.svg)
Running a childcare program means juggling countless responsibilities—from tracking attendance and handling billing to keeping communication clear with families. The administrative workload can quickly pile up, leaving less time to focus on the children themselves. Finding the right management solution is key to simplifying these tasks and ensuring a successful program.
Brightwheel Premium offers a comprehensive answer to these challenges, providing an all-in-one platform designed specifically for childcare programs. Rather than juggling multiple systems for billing, communication, and daily operations, brightwheel Premium consolidates everything into one streamlined solution.
This guide will walk you through everything brightwheel Premium includes, how it transforms childcare operations, and why the investment delivers exceptional value for programs of all sizes.
What is brightwheel Premium?
Brightwheel Premium is an all-in-one childcare management platform that goes far beyond basic tracking tools. This comprehensive solution addresses every aspect of running a childcare program, from daily check-ins and activity reporting to complex billing processes and staff management.
The platform serves as a central hub where administrators, teachers, and families can access everything they need. Premium combines powerful automation features with intuitive design, ensuring that even the most complex childcare operations run smoothly without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Brightwheel has been one of the best decisions I've made for our program. It's the brain of our center and manages everything from signing in and out to billing to maintaining family relationships." Audra T., Executive Director and Owner at Happy Campers Preschool in San Carlos, CA
What sets brightwheel Premium apart is its focus on the unique needs of childcare programs. Unlike generic business management tools, every feature has been developed specifically for early childhood education environments, addressing real challenges that childcare providers face daily.
What sets brightwheel Premium apart is how easy and quick it is to set up and use, saving you time from the start. The platform is fast, reliable, and secure, giving you peace of mind as you manage your program.
Plus, with a dedicated human support team, you can get quick answers or troubleshoot technical issues in minutes. Brightwheel is committed to innovation, constantly adding new features based on feedback from customers to ensure the platform meets your needs every step of the way.
Free Childcare Billing Guide
Download this free guide to streamline your childcare billing processes and save time.
Key features and benefits of brightwheel Premium
Billing and payments
Brightwheel Premium's billing system transforms one of the most time-consuming aspects of childcare management. The platform automates invoice generation, processes payments, and tracks outstanding balances—all while maintaining transparent communication with families about their accounts.
The autopay feature significantly improves payment rates, with many programs seeing 90% on-time payments after implementation. Families can set up automatic payments, receive payment reminders, and access their billing history through the family app, reducing the administrative burden on your staff.
Communication tools
Effective family communication forms the foundation of successful childcare programs. Brightwheel Premium provides real-time messaging capabilities, photo and video sharing, and automated daily reports that keep families connected to their child's day.
Teachers can quickly share moments from the classroom, send updates about meals and naps, and maintain ongoing conversations with families. This enhanced communication builds trust and satisfaction while reducing the time staff spend on individual check-ins and phone calls.
Site management
Brightwheel Premium's management tools provide complete visibility into your program's operations. Track enrollment, manage waitlists, and digitize forms to streamline the admission process. The platform also handles attendance tracking, ratio management, and compliance reporting.
Multi-site programs particularly benefit from brightwheel Premium's centralized management capabilities. Administrators can oversee multiple locations from a single dashboard, ensuring consistency across all sites while maintaining local flexibility.
Learning and curriculum
The platform includes robust curriculum planning tools that help teachers create engaging lesson plans and track student progress. Brightwheel Premium integrates with Experience Curriculum, providing research-based activities and assessments aligned with early learning standards. Note: There is an additional fee for Experience Curriculum. Contact our team for a custom quote.
Digital portfolios allow teachers to document each child's development journey, sharing meaningful moments and milestones with families. This feature transforms how programs demonstrate the value of their educational approach.
Attendance and daily activity reports
Brightwheel Premium automates daily reporting, capturing check-in and check-out times, meal consumption, nap schedules, and learning activities. These reports provide families with comprehensive insights into their child's day while creating valuable records for programs.
The system's efficiency means teachers spend less time on paperwork and more time engaging with children. Automated reports also ensure consistency and accuracy across all classrooms.
Payroll and staff management
Staff management features include scheduling tools, time tracking, and payroll integration. Brightwheel Premium helps maintain proper ratios, tracks staff qualifications, and manages professional development requirements.
The platform's staff communication tools ensure everyone stays informed about schedule changes, program updates, and important announcements, improving overall team coordination and satisfaction.
How brightwheel Premium transforms childcare programs
Programs using brightwheel Premium report significant operational improvements that go far beyond simple time savings. Administrators typically save 20 hours per month on administrative tasks, freeing up time for program development and engaging with children.
The enhanced communication features lead to measurable improvements in family satisfaction. Programs see increased enrollment retention as families appreciate the transparency and regular updates about their children's experiences.
Staff efficiency improvements are equally impressive. Teachers report feeling more organized and prepared, with digital tools that support their daily routines rather than adding complexity. The streamlined processes also contribute to better staff retention, as educators can focus on their primary passion—working with children.
Payment processing becomes remarkably smooth with brightwheel Premium's automated billing systems. Programs experience faster payment collection and reduced outstanding balances, improving cash flow and financial stability. Families also appreciate the ease and simplicity of online payments and reminