Things You'll Need:
- The Internet
- Google Search Engine
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Step 1
Do a search for "daycare software" or "free daycare software" on the internet. I found several software companies that offered free trial versions. None of them are free. Some are very expensive, and some are actually quite affordable.
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Step 2
Look through the listings available, and select daycare software programs that offer a free trial. Different software programs have different features, and so you need to try them on for size before you know which program has the features that will suit you best.
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Step 3
ProCare Software has several applications, which are all packaged and priced separately. This daycare software appeared to be geared more towards center-based daycares, and perhaps even targeted for providers who owned several daycare sites.
The Family Data Application $279.50
Accounting 197.50
Tuition Express (payment processing) 145 + 15/mo +.33/item
Food Program 197.50
Attendance Tracker 197.50
Advance Scheduler 147.50
Photo Gallery 185.00
Employee Data 197.50
Payroll 97.50
Accounts Payable 197.50
General Ledger 197.50
*These aren't all of the applications available, and some applications are piggy-backed, and can't be run without the purchase of other applications. -
Step 4
ChildCare Office Pro cost $298. This Daycare Software features
Automatic Billing
Auto sign in/sign out for children
Auto sign in/sign out for employees
Global billing- which offers the ability to post billing to several accounts at once
Today's Reminders-track appointments and birthdays
Monthly Statements
Update/Change Tuition Rates
Daily Roster
Transportation Information
Child Information
Account Transactions
Activities
Waiting List
Employee Information
General Leger Transaction
Company Information -
Step 5
Daycare Management Software (no price listed on website...you have to contact them for more information) features:
Organized management of family, child, and staff data
Creation of family application and waiting lists
Extensive Reporting capabilities and customizable reports
Electronic Billing
Accounts Payable and Receivable
Online Registration
General Ledger
Payroll Details
Integrated Time Clock
Integrated Door Access Controls
Merging Capabilities
Email Marketing and Invoicing
Childcare Food Programs
Integration with 3rd Party software (ex, Microsoft Office or Quickbooks) -
Step 6
Daycare Manager.net is daycare software that is offered for $83.90/year, and could also be purchased on a monthly basis. Features:
10 minute manager
Article Library
Activity Ideas
Quick access to tasks (ProviderRank, messages, newsletter, blog, parent communications, share photos, etc)
Helps you by giving recommendations (charges, planner, payments, expenses, money reports, etc)
Personalized Recommendation Tasks (create an invoice, update charges, etc)
Organize family and Children, child rates and charges, create and print forms, charges and payments, track vehicle mileage
Family info- each family is listed along with info, and you can add pictures or clip art icons to identify each family or group.
Easy Edit Changes
Easy Invoicing and Billing
Track Forms
Parents can sign forms by logging on and using free log on info
Easy Meal Planning and tracking, including HOW child ate (ate everything, ate most, didn't eat, etc)
Online method of communicating with parents, including a blog, photo sharing, and a forum to communicate with other daycare providers.
For $50/mo, you can also implement "nanny cams" in the daycare, which allow parents to view their child live from any internet connection. -
Step 7
Minute Menu KIDS Pro is daycare software that costs $69.95 for the first year, and then $39.95 to renew each year. Features:
Record Keeping and Tax Planning features:
"1.Eliminate time-consuming calculations, keep track of billing and expenses
2.Calculate the time-space and actual percentages of care related expenses.
3.Figure deductions for mileage, meal allowances, and expenses.
4.Uses same language as IRS tax forms for easy transfer of information at tax time.
5.Specify the percentage of business use at time of purchase helping you maximize your potential deductions for bigger tax savings.
6.Email reports and invoices to parents.
7.Time and tax saving tips from Tom Copeland.
Childcare Management:
1.Invoice parents online and receive payments electronically.
2.Track child information including: health forms, emergency contacts, birthdays, and daily activities.
3.Plan and print your schedule: hourly, daily, monthly.
4.Generate professional-looking forms and reports including, bills, receipts, schedules, charts, and certificates.
5.Includes recipes, nutrition tips, menu ideas, child activities.
6.Easy to learn & use with simple "point and click" features and includes an online FAQ and pictorial user’s manual.
7.C-K Kids is web-based, you log-on via the Internet (no CD to install!)
8.Automatic, free software updates as they occur.
9.No need to back-up data, all information is automatically saved.
10.Secure site, encrypted communications, password protected.
11.Reliable, prompt technical support - FREE
Food Program and Menu Planning Features:
1.Built-in CACFP approved meals, foods, ingredients for infants and non-infants.
2.Create new foods & meals, pre-planned menus, cycle menus.
3.Easy click for attendance and meal count.
4.Food program and accounting are connected, which saves you a lot of time!
5.Web-based: no more forms and no need to back-up data.
6.Ability to electronically submit claim to sponsor.
7.Split shift options.
8.Over 50 reports!"
Comments
gentletouch said
on 10/9/2009 WE TRULY LOVE THE WAY YOU DO SOME SERIOUS WRITING. 5* BLESSINGS, gentletouch
jcrush said
on 3/31/2009 WoW, Trina!! You really do put a lot of effort and good info into your articles. That's why I luv ya!! This is the best article for How To Choose Daycare Software!!/*****
jewet said
on 3/30/2009 Very informational!
jenng said
on 3/24/2009 Great article well done 5*
russellcox said
on 3/19/2009 This is very detailed. It's amazing how computers have changed our lives. There are very few industries that haven't been touched by computers and technology in general.