Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procare Software - Comprehensive childcare management platform with integrated accounting, billing, payroll, and financial reporting tailored for preschools.
- 2#2: Brightwheel - Mobile-first preschool management app featuring automated billing, parent payments, and attendance-linked invoicing.
- 3#3: ChildPlus - Specialized software for Head Start and preschool programs with robust financial tracking, grant management, and family billing.
- 4#4: SmartCare - All-in-one childcare solution offering child tracking, family billing, payroll, and customizable financial reports.
- 5#5: Jackrabbit Care - Cloud-based childcare management with scheduling, automated billing, and parent portal for payments.
- 6#6: Momentis - Childcare management software providing enrollment, attendance, and integrated billing with QuickBooks sync.
- 7#7: Childcare Manager - User-friendly platform for preschool operations including sign-ins, invoicing, and expense tracking.
- 8#8: HiMama - Early education app with parent communication, daily reports, and streamlined billing features.
- 9#9: Tadpoles - Early childhood platform for documentation, secure messaging, and simple tuition billing.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Online - Cloud accounting software adaptable for preschool invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
These top 10 tools were selected based on alignment with preschool requirements (such as grant management or attendance-linked invoicing), user-friendliness, feature depth (including payroll and reporting), and overall value for small to mid-sized operations.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right preschool accounting software is key to efficient financial management, and this table breaks down top tools like Procare Software, Brightwheel, ChildPlus, SmartCare, and Jackrabbit Care, comparing features, pricing, and usability to help you find the best fit for your program. Readers will gain insights into how each platform streamlines tasks such as invoicing, enrollment tracking, and reporting, enabling informed decisions tailored to their unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procare Software Comprehensive childcare management platform with integrated accounting, billing, payroll, and financial reporting tailored for preschools. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Brightwheel Mobile-first preschool management app featuring automated billing, parent payments, and attendance-linked invoicing. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | ChildPlus Specialized software for Head Start and preschool programs with robust financial tracking, grant management, and family billing. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | SmartCare All-in-one childcare solution offering child tracking, family billing, payroll, and customizable financial reports. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 5 | Jackrabbit Care Cloud-based childcare management with scheduling, automated billing, and parent portal for payments. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Momentis Childcare management software providing enrollment, attendance, and integrated billing with QuickBooks sync. | specialized | 1.5/10 | 1.0/10 | 4.5/10 | 1.2/10 |
| 7 | Childcare Manager User-friendly platform for preschool operations including sign-ins, invoicing, and expense tracking. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 8 | HiMama Early education app with parent communication, daily reports, and streamlined billing features. | specialized | 6.4/10 | 5.9/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.7/10 |
| 9 | Tadpoles Early childhood platform for documentation, secure messaging, and simple tuition billing. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Online Cloud accounting software adaptable for preschool invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.3/10 |
Comprehensive childcare management platform with integrated accounting, billing, payroll, and financial reporting tailored for preschools.
Mobile-first preschool management app featuring automated billing, parent payments, and attendance-linked invoicing.
Specialized software for Head Start and preschool programs with robust financial tracking, grant management, and family billing.
All-in-one childcare solution offering child tracking, family billing, payroll, and customizable financial reports.
Cloud-based childcare management with scheduling, automated billing, and parent portal for payments.
Childcare management software providing enrollment, attendance, and integrated billing with QuickBooks sync.
User-friendly platform for preschool operations including sign-ins, invoicing, and expense tracking.
Early education app with parent communication, daily reports, and streamlined billing features.
Early childhood platform for documentation, secure messaging, and simple tuition billing.
Cloud accounting software adaptable for preschool invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
Procare Software
specializedComprehensive childcare management platform with integrated accounting, billing, payroll, and financial reporting tailored for preschools.
Smart tuition billing that automatically calculates charges based on real-time attendance, schedules, and custom fee structures
Procare Software is a comprehensive childcare management platform with robust accounting features tailored for preschools, handling tuition billing, family payments, expense tracking, and financial reporting in one integrated system. It automates invoicing based on attendance and schedules, supports multiple payment methods including online portals, and provides real-time financial insights. Designed specifically for early childhood education providers, it ensures compliance with childcare regulations while streamlining preschool finances.
Pros
- All-in-one integration of childcare operations and accounting, reducing the need for multiple tools
- Advanced automated billing and payment processing with parent self-service portals
- Customizable financial reports and QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for very small preschools with fewer than 50 students
- Initial setup and data migration may require professional support
- Some advanced customizations need add-on modules or developer assistance
Best For
Medium to large preschools and childcare centers needing a scalable, industry-specific accounting solution integrated with daily operations.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $137/month for up to 50 students, scales with enrollment (about $1.50-$2.50 per student/month), plus optional add-ons for payments and payroll.
Brightwheel
specializedMobile-first preschool management app featuring automated billing, parent payments, and attendance-linked invoicing.
