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CHILD CARE CENTER MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE MINIMUM STANDARD REQUIREMENTS:

There are many childcare management software packages available that sell from $100 to over $3,000. The programs range from simple manual databases to fully featured automated systems, and come in both pc and web based varieties. There are

canada between the packages in quality, functionality, usability, stability, and support. These differences separate a useful and professional product from others that are really no better than using paper and pencil. When comparing software, look for features that would completely automate as many of your daily tasks as possible. Don’t settle for software that would still make you do many things manually, including billing, record keeping, attendance, and payroll.

Childcare Management software is usually divided into programs for family, small, medium, and large sized centers. Many packages seem to imply that the smaller the center, the less functionality it needs. Functions including extensive batch processing, networking, flexible rates, extensive scheduling, and comprehensive reporting are usually reserved for medium and large center programs that are much more expensive. Some packages for family and smaller centers don’t include a timeclock, and others require manual entry for all childcare charges. When comparing software for different sized centers, make sure that functionality to automate your center and save you time is included.

Childcare Management software comes in both pc-installed and web based systems. Both of these platforms offer somewhat similar quality and functionality, but there are some key differences. Disadvantages of web-based systems include:

* 1) The user is really leasing the software; they don’t own the software, they don’t own their data, and they must keep paying the monthly cost to use the software.

* 2) If something happens to the web-based software company, all the data is gone.

* 3) The user must have a reliable and fast internet connection to use the software effectively, and even with a fast connection, waiting several seconds to change children and to change screens is time consuming and counter-productive.

* 4) The monthly cost can always increase.

Most of the "professional software" competitors sell their software in modules, reasoning that you shouldn’t have to pay for modules you don’t need, and that you can start small and purchase additional modules later. Buying software in pieces is expensive, and modules are frequently codependent, so if you need a specific function, you have to buy several modules. In addition, how much time will you spend doing things manually until you can afford to purchase additional modules to automate the functionality you need?

A great child care management software should come with all of the following minimum standards to run your Child care business and comes with such a complete set of functions, including:

* stores every Day’s complete information includingimmunizations,medical information, and parent and pickup person information, with photos for everyone

* includes Day and center journals to record progress reports, incidents, daily checklists, etc

* flexible enough to handle monthly, weekly, daily, and/or hourly billing, full time/part time billing, prepaid attendance, drop-off billing, coupons, and even different billing rates for different days and times

* graphically tracks and automatically generates child bills, with the ability to email bills to parents

* graphically tracks staff hours and automatically generates staff payroll

* lets parents and staff sign themselves in/out with the included Time clock program

* tracks all center expenses including mileage and applies time-use percentages

* creates attendance and staffing reports that show daily and even hour-by-hour attendance and schedules

* creates USDA meals charts, and includes full menu planning functionality

* includes full activity planning functionality

* runs accounting reports that show payments, income, which children are behind in their payments, and which staff you owe wages to

* creates form letters through Microsoft Word

* creates, recalls, and sends emails with built in email functionality

* protects your data with the built-in backup system and 4 level password protection

* includes Childcare forms to help you comply with laws and protect your business

* supports any international currency format

* creates custom reports with selectable information, column order and contact grouping (reports output to Notepad, Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel)

Child Care Management Software is what makes running a child or day care a joy. It leaves you with more time for the kids.