee assessments. The platform integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for accounting and offers detailed financial reporting to streamline cash flow management.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting reconciliation
- Intuitive parent portal enabling self-service payments and account management
- Advanced automation for recurring billing, prorated tuition, and multi-child discounts
Cons
- Pricing scales with student count, making it less ideal for very small centers
- Feature-rich interface has a moderate learning curve for new users
- Reporting customization options could be more flexible
Best For
Mid-sized daycare centers and preschools needing integrated payment processing within a full childcare management system.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$100/month for small centers, scaling to ~$2.50-$3.50 per student/month (minimums apply), plus 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction fees.
Kinderlime
specializedCloud-based childcare solution providing customizable invoicing, online payments, and financial insights.
Integrated subsidy billing and CACFP reimbursement tracking for government-funded programs
Kinderlime is a comprehensive childcare management software that specializes in daycare payment processing, offering automated billing, online payments through a secure parent portal, and tuition management. It integrates payments seamlessly with attendance tracking, scheduling, and financial reporting to reduce administrative burdens. The platform supports multiple payment methods, late fee automation, and subsidy handling, making it suitable for modern daycare operations.
Pros
- Automated invoicing and recurring payments with parent portal access
- Detailed financial reporting and subsidy management integration
- Seamless connection to daily operations like attendance and check-in
Cons
- Custom quote-based pricing can be expensive for very small centers
- Learning curve for advanced financial customization
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized daycare centers and preschools seeking an all-in-one solution for payments integrated with full childcare management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $5-12 per child per month or starting at $99/month for small centers, with add-ons for advanced features.
Lillio
specializedAll-in-one childcare platform with streamlined billing, payment processing, and family engagement tools.
Smart Billing that automatically calculates and adjusts invoices based on real-time attendance data
Lillio is a comprehensive childcare management platform designed for daycares and preschools, with robust payment processing features that automate invoicing, tuition collection, and financial tracking. It integrates attendance data with billing to ensure accurate, real-time charges based on actual hours attended, reducing manual errors. The software also offers a parent portal for easy online payments via ACH, credit card, or other methods, alongside tools for family engagement and program management.
Pros
- Automated billing tied directly to attendance tracking for precise invoicing
- Secure, multi-method online payments with parent-friendly mobile app
- Detailed financial reports and insights for better cash flow management
Cons
- Pricing scales with number of children, which can be costly for very small centers
- Full customization of billing rules requires higher-tier plans
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Medium-sized daycares and preschools needing an integrated payment solution within a full childcare management system.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on number of enrolled children; typically starts around $5-10 per child per month with a minimum fee, plus transaction fees for payments.
HiMama
specializedChildcare management app offering daily updates, attendance-based billing, and secure online payments.
Integrated parent app for real-time invoice viewing and one-tap payments tied to daily attendance
HiMama is an all-in-one childcare management platform designed for daycare centers, preschools, and early learning programs, offering tools for daily reports, attendance tracking, child observations, parent communication, and billing. Its payment features include automated invoicing, online tuition payments via a secure parent portal, and integrations with processors like Stripe and Moneris. While robust within its ecosystem, the payment functionality is bundled rather than standalone, making it suitable for centers seeking integrated operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payments with daily childcare management tools
- User-friendly parent app for quick online payments and invoice access
- Automated recurring billing and attendance-based charges
Cons
- Payment features require full platform subscription, not available standalone
- Limited advanced billing customizations like multi-location or complex fee structures
- Pricing scales with child count, potentially expensive for larger centers
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycare centers already using or planning to adopt HiMama's full childcare suite who want integrated payment processing.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$12 per child per month (billed annually), with payments included in the core subscription.
Tadpoles
specializedEarly education software with attendance tracking, automated invoicing, and integrated payment options.
Integrated parent portal that combines real-time payment processing with daily child updates and photos to boost engagement and on-time payments
Tadpoles is a childcare management platform designed for daycares and preschools, with integrated payment processing that handles automated invoicing, tuition collection, and fee tracking. It supports online payments through popular gateways like Stripe and Authorize.net, allowing parents to pay via a mobile app. The software combines payments with attendance tracking, daily reports, and parent communication to streamline daycare operations.
Pros
- User-friendly parent app for quick online payments and notifications
- Automated recurring billing and invoicing reduces administrative workload
- Seamless integration with attendance data for accurate billing
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting and financial reporting compared to dedicated payment tools
- Customer support response times can be inconsistent
- Pricing scales quickly for larger centers with per-child fees
Best For
Small to medium-sized daycares seeking an all-in-one platform where payments are bundled with parent communication and daily reporting.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for up to 50 children, plus $1.25-$1.75 per additional child/month; payment processing fees apply (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).
ChildCare Cloud
specializedCloud childcare management system featuring EZCare billing, online payments, and compliance reporting.
Attendance-linked automatic billing that invoices precisely based on verified child check-in/out times
ChildCare Cloud is a comprehensive cloud-based childcare management platform with robust daycare payment features, including automated invoicing tied to attendance tracking, online parent payment portals, and support for credit card, ACH, and other methods. It simplifies billing by generating invoices based on actual child attendance and schedules, while providing real-time payment status updates and automated reminders for overdue accounts. The software integrates payments seamlessly with its broader tools for parent communication, staff scheduling, and compliance reporting.
Pros
- Automated attendance-based invoicing reduces manual errors
- Secure parent portal for easy online payments and balance views
- Detailed financial reports and reconciliation tools
Cons
- Pricing scales with child count, costly for very small centers
- Full management suite can overwhelm users needing payments only
- Limited advanced payment integrations compared to dedicated processors
Best For
Medium-sized daycare centers looking for integrated payment processing within a complete childcare management system.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for up to 50 children; scales to $300+/month for larger centers with add-ons like unlimited users.
SmartCare
specializedChildcare software with robust accounting, recurring billing, and multi-location payment management.
Intelligent family billing engine that automatically handles discounts, credits, and prorated charges across multiple children in one family
SmartCare is a cloud-based childcare management software that provides robust payment processing tailored for daycares and preschools. It automates invoicing, handles recurring payments, applies late fees, and offers a parent portal for secure online transactions. The platform integrates billing seamlessly with attendance tracking, scheduling, and family management to minimize errors and improve cash flow.
Pros
- Automated billing tied to real-time attendance and scheduling
- Parent self-service portal with multiple payment options
- Advanced family billing for multi-child households with prorations and credits
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger centers
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
- Limited integrations with non-childcare-specific accounting tools
Best For
Mid-sized daycares and preschools needing integrated payment processing within full childcare management.
Pricing
Starts at $55/month for basic plans (up to 50 children), with tiers up to $115+/month for larger centers; custom enterprise pricing available.
Childcare Manager
specializedAffordable childcare platform for tracking attendance, generating invoices, and processing payments.
Automated billing tied directly to daily attendance records for precise, real-time invoicing
Childcare Manager is a comprehensive childcare management software that includes integrated payment processing for daycares, enabling automated invoicing, online parent payments, and financial tracking. It streamlines billing by linking payments directly to attendance, scheduling, and enrollment data for accuracy. While not exclusively a payment tool, its payment features support multiple methods like credit cards and ACH, with robust reporting for childcare businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integration of payments with attendance and scheduling
- Secure online payment portal for parents
- Comprehensive financial reporting and invoicing automation
Cons
- Full-suite pricing may be higher than payment-only tools
- Steeper learning curve for non-payment features
- Limited advanced payment customization options
Best For
Daycare centers needing integrated payment processing within a broader childcare management system.
Pricing
Starts at $79/month for basic plans, with pricing scaling based on number of children (typically $1-3 per child/month); custom enterprise quotes available.
Conclusion
After evaluating the top 10 daycare payment tools, Procare emerges as the leading choice, offering a comprehensive platform with seamless billing, online payments, and integrated accounting. Brightwheel and Jackrabbit Care also excel, with Brightwheel’s mobile-first design and Jackrabbit Care’s robust scheduling, making them strong alternatives for varied needs. The right software depends on specific requirements, but Procare delivers a smooth, efficient experience for most providers.
Start with Procare today to simplify payments, boost efficiency, and focus on nurturing the children in your care—don’t let administrative tasks hold your operations back.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison