Sproutary is Closing

[Alwaysgreener]

I just went to their site to sign up and it says that they are closing at the end of 2022.

[GirlMomma]

Yep! I was notified at the beginning of March because I currently use it. I am torn between finishing out the year with them or getting set up with something else soon. I need to make sure that my reports will still be stored for taxes. I’ve heard Brightwheel is a great option, but I didn’t care for the invoicing - something was wonky with it. But perhaps I just didn’t figure it out 🤷♀️ LOL

I highly recommend having an app like this. My parents are loving it! It’s what sets my home daycare apart from others. In my area, only the “expensive and elite” centers use child care apps. Smaller centers and home providers don’t typically offer this.

[Alwaysgreener]

I don't recommend brightwheel but Cat Herder recommends daily connect. I checked that out last night, they have a 15 day trail. I am trying to figure out if I will need a tablet for pick up drop off or if they use their phone.

I have a grandma that can't come up my steps and she picks up daily and drops off sometimes.

[Cat Herder]

I use Daily Connect for parent communication. Photos, activities, curriculum, health checks, milestones, meals served, diapers changed, messaging, etc.

I use KidKare for everything else. All tax forms, time/space, expenses, attendance, autopay, invoicing, menu creation/meal counts, meals served tax write-off documentation, other income, etc. KidKare is $8 a month if not on food program (Iam not). Daily Connect is a couple dollars per kid, per month.

[GirlMomma]

I just found out you won’t be able to access anything on Sproutary after 12/31/22 🤬

I am looking at Brightwheel and Kid Konnect. I asked Brightwheel to reach out but they didn’t.

Happy Friday, right??

[Alwaysgreener]

I haven't heard of kid Connect. At this time I am liking daily connect. I can't find away to invoice but I can always just use Wave.com for that.

[GirlMomma]

Kid Konnect was in India and I wasn’t sure about it. I’ll check out Daily Connect. There is also Procare. I am checking them out as well.

[Alwaysgreener]

Lol I couldn't find Kid Connect, that is probably why.

[Cat Herder]

I use Daily Connect for parent communication. Photos, activities, curriculum, health checks, milestones, meals served, diapers changed, messaging, etc. Childcare Software Pricing | Daily Connect

I use KidKare for everything else (business documentation). All tax forms, time/space, expenses, attendance, autopay, invoicing, menu creation/meal counts, meals served tax write-off documentation, other income, etc. KidKare is $8 a month if not on food program (Iam not). Most Trusted CACFP Management Software for Daycares - KidKare

[Alwaysgreener]

Cat Herder is there any reason why you don't use daily connect for auto payments?
What is the turn around on getting your money on Kid Kare?

[Cat Herder]

• • is there any reason why you don't use daily connect for auto payments?
    What is the turn around on getting your money on Kid Kare?

KidKare automatically takes all of my information for the year and fills in all the tax forms for me (Parents W-10's as well). I record all year, then hit print. It takes all of 4 minutes to print everything.. Much simpler. My clients pay on Saturday/Sunday. CC payments go into my account on Wednesday. ACH go in on Thursday.

[Cat Herder]

You do have to plan for 1 day holiday delays if they fall on Mondays, even if they pay on Saturday. I always log in an hour prior to opening on Monday to make sure everyone paid. If they did not, I hit "Send Email". If they have not paid before they pull in the driveway, I turn them away at the door until they do. It is 1 click, CC or ACH, no excuses taken. They can do it from their phones, on the porch, in seconds. Easy/Peasy

[Alwaysgreener]

GirlMomma when you implemented sproutery did you do a trial run first?

[GirlMomma]

Yes, I signed up with my DC email and added DD to the Sprouts list so I could test it from a parent point of view using my personal email.

[Alwaysgreener]

Yeah I did that already, I just wasn't sure if I should have just a couple families do a trail for a week before having everyone else do it. I am just nervous about launching the app. My goal is to start in April., After spring break.

Currently the parents are supposed to text me when arrive/park in my driveway pick up or drop off but the issue is, they are texting before they even pull in my driveway. I have one that messaging 4-5 minutes before I am even open, even though he waits in the car. So although, I don't like it, I am going to have to make it so everyone comes indoors to check
in again.