Smartcare vs Procare Solutions

Lillio

brightwheel

Procare Solutions

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

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

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.

Head of School

They will stay on the phone until the problem has a solution or they will find the solution and call us back with the answers we need.

Smartcare is a cloud-based child care center management software that assists with connecting parents, care center owners, directors and teachers in real time with each other.

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Attendance Tracking

Billing & Invoicing

Calendar Management

Check-in/Check-out

Communications Management

Contact Database

Customer Accounts

Daily Reports

Electronic Signature

Employee Management

Enrollments/Onboarding

Immunization & Allergy Tracking

Meal/Nutrition Management

Milestone Tracking

Parent Portal

Payment Processing

Records Management

Registration Management

Reporting & Statistics

Role-Based Permissions

Wait List Management

Smartcare

Web-based

Linux

Windows

iPhone

iPad

Android

Regpack

Parent

Cumbersome reporting tools

62% of reviewers feel negative about Smartcare’s reports. Users say the reporting system is difficult to navigate, with a confusing list of unsorted reports that are hard to identify and access. Some reviewers report that the reports lack necessary details, require extensive manual formatting in Excel, and are not user-friendly. They indicate that generating statements or specific information is time-consuming and often does not meet their needs. Users mention frustration with missing features, non-intuitive criteria, and reports that do not print well or provide the expected data for early childhood programs.

Confusing parent billing process

41% of reviewers feel negative about Smartcare’s parent billing. Some users report that billing is confusing for both staff and parents, with issues like automatic charges, difficulty reversing transactions, and problems with auto-pay. Reviewers say parents often do not understand charges, encounter double billing, or face delays in payment processing. They indicate that statements are sometimes unclear or do not meet reimbursement requirements. Users mention that navigating between billing sections is cumbersome, and there are challenges with managing fees, partial payments, and reconciling deposits, leading to parent complaints and administrative headaches.

Streamlined staff-parent messaging

92% of reviewers feel positive about Smartcare’s staff-parent communication. Users say the platform allows them to communicate efficiently with both parents and staff, reducing the need for multiple tools. Some reviewers appreciate features like mass emails, sharing pictures, and emergency notifications, which help keep everyone informed. They indicate that communication is quick and accessible from mobile devices, making it easier to stay connected. Users find the interface user-friendly for both staff and families, which saves time and simplifies daily interactions. Reviewers appreciate that communication is smoother and more reliable compared to previous methods.

Comprehensive center oversight

80% of reviewers feel positive about Smartcare’s childcare center management. Some users say the software brings together many aspects of record keeping and operations into one program, making management more convenient. Reviewers indicate that the intuitive interface helps them keep up with children’s progress and manage fees efficiently. They appreciate that the platform is regularly updated with new features relevant to the childcare industry. Users mention that it supports both parents and directors in overseeing daily activities, and they value being able to monitor and stay connected with their child’s center from anywhere.

Responsive support experience

77% of reviewers feel positive about Smartcare’s customer support. Users report that support staff are friendly, patient, and quick to respond to questions or issues. Some reviewers say they receive helpful guidance during onboarding and ongoing use, which makes transitions smoother. They appreciate that customer service is accessible and willing to investigate feature requests or problems. Reviewers mention that support representatives are available by phone and provide detailed explanations when needed. Users feel reassured knowing that assistance is readily available and that their concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

Assistant Director

There were many crashes and a few times payments weren’t charged, and the double charged on the parent’s causing issues.

Admin

It was useful for signing children in and out of the center.

business manager

In our case, we could not customize the welcome letter, which stated all the features of Smartcare that would be available to our parents, even the features we were not signed up for.  

Senior Manager

It's a great app to get real-time updates about your child at day care and allows you to view the bills as well.

Curriculum Director

I liked the ease of navigating the system when it came to pulling reports, uploading photos and communicating with parents.

Owner/Director

Smartcare automatically calculates daily fees based on children's attendance which is critical for me.  

After School Program Director

Very slow if any turn around on development ticket items, so many glitches, not user friendly, not capable of billing for the current month.

Director

Direct link to Missouri Depart of Social Services which allow smooth attendance reporting meeting the state guidelines.

I like the app and I am glad that most of the child care centers are using it.

owner

This product helped me to see my income and easily view my enrolled children.  

case manager

Being able to also see who signs children in and out with a unique code and or pin.

Office Assistant

You can also scan a code that lets staff know you are there to pick up or drop off.

I also love that you can also pay your co-pay through the app.

Every day I hear about how my teachers have a hard time with the web based site.

Teachers 

I like that I can pay my sons daycare with ease

President

Assistant Program Director

very difficult to use, information is disorganized.  

Overall very user friendly and go lots design

My families have been happy since we moved.

This software has been a real pain, not user friendly.

Parent Billing

Sign In/Out

Parent-Teacher Communication

Attendance

Childcare Center Management

Ease of Use

Bugs and Issues

User Interface

Customer Support

Freelancers

Small Business

Large Enterprises

Mid-size Business

Vanco

Playground

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

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.

Alerts/Notifications

Assessment Management

Assignment Management

Attendance Management

Certification Tracking

Class Scheduling

Curriculum Management

Customizable Forms

Customizable Reports

Data Import/Export

Data Security

Document Management

Document Storage

Electronic Payments

Faculty/Staff Management

Financial Management

Incident Management

Learning Management

Lesson Planning

Mobile Access

Multi-Location

Online Calendar

Online Payments

Parent/Student Portal

Reporting/Analytics

Resource Scheduling

School District

Self Service Portal

Student Information/Records

Student Management

Task Management

Third-Party Integrations

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.

Chromebook

Kangarootime

LineLeader by ChildcareCRM

KidKare Food Program

ChildPilot

ChildWatch

Wonderschool

Enrollsy

MyKidReports

myKidzDay

Storypark

Famly

Remini

Basic

Unreliable clock in/out processes

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.

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.  

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).

Office assistant

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

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

Smartcare vs Procare Solutions Comparison (2026)

Smartcare

Procare Solutions

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives