Procare Solutions vs brightwheel

Lillio

Playground

brightwheel

Brightwheel is both a mobile app (Android + iOS) and cloud-based software built for childcare, daycare, and preschool programs. Brightwheel childcare management software offers digital check-in/-out, digital daily reports, paperless billing, robust parent comms, and free training and support.

Lillio is a cloud-based solution for parent communication, digital daily reports generation, and educational documentation in daycare, child care and preschool classrooms.

Playground is a childcare management software that assists with billing, family engagement, digital paperwork, attendance tracking, food program management, reporting, staffing, and more.

Assistant Director

Occasional system glitches, syncing issues between devices, and delays in customer support can create extra work and frustration for staff and families

CDC Director

Procare has a great set of functionalities and a WONDERFUL customer support team for assistance in utilizing the product to work for our center.

All-in-one child care management software trusted by 40,000+ daycares, preschools, and youth programs to simplify running their business.

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Notifications

Assessment Management

Assignment Management

Attendance Management

Attendance Tracking

Billing & Invoicing

Calendar Management

Certification Tracking

Check-in/Check-out

Class Scheduling

Communications Management

Contact Database

Curriculum Management

Customer Accounts

Customizable Forms

Customizable Reports

Daily Reports

Data Import/Export

Data Security

Document Management

Document Storage

Electronic Payments

Electronic Signature

Employee Management

Enrollments/Onboarding

Faculty/Staff Management

Financial Management

Immunization & Allergy Tracking

Incident Management

Learning Management

Lesson Planning

Meal/Nutrition Management

Milestone Tracking

Mobile Access

Multi-Location

Online Calendar

Online Payments

Parent Portal

Parent/Student Portal

Payment Processing

Records Management

Registration Management

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting & Statistics

Resource Scheduling

Role-Based Permissions

School District

Self Service Portal

Student Information/Records

Student Management

Task Management

Third-Party Integrations

Wait List Management

By industry, Procare Solutions reviewers are most commonly professionals in education management (55%). The most frequent use case for Procare Solutions cited by reviewers is daycare (86% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Some reviewers feel Procare Solutions offers reasonable fees and flexible pricing, and they appreciate the free trial and customizable options. However, some users report expensive add-ons, hidden costs, frequent fee increases, and a lack of transparent pricing.

Value for money

Procare Solutions is a daycare program offering key features such as data security, a parent portal, communications management, electronic payments, and attendance tracking, among others.

Procare Solutions

Windows

Linux

Android

iPhone

iPad

Chromebook

Web-based

Kangarootime

LineLeader by ChildcareCRM

KidKare Food Program

ChildPilot

ChildWatch

Smartcare

Wonderschool

Enrollsy

MyKidReports

myKidzDay

Storypark

Famly

Remini

Basic

Unreliable clock in/out processes

Director

The correction of staff time when they miss a clock in is a little more time consuming than I would prefer.

41% of reviewers feel negative about Clock In and Out. Users report frequent syncing issues between desktop and cloud versions, making it difficult to track attendance accurately. They mention problems with the biometric system, software glitches, and internet dependency that disrupt clocking in and out for staff and parents. Reviewers say correcting timecards is cumbersome, and the interface for managing time entries is confusing. Many note that the process is not intuitive, lacks transparency for employees, and can be frustrating when errors occur or when the system is down.

Challenging accounting functionality

51% of reviewers feel negative about Accounting. Users report that the accounting features are confusing, lack customization, and are not CPA-friendly. They mention difficulties with reconciling bank statements, limited integration with QuickBooks, and outdated expense tracking. Reviewers say the ledger and reporting tools are cumbersome, leading to manual work and increased risk of errors. Many find the process for refunds, deposits, and account deletions restrictive. They indicate that the accounting module does not meet the needs of centers with complex financial requirements, resulting in time-consuming audits and corrections.

Slow and unresponsive phone support

Executive Director

There is typically a long wait time on customer service calls, and only about 60% of the time is the problem resolved on that call.

42% of reviewers feel negative about Phone Support. Users consistently report long wait times, often exceeding 30 minutes or more, with no call-back option. They say issues are rarely resolved on the first call and often require escalation, leading to further delays. Reviewers mention difficulty reaching knowledgeable support staff and frustration with lack of follow-up. Many find it challenging to get timely assistance during urgent situations, impacting their ability to resolve problems quickly. They feel the support process is inefficient and adds stress to managing their centers.

Limited and outdated desktop experience

Owner and Director

On the flip side, there are functions that can only be done on the desktop version, which means I have to have my laptop available.

I would say I like the least about procare solutions is that the app doesn't always connect to the desktop and vice versa.

50% of reviewers feel negative about the Desktop Version. Users say the software is only compatible with Windows, making it inaccessible for Mac users. They report frequent syncing issues between the desktop and online versions, leading to data inconsistencies. Reviewers mention that some features are only available on the desktop, requiring access to multiple devices. Many find the interface outdated, not user-friendly, and prone to glitches. They also note that mobile and desktop versions lack feature parity, causing inconvenience for centers that rely on mobile devices for daily operations.

Frequent technical glitches

There can be a lot of issues that pop up. While the staff in the customer service department are always so helpful and kind, it can be frustrating to spend my time trying to fix problems that arise.

Dentist

Procare does seem to "glitch" more than other platforms, making it useless at times.

48% of reviewers feel negative about Bugs and Issues. Users frequently experience system errors, crashes, and slow loading times, especially during busy periods. They report recurring problems with connectivity, server outages, and software freezing. Reviewers say technical issues often disrupt daily operations, requiring time-consuming troubleshooting and support calls. Many mention that bugs affect both the web and app versions, leading to frustration for staff and parents. They feel that technical problems are not always resolved quickly, causing delays and interruptions in essential tasks.

All-in-one center oversight

Procare has many features that help organize our center.

94% of reviewers feel positive about Center Management. Users say the software centralizes all administrative tasks, making it easier to manage centers of any size. They find it supports compliance, offers customization to fit specific center needs, and provides tools for multi-location management. Reviewers indicate that having everything in one place saves time and enhances organization. Many appreciate the professional appearance it gives their center and the flexibility to add features as needed. They note that it helps them stay connected, organized, and efficient in their daily operations.

Intuitive and easy navigation

92% of reviewers feel positive about Navigation. Users say the interface is user-friendly and simple to learn, even for those less tech-savvy. They find that having all features in one place reduces the need to switch between programs, saving time. Reviewers mention that tutorials and support resources make it easier to master the system. Many appreciate the clear layout, easy access to information, and the ability to quickly find what they need. They feel the platform’s design supports efficient daily management for both staff and parents.

Comprehensive attendance management

I enjoy the convenience of everything happening on one platform - attendance, billing, staff time cards, parent and staff communication, onboarding new clients - it really simplifies my day!

95% of reviewers feel positive about Attendance Tracking. Reviewers appreciate being able to monitor both child and staff attendance in real time, which they say is invaluable for compliance, payroll, and reporting. They find the automated and digital attendance features save significant time and reduce manual errors. Users mention that having attendance, billing, and timecards integrated in one platform streamlines daily operations and simplifies grant reporting. Many say the ability to pull detailed attendance records quickly is a major benefit, and they value the peace of mind it provides for both staff and parents.

Streamlined childcare operations

The parent app enhances communication and engagement, and the platform provides reliable tools for meeting licensing and compliance requirements. While I wish it offered online form completion for parents and staff, the benefits far outweigh this drawback, making it a valuable resource for managing a childcare center efficiently.

Sound Design and Editing

Procare Solutions is a comprehensive childcare management solution that streamlines operations and simplifies administrative tasks. Despite considerations such as the pricing structure and learning curve for advanced features, the user-friendly interface, robust reporting, and automation capabilities make Procare Solutions a valuable asset for childcare centers seeking to enhance their efficiency and improve parent communication.

94% of reviewers feel positive about Childcare and Daycare Management. Users report that the software consolidates all aspects of daycare management, from enrollment and billing to compliance and daily reporting. They appreciate the robust features that automate administrative tasks, saving time and effort. Many mention that it improves parent engagement and helps maintain up-to-date records for licensing. Reviewers say the platform’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive tools make it easier to provide quality care, keep families informed, and manage staff and children efficiently.

Robust parent engagement tools

Teachers are able to communicate easily and send detailed reports to parents to reflect the actions of their child's day.

ProCare's messaging system allows us to send updates, share important notices, and communicate directly with parents quickly and easily.

92% of reviewers feel positive about Parent Communication. Reviewers value the messaging features that allow direct, instant communication with parents, including updates, reminders, and daily activity reports. They say the app fosters transparency and strengthens the connection between families and staff. Users mention that parents appreciate being able to check in on their children and communicate without interrupting their day. Many note that the platform streamlines administrative tasks and enhances overall parent satisfaction, making communication more efficient and organized.

It provides the tools we need to manage daily school operations, student information, billing, and family communication in one platform. While there are areas where additional automation and enhanced communication features would improve efficiency, the system does the job well and continues to support our administrative and operational needs.

Preschool Administrator

It is excellent for assisting in student management, and now has the new feature to look at all the rooms and help with capacity and placement dates.

Childcare Center Director

I have been a Procare desktop and Procare online user for years throughout my childcare profession, from corporate centers to small centers, Procare products has also meet and exceeded the needs for our childcare program.

Communications And Events

Our school's enrollment and schedule structure (where students enroll in multiple classes and different programs through the year) requires several workarounds/nonintuitive uses of Procare Desktop's tracking & tags, as the generic options do not accommodate our schedule structure.

We love the features such as; messaging, digital attendance, and the wide variety of activity options (ouch reports, notes, meal, mood, nap, and much more).

With, being able to contact parents real time through messages, incident reports, photos etc we are able to work more efficiently.

Family Coordinator

I am a member of the admin team that uses daily Procare and I absolutely hate how the desktop Procare does not sync with Procare connect. If I input information on the desktop version of Procare especially things like schedule and allergies it does not automatically sync with Procare Connect.  

Teacher

At  glance, I can see what stusnts are present when I come in, check for messages from parents, send messages as needed and share activities easily!

Team Leader

It helps to make the job of the teachers easier and a great resource for parents to connect with teachers and administration concerning the needs of their child.

Teacher floater - Education Coordinator

It has helped streamline communication with families and staff, keeping everyone informed and connected. While there are a few areas that could be improved, it has been a dependable and beneficial tool for our program.

The filter returns "kids who attend 2 days" OR "kids who have allergies" which is a large data set of all the "kids who attend 2 days" OR kids who have "allergies."

Board Secretary

Rates that were discussed and promised during the sales process are not what we are being charged. When questions come up about these discrepancies, there is no one available to resolve them. When money is involved, the inability to get answers is extremely concerning.

manager

I like the program and find it very useful; however, enhancing the vaccine tracking program with automated suggestions for upcoming or catch-up doses based on the child’s age and vaccination history.

Teacher front desk

Tasks and students are clearly defined, search bar is intuitive.. takes some practice toggling through task bar for daily parent chat and pictures, but easier with time..

director

the online payments and it makes my buisness run smoother, it has the online minute to minute update on the child's day for parents and they really like that

It generates detailed reports that help with licensing requirements, audits, and general oversight.

Early Childhood Teacher

This app is good to record the acitvities we do with our children everyday  also is easy to manage the attendance and communicate with the parents

The thing I dislike about Procare is how you can’t change the notification settings to only when you are on the clock or logged in.

Currently, most communications are sent through messages that generate emails, which can quickly overwhelm parents' inboxes.

Lead

The insident reports help me to explain the time and the explanation for what happened at the moment and post the picture.

Assistant Teacher

It would be nice to be about to include a picture when doing an incident report instead of having to send report but when you want to send a picture you have to send itbin a private message

Owner, Director

It’s easy to update students’ information and share daily updates with parents, including photos, videos, meal times, diapering/potty schedules, and nap times.

It  allows m to see messages immediately from a parent and I can reach out to them as needed.

For example, when a child is assigned to a specific classroom or program, related tags should be applied automatically rather than requiring additional manual steps.

I love being able to get updates about all the things my little one is doing at daycare like activities, snacks, lunch and naps.

Owner Director

Lately, it feels like it’s down more often than it’s working. When problems come up, they can’t be fixed without calling support, and the hold times are outrageous — anywhere from 45 minutes to over two hours with no call-back option.

I would like a page where I can see who is due for what all on one page instead of having to go into each child profile

I would recommend Procare Solutions to daycare centers looking for an effective management tool that supports both administrative tasks and parent engagement.

One of the reasons we chose engagement as a software for parents was because of the syncing. Whenever I have called the support team they have always fixes issues promptly and with great customer service.

Program Coordinator

Procare desktop combined with the engagement app for teachers/parents is the only one that has been able to help us streamline our registration, payment and communication processes all in one place.

I love having one program that keeps our our children's data organized, makes billing a breeze, and allows me to run payroll with the push of just a few buttons.

Lead infant teacher

Sometimes the app doesn't work or logs me out of it which can be time consuming sometimes if the password needs to be reset

Procare Solutions makes parent sign in/out a breeze and allows us to easily print reports that help with completing payroll and subsidy reimbursement.

For this reason, I do not utilize Procare's meal-tracking feature. If not, I wish there were the option to sync Procare and KidKare, as I use Procare to type our menus but then have to input everything again in Procare, such as the meals and estimated attendance.

It has help us on  how we manage our daily operations by streamlining communication, simplifying administrative tasks, and enhancing parent engagement.

I use Procare for everything; attendance tracing for children and staff, data/required paperwork, tuition charges and payment, center expenses, parent and staff communication, children’s daily reports, and more.

Overall, we truly value ProCare as it is multifaceted through allowing us to reach out to families to share messages, emails, or photos of their children during the day to let them know how they are doing.

Office assistant

Making custom reports, tracking items, procare engagement, easy cobtact with parents, daily nites and milestones recording.

Many users say it reduces paperwork significantly and helps staff stay more organized across classrooms.

We use it for tuition invoicing, payment processing, business accounting, tracking requirements, parent engagement, and communication.

The ability to accept all forms of payment for tuition, the ability to collect and generate all types of data, and the ability to generate reports.  

Helps to track diaper changes, bottles and meals.

owner

I also wish I could update which bank account tuition payments go to without having to call and wait for the backend team to process the change (which usually takes 48+ hours).

The system will lag and there are some days where I cannot access the app or I don't get message notifications

Procare has provided my school with an excellent product and customer service to back it up.   As stated above, it has provided a platform that our preschool families have found to be intuitive and reliable to navigate.

One drawback of Procare Solutions is that parents and staff cannot fill out forms online like they can with other platforms.

Reviewers indicate Procare Solutions’ attendance tracking is essential for compliance, staffing, and security. Users report that Procare Solutions provides real-time classroom counts, digital sign-in/out, and detailed attendance reports for audits and licensing. They appreciate the ability to track attendance by room, time, and program, and value integration with meal tracking. Some users mention occasional syncing issues between desktop and app, and a desire for better absence differentiation. They find Procare Solutions’ attendance tracking reliable and time-saving. Of the 263 Procare Solutions users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Attendance Tracking, 87% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Procare Solutions vs brightwheel Comparison (2026)

Procare Solutions

brightwheel

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives