Quick Overview
- 1#1: Brightwheel - All-in-one childcare management platform for attendance, billing, parent communication, and daily updates in preschools.
- 2#2: Procare Software - Comprehensive child care management solution handling enrollment, tuition billing, attendance tracking, and compliance reporting.
- 3#3: HiMama - Mobile-first app for preschool documentation, curriculum planning, parent engagement, and administrative tasks.
- 4#4: Famly - Cloud-based platform for nurseries and preschools to manage bookings, payments, observations, and parent messaging.
- 5#5: Tadpoles - Daily reporting and communication tool for preschools to share updates, track attendance, and handle basic admin.
- 6#6: Jackrabbit Class - Class management software tailored for preschools with scheduling, billing, attendance, and online registration features.
- 7#7: Smartcare - Childcare administration software offering staff scheduling, parent portals, invoicing, and state compliance tools.
- 8#8: Storypark - Digital portfolio and communication platform for early childhood educators to document learning and engage families.
- 9#9: Childcare Manager - Affordable cloud software for childcare centers managing rosters, billing, sign-ins, and parent notifications.
- 10#10: Aslan Software - Child care management system with accounting, attendance tracking, and family management for small to mid-sized preschools.
Tools were ranked based on a blend of core functionality (including enrollment, reporting, and family engagement), usability, reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the practical demands of early childhood education settings.
Comparison Table
This comparison table highlights leading preschool administration software, such as Brightwheel, Procare Software, HiMama, Famly, Tadpoles, and additional tools, to assist in selecting the best fit for streamlined operations. It outlines key features, usability, and standout benefits, enabling educators and administrators to make informed decisions that align with their program’s unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brightwheel All-in-one childcare management platform for attendance, billing, parent communication, and daily updates in preschools. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Procare Software Comprehensive child care management solution handling enrollment, tuition billing, attendance tracking, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | HiMama Mobile-first app for preschool documentation, curriculum planning, parent engagement, and administrative tasks. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Famly Cloud-based platform for nurseries and preschools to manage bookings, payments, observations, and parent messaging. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Tadpoles Daily reporting and communication tool for preschools to share updates, track attendance, and handle basic admin. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Jackrabbit Class Class management software tailored for preschools with scheduling, billing, attendance, and online registration features. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Smartcare Childcare administration software offering staff scheduling, parent portals, invoicing, and state compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Storypark Digital portfolio and communication platform for early childhood educators to document learning and engage families. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | Childcare Manager Affordable cloud software for childcare centers managing rosters, billing, sign-ins, and parent notifications. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 10 | Aslan Software Child care management system with accounting, attendance tracking, and family management for small to mid-sized preschools. | enterprise | 6.7/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
All-in-one childcare management platform for attendance, billing, parent communication, and daily updates in preschools.
Comprehensive child care management solution handling enrollment, tuition billing, attendance tracking, and compliance reporting.
Mobile-first app for preschool documentation, curriculum planning, parent engagement, and administrative tasks.
Cloud-based platform for nurseries and preschools to manage bookings, payments, observations, and parent messaging.
Daily reporting and communication tool for preschools to share updates, track attendance, and handle basic admin.
Class management software tailored for preschools with scheduling, billing, attendance, and online registration features.
Childcare administration software offering staff scheduling, parent portals, invoicing, and state compliance tools.
Digital portfolio and communication platform for early childhood educators to document learning and engage families.
Affordable cloud software for childcare centers managing rosters, billing, sign-ins, and parent notifications.
Child care management system with accounting, attendance tracking, and family management for small to mid-sized preschools.
Brightwheel
specializedAll-in-one childcare management platform for attendance, billing, parent communication, and daily updates in preschools.
Seamless family engagement app with instant messaging, daily reports, and photo/video sharing directly from teachers to parents
Brightwheel is an all-in-one preschool administration software designed specifically for child care centers, preschools, and early education programs. It streamlines daily operations including attendance tracking, billing and payments, staff scheduling, lesson planning, and family communication through a user-friendly mobile app. The platform also provides robust reporting tools and compliance features to help administrators manage their centers efficiently while fostering strong parent-teacher connections.
Pros
- Comprehensive suite of tools covering billing, attendance, curriculum, and parent engagement in one platform
- Intuitive mobile app praised for real-time updates, photo sharing, and secure check-in/out
- Excellent customer support and regular updates based on user feedback
Cons
- Pricing can be high for very small programs or those with fewer children
- Advanced reporting and customization may require a learning curve
- Occasional app glitches reported during peak usage times
Best For
Preschool directors and child care administrators seeking a mobile-first, all-in-one solution to manage operations and enhance parent involvement.
Pricing
Starts at $12 per child/month for Essentials plan; Plus ($20/child/month) and Premium ($25/child/month) offer more features; annual discounts available.
Procare Software
enterpriseComprehensive child care management solution handling enrollment, tuition billing, attendance tracking, and compliance reporting.
Child care-specific automated billing with built-in payment processing and subsidy handling
Procare Software is a robust child care management platform tailored for preschools, daycares, and early education centers, handling everything from enrollment and daily attendance to billing and compliance reporting. It offers an all-in-one solution with parent portals, staff scheduling, and family apps to enhance communication and streamline operations. With over 35,000 locations using it, Procare emphasizes financial accuracy and regulatory adherence, making it a trusted choice for growing child care businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive billing and payment processing tailored for child care
- Extensive reporting and state-specific compliance tools
- Strong parent and family engagement via mobile apps
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing can escalate for multi-site operations
- User interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Medium to large preschools and child care chains needing advanced financial management and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $129/month for small centers, typically $1-3 per child/month plus add-ons for payments and apps.
HiMama
specializedMobile-first app for preschool documentation, curriculum planning, parent engagement, and administrative tasks.
Touchpoints daily reports that automatically compile observations, photos, and learning moments into shareable updates for parents
HiMama is a child care management software tailored for preschools and early learning centers, focusing on daily documentation, parent communication, and administrative tasks. It enables educators to capture observations, photos, and videos to build digital child portfolios, while handling attendance, billing, scheduling, and compliance reporting. The platform's mobile-first design facilitates seamless sharing of daily reports with parents, fostering strong family partnerships.
Pros
- Exceptional parent engagement tools with real-time daily reports and media sharing
- Robust child development tracking via observations and customizable portfolios
- Intuitive mobile app for staff to manage attendance, check-ins, and scheduling on the go
Cons
- Pricing scales per child, which can become costly for larger programs
- Advanced HR and financial reporting features are somewhat limited compared to enterprise solutions
- Occasional learning curve for full customization of forms and workflows
Best For
Small to medium-sized preschools prioritizing child documentation, family communication, and simple admin tools over complex enterprise management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $10-15 per child per month, with annual contracts and minimum enrollment requirements; free trial available.
Famly
specializedCloud-based platform for nurseries and preschools to manage bookings, payments, observations, and parent messaging.
The intuitive parent app providing real-time updates, messaging, payments, and photo sharing to boost family involvement
Famly is an all-in-one childcare management platform tailored for preschools and nurseries, handling everything from daily attendance and staff rostering to billing and child observations. It features a highly rated parent app for real-time communication, updates, and payments, fostering strong family engagement. The software also supports learning journals, compliance reporting, and administrative automation to streamline preschool operations.
Pros
- Excellent parent app for seamless communication and engagement
- Comprehensive tools for attendance, billing, and child development tracking
- Strong compliance and reporting features for regulatory needs
Cons
- Pricing scales with child numbers, which can add up for larger centers
- Some users report a learning curve for advanced features
- Limited third-party integrations compared to competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized preschools and nurseries prioritizing parent communication and daily operational efficiency.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing, typically starting at £59/month for up to 50 children (around £1-2 per child/month), with tiers scaling by size and features.
Tadpoles
specializedDaily reporting and communication tool for preschools to share updates, track attendance, and handle basic admin.
Interactive Digital Daily Sheets that allow parents to view and acknowledge their child's day in real-time
Tadpoles is a mobile-first preschool administration software focused on enhancing parent-teacher communication and daily classroom management. It enables teachers to share real-time photos, videos, daily reports, attendance, meals, and developmental observations via a user-friendly app. The platform also supports basic billing, child assessments, and staff tools, making it ideal for streamlining routine preschool operations.
Pros
- Exceptional parent engagement through instant photo/video sharing and interactive reports
- Intuitive mobile app that's easy for teachers and parents to use
- Comprehensive daily tracking for attendance, meals, and milestones
Cons
- Limited advanced admin features like staff scheduling or payroll integration
- Billing tools are basic and may require third-party add-ons
- Reporting and analytics lack depth compared to full ERP systems
Best For
Small to mid-sized preschools prioritizing parent communication and simple daily management over complex administrative needs.
Pricing
Starts at $5 per child/month for basic plans, up to $10+ per child/month for premium features including billing and assessments; custom quotes for larger centers.
Jackrabbit Class
specializedClass management software tailored for preschools with scheduling, billing, attendance, and online registration features.
Advanced online registration with real-time availability and integrated payment processing
Jackrabbit Class is a cloud-based class management software tailored for youth activity centers, including preschool programs focused on enrichment classes like dance, gymnastics, music, and swim. It streamlines operations with features for online registration, automated billing, class scheduling, attendance tracking, and parent portals. The platform emphasizes scalability for growing programs, offering reporting tools and mobile apps for admins and families.
Pros
- Powerful class scheduling and online registration
- Integrated billing with automated invoicing and payments
- Comprehensive reporting and parent communication tools
Cons
- Less tailored to traditional preschool childcare needs like daily reports or curriculum tracking
- Pricing increases significantly with student volume
- Initial setup and learning curve can be moderate
Best For
Activity-based preschools offering structured classes in dance, gymnastics, or arts, needing strong enrollment and billing management.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month base fee plus $1.25-$2.50 per active student/month; custom quotes for larger programs.
Smartcare
enterpriseChildcare administration software offering staff scheduling, parent portals, invoicing, and state compliance tools.
Automated tuition billing with built-in payment collection and family portal for seamless parent payments
Smartcare is a cloud-based childcare management software tailored for preschools, daycares, and early education centers, handling key administrative tasks like enrollment, daily attendance, tuition billing, and staff scheduling. It features a mobile parent app for real-time updates, photo sharing, and communication, alongside compliance tools for licensing and reporting. The platform emphasizes automation to reduce paperwork and improve parent engagement while supporting multi-location operations.
Pros
- Robust billing and payment processing with QuickBooks integration
- Intuitive mobile apps for parents and staff enhancing communication
- Comprehensive attendance and check-in/out tracking with photo capture
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger centers, potentially expensive for small preschools
- Interface can feel dated compared to newer competitors
- Some advanced customizations require additional setup or support
Best For
Medium-sized preschools and daycare centers needing strong billing automation and parent engagement tools without extreme customization demands.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $99/month for small centers (up to 50 children), scaling per child or location with add-ons for payments and extras.
Storypark
specializedDigital portfolio and communication platform for early childhood educators to document learning and engage families.
Interactive digital learning stories that compile multimedia portfolios for each child, accessible anytime by parents
Storypark is a cloud-based platform primarily designed for early childhood educators to create digital learning journals, capturing observations, photos, and videos of children's activities to share securely with parents. It supports curriculum planning, professional reflection, and family engagement through real-time updates and communication tools. While excellent for documentation and parent-teacher collaboration, it offers limited functionality for core preschool administration tasks like billing, enrollment, or staff scheduling.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for quick documentation and sharing
- Strong focus on parent engagement and learning portfolios
- Customizable templates for observations and planning
Cons
- Lacks comprehensive admin tools like billing, attendance tracking, or enrollment management
- Limited reporting and analytics for business operations
- Pricing scales per child, which can be costly for small centers
Best For
Small to medium preschools emphasizing child documentation and family communication over full administrative automation.
Pricing
Tiered per-child pricing starting at ~$6/child/month (volume discounts for 50+ children); custom enterprise plans available.
Childcare Manager
specializedAffordable cloud software for childcare centers managing rosters, billing, sign-ins, and parent notifications.
Family mobile app with touchless check-in and real-time notifications
Childcare Manager is a cloud-based platform tailored for childcare centers and preschools, offering tools for enrollment, daily attendance tracking, automated billing, and staff scheduling. It features a dedicated parent portal and mobile app for real-time updates, check-ins, and communication between families and staff. The software also supports compliance reporting and integrates with accounting systems like QuickBooks to streamline financial operations.
Pros
- Robust billing and payment automation with QuickBooks integration
- Intuitive parent app for check-ins and communication
- Comprehensive attendance and enrollment management
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with number of children
- Steep learning curve for advanced reporting features
- Limited third-party integrations beyond core accounting
Best For
Mid-sized preschools and daycare centers seeking an all-in-one solution with strong parent engagement tools.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month for up to 75 children, plus $1.50-$2.50 per additional child/month; custom enterprise plans available.
Aslan Software
enterpriseChild care management system with accounting, attendance tracking, and family management for small to mid-sized preschools.
Simple parent communication portal with photo sharing and daily updates
Aslan Software (aslan.com) is a preschool administration platform focused on core operational needs like enrollment, attendance tracking, billing, and basic scheduling. It provides tools for managing student records, generating reports, and communicating with parents via email and a simple portal. While reliable for small centers, it lacks advanced features like curriculum planning or robust analytics compared to top competitors.
Pros
- Intuitive interface suitable for non-tech-savvy users
- Affordable for small preschools
- Solid basic reporting and attendance tools
Cons
- Limited integrations with third-party apps
- No dedicated mobile app for parents or staff
- Reporting lacks advanced customization
Best For
Small preschools or daycare centers with basic administrative needs and tight budgets.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for up to 25 students, plus $1.50 per additional student; annual discounts available.
Conclusion
The reviewed preschool administration tools showcase a range of strengths, with Brightwheel leading as the top choice, thanks to its all-in-one approach to attendance, billing, and parent communication. Procare Software and HiMama follow closely, offering robust alternatives—Procare with comprehensive compliance support and HiMama with mobile-first flexibility—ensuring diverse needs are met.
Begin optimizing your preschool’s operations today by trying Brightwheel, the top-ranked tool designed to simplify administration and enhance engagement.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