Parent-facing mobile app for instant tuition payments and real-time billing notifications
Brightwheel is an all-in-one childcare management platform with strong preschool accounting features, including automated invoicing, tuition billing, and online payment processing. It streamlines financial operations by tracking payments, generating reports, and integrating with daily attendance and enrollment data. While not a standalone accounting software, it excels in simplifying billing for preschool administrators who need operational integration alongside basic financial management.
Pros
- Intuitive automated billing and invoicing tied to attendance
- Seamless online payments via parent app with low processing fees
- Comprehensive financial reports for tuition tracking and revenue insights
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting tools like full general ledger or payroll integration
- Pricing scales with child enrollment, increasing costs for larger preschools
- Limited customization for complex multi-location financial reporting
Best For
Small to mid-sized preschools seeking user-friendly billing integrated with childcare operations rather than enterprise-level accounting.
Pricing
Free basic plan; premium starts at $10/child/month (Essentials), up to $15/child/month (Pro), with annual discounts and payment processing fees.
ChildPlus
specializedSpecialized software for Head Start and preschool programs with robust financial tracking, grant management, and family billing.
Seamless attendance-to-billing integration that automatically calculates funding reimbursements based on real-time child data
ChildPlus is a comprehensive child care management software tailored for Head Start, Early Head Start, and preschool programs, with strong accounting modules for fiscal management. It handles accounts receivable/payable, budgeting, payroll, third-party billing, and grant tracking, seamlessly integrated with child enrollment, attendance, and family data. This integration ensures accurate funding allocation based on attendance and compliance reporting for subsidized programs.
Pros
- Deep integration of accounting with child data and attendance for precise grant billing
- Robust compliance tools for Head Start and federal funding requirements
- Comprehensive reporting and budgeting capabilities for large-scale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization needs
- Higher cost suitable mainly for larger programs, less ideal for small preschools
- Interface feels dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Head Start programs and large preschools needing tightly integrated child management and accounting for grant-funded operations.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on program size and modules; typically $10-25 per child/month or annual contracts starting at $5,000+ for mid-sized centers.
SmartCare
specializedAll-in-one childcare solution offering child tracking, family billing, payroll, and customizable financial reports.
Automated real-time invoicing directly synced with daily attendance and scheduling data
SmartCare is a cloud-based childcare management software with integrated accounting tools designed for preschools and daycare centers. It automates tuition billing, invoicing, and payment processing based on attendance, schedules, and enrollment data. The platform offers financial reporting, subsidy tracking, and revenue management tailored to preschool operations, though it is not a standalone accounting solution.
Pros
- Seamless integration of attendance tracking with automated billing
- Handles preschool-specific scenarios like subsidies, drop-ins, and part-time rates
- User-friendly financial dashboards and reporting tools
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features such as full general ledger or payroll integration
- Pricing scales with center size, which may strain very small preschools
- Occasional customization limitations for complex financial workflows
Best For
Small to mid-sized preschools needing integrated childcare management with reliable basic accounting capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $65/month, scaling with number of children and features selected.
Jackrabbit Care
specializedCloud-based childcare management with scheduling, automated billing, and parent portal for payments.
Smart Billing that auto-adjusts invoices based on actual attendance and customizable fee structures
Jackrabbit Care is a childcare management platform designed for preschools and daycare centers, featuring integrated accounting tools for tuition billing, invoicing, and financial tracking. It automates recurring payments, handles late fees and adjustments based on attendance, and provides essential reports like profit/loss statements and accounts receivable aging. While not a dedicated accounting software, its preschool-specific financial features streamline operations for administrators managing both business and care aspects.
Pros
- Automated tuition billing tied to attendance and schedules
- Integrated online payment processing with parent portal
- User-friendly financial dashboards and reporting
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting capabilities like full general ledger or payroll depth
- Pricing scales with enrollment size, potentially costly for larger preschools
- Less flexible for custom accounting workflows outside childcare norms
Best For
Small to mid-sized preschools needing accounting integrated with daily operations and parent communications.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$65/month base for small centers, plus $2-4 per child/month; includes payment processing fees.
Momentis
specializedChildcare management software providing enrollment, attendance, and integrated billing with QuickBooks sync.
Energy provider comparison and switching tool, irrelevant to preschool accounting
Momentis (momentis.com) is primarily an energy services marketplace and multi-level marketing platform for comparing and switching electricity and gas providers, not designed as accounting software. It lacks any features tailored for preschool financial management, such as tuition invoicing, expense tracking for childcare supplies, payroll for educators, or regulatory compliance reporting. As a #6 ranked option in preschool accounting, it performs poorly due to its irrelevance to the category, offering no bookkeeping, budgeting, or financial analytics tools suitable for early childhood education businesses.
