Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Child Care Software, Apps, Programs

    Posted 01-15-2021 09:18 AM

    Hello All,


    During the pandemic while providers were applying for Grants it became evident that their business records were a bit lacking or scattered.  I wondered if anyone in the group had specific knowledge of a program, App, or Software that was helpful and specifically geared towards Family or Group Family Day Care?  I have a demo next week with one called Wonderschool.  Any information would be appreciated.



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    Katrina LaLonde
    Child Care Connections
    Kingston NY
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  • 2.  RE: Child Care Software, Apps, Programs

    Posted 01-19-2021 09:47 AM

    I did some research with some of our local providers.  The following are some of their responses.  Each said they were very happy with the options their app provided.

    Have a great day!  J

     

     

    Responses:

     

    We use BrightWheel and love it.  It allows us to message parents, send pictures, update student info, add kiddos to the waitlist, parents can pay tuition (we do not do this due to fees associated with that), will notify us of kiddos birthdays, allows for adding immunizations and alerts us when they need to be updated, allows us to put notes in the child's profile that parents cannot see, allergy info, parents can also add to their child's profile, breaks kids into classrooms, and tell you of what ratios are in each room and throughout the center.  $75/mo

     

    FEATURES YOU WANT, MEMORIES YOU'LL LOVE.

    The BrightWheel mobile app offers:

    • Voice-to-text (less tablet time for teachers means more

    one-on-one time with children)

    • Kudos: Teachers have the ability to quickly share out

    "wow" moments

    • Photos and videos

    • Milestone and learning updates from your child's teacher

    • Secure and private communications

    Plus, save and share your favorite memories:

    • Past updates don't expire; simply scroll down to relive

    favorite memories

    • Parents can share access with other people, such as

    grandparents, other relatives, and friends

    • Easily share photos through text messages, emails, and

    social media

     

     

     

    We use Brightwheel and it allows use to send daily updates like potty information , meals and activities regarding curriculum. We can also send small 30 sec video clips. Parents and staff can send message though the app.

    I'm not sure of the cost due to it being a companywide thing. 

    It can be used via desktop and I pads

     

     

    Sure, we use KidReports and we have the basic version of it which is $65 per month for up to 60 kids.  We use KidReports because it's part of Procare, our main software so everything just synchronizes at night.

     

    We enter the kids' daily report, diapers, potty-training, activities, pictures, all 3 meals, and also bottles for infants. Teachers can also send short messages to parents like reminders to bring diapers, etc., and parents can message us.  I can send parent communications per classroom, per child or to the whole facility.

     

     

    For our Infant – 2 year old classrooms we use the Daily Connect app. This app gives a lot of detail including diapering, meals, naps, and messaging. The teachers can also notify parents on there when the child is needing supplies. Many of our parents in the infant classroom use this app to track nursing as well which makes for convenient communication for their teachers.

    For our Preschool and Pre-K classrooms we use the Class Dojo app. This app provides messages and pictures through the app. They can also use the app to track behavior updates for parents.

    Both of these apps are free to us and parents. There are other subscriptions on the apps that cost that we do not currently use.

     

     

    WatchMeGrow

    This allows parents to view their child's classroom through the app. 

     

     

    Our center currently uses the Tadpoles application for daily reports. We are able to send pictures and videos to the parents throughout the day, as well as record meals and bodily care routines, and curriculum activities on a daily report that is sent via email at the end of each day. Additionally, we can use the app for attendance and ratio tracking and there is an extra feature that enables staff and parents to "instant message" without involving personal cell phones. We purchased separately one device for each classroom and I can access the application administratively on any computer. We pay an annual fee of $2 per child per month, but they allow us to pay based on full time equivalents (FTEs) instead of actual enrollment since we have many part-time children.

     

    myKidzDay.com – features touchless sign-in/sign-out, parent communication, attendance tracking and classroom management app

    If you have questions for a representative, email info@myKidzDay.com or call 860-593-2955.

    The last time I checked it there was a special:  $1.50/child/month.

     

     

    Jodi Tole, ECE

    Dept. of Public Works & Utilities

    Child Care Licensing – 7th Floor

    455 Main St.

    Wichita, KS  67202

    316-268-8383

     






  • 3.  RE: Child Care Software, Apps, Programs

    Posted 01-19-2021 10:01 AM
    Hi Jodi,
    Thank you for that information.  I looked into BrightWheel and Procare and agree both look great.  I will look into Daily Connect, Tadpoles, and Watch me grow.

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    Katrina LaLonde
    Child Care Connections
    Kingston NY
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  • 4.  RE: Child Care Software, Apps, Programs

    Posted 01-20-2021 01:22 PM
    We use Hi Mama and love it!

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    Jennifer Carter-Alvis
    Owner/Director
    Stepping Stones Children's Center
    Charleston IL
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  • 5.  RE: Child Care Software, Apps, Programs

    Posted 01-20-2021 01:23 PM
    We use HiMama and we love it!

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    Jennifer Carter-Alvis
    Owner/Director
    Stepping Stones Children's Center
    Charleston IL
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  • 6.  RE: Child Care Software, Apps, Programs

    Posted 01-26-2021 05:25 AM
    Hi
    I have used DailyConnect and loved it, the parents also loved it. But I needed software that streamlined everything for me so I just started with Procare. I like it but there are some features I miss with DailyConnect.

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    Cherrita Lusane
    Owner- Operator
    It Takes A Village Childcare, LLC
    Norristown PA
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