Pros
- Simple web-based interface requires no installation
- Free to access for basic energy shopping
- Potentially useful for general business networking via MLM model
Cons
- Zero accounting or financial management features for preschools
- No support for invoicing, payroll, or expense tracking
- Completely mismatched for childcare business needs; focuses on energy sales
Best For
Energy shoppers or MLM participants seeking utility provider comparisons, not preschool administrators needing accounting software.
Pricing
Free platform; monetizes through commissions on energy enrollments rather than subscription fees.
Childcare Manager
specializedUser-friendly platform for preschool operations including sign-ins, invoicing, and expense tracking.
Automated attendance-based billing that calculates charges in real-time based on scheduled vs. actual attendance
Childcare Manager is a comprehensive childcare management platform with robust accounting features tailored for preschools, including automated invoicing, parent payments, and financial reporting. It integrates attendance tracking with billing to ensure accurate charges based on actual hours attended, handles subsidies and multi-family discounts, and provides real-time financial insights. While not a standalone accounting tool, it streamlines preschool finances within daily operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration of attendance and billing for accurate preschool invoicing
- Supports childcare-specific needs like subsidies, sibling discounts, and online parent payments
- User-friendly interface with mobile access and strong customer support
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting tools like full general ledger or complex tax handling found in dedicated software
- Pricing can add up for multi-location preschools
- Limited customization for unique financial workflows
Best For
Small to medium-sized preschools seeking an all-in-one solution that combines operations and basic accounting without needing separate software.
Pricing
Starts at $129/month for basic plan (up to 75 children), scales to $299+/month for larger centers; additional fees for premium features and setup.
HiMama
specializedEarly education app with parent communication, daily reports, and streamlined billing features.
Automated invoicing synced directly with daily attendance records for accurate, attendance-based billing
HiMama is a child care management platform for preschools that includes basic accounting features like automated invoicing, online payment processing, and family ledgers. It focuses on integrating billing with daily operations such as attendance tracking and parent communication, rather than serving as a full accounting solution. While it handles tuition billing effectively, it lacks advanced financial tools like payroll, expense tracking, or general ledger management.
Pros
- Intuitive invoicing tied to attendance and schedules
- Secure online payments via Stripe integration
- Streamlines parent billing within a unified preschool platform
Cons
- No built-in payroll or expense management
- Lacks comprehensive financial reporting and tax tools
- Requires third-party integrations for full accounting needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized preschools needing simple, operationally integrated billing rather than robust standalone accounting software.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on number of children; typically $8-15 per child per month with a minimum fee.
Tadpoles
specializedEarly childhood platform for documentation, secure messaging, and simple tuition billing.
Automatic prorated billing based on actual child attendance records
Tadpoles is a childcare management platform with integrated accounting tools designed for preschools, focusing on automating tuition billing, invoicing, and payment collection. It links attendance tracking directly to billing for accurate prorated charges and offers basic financial reports along with parent payment portals. While not a full-fledged accounting suite, it streamlines preschool finances within daily operations like attendance and parent communication.
Pros
- Seamless integration of attendance data with automated billing
- User-friendly parent payment portal supporting multiple methods
- Real-time financial dashboards for quick insights
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting features like general ledger or payroll
- Limited customization in financial reporting
- Scalability issues for larger multi-site preschools
Best For
Small to medium-sized preschools needing simple, integrated billing tied to daily childcare operations.
Pricing
Starts at $75/month for up to 50 children, plus $3-5 per additional child; custom quotes for larger centers.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud accounting software adaptable for preschool invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
Automated recurring invoices with payment reminders, streamlining monthly tuition collection
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, payroll, and financial reporting capabilities. For preschools, it supports tuition billing through customizable recurring invoices and handles vendor payments for supplies and staff salaries effectively. While highly capable for general accounting, it requires customization to fit preschool-specific needs like family payments or grant tracking, lacking built-in tools for enrollment or attendance integration.
Pros
- Robust invoicing and recurring billing ideal for tuition collection
- Strong bank reconciliation and expense categorization for preschool operations
- Scalable payroll and reporting tools that grow with the business
Cons
- No native preschool features like child enrollment or family portals
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants common in small preschools
- Premium pricing for full functionality may not justify niche use
Best For
Medium-sized preschools with accounting staff needing professional-grade financial management beyond basic bookkeeping.
Pricing
Plans start at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); payroll and payment processing incur extra fees.
Conclusion
The reviewed preschool accounting software options demonstrate varied strengths, with Procare Software leading as the top choice, offering integrated management and accounting tools that simplify operations. Brightwheel and ChildPlus follow closely, excelling with mobile functionality and grant management respectively, ensuring there’s a strong solution for nearly every preschool’s needs.
Begin optimizing your preschool’s financial processes with Procare Software—a key step toward smoother operations. For those with different priorities, Brightwheel or ChildPlus remain excellent alternatives to explore.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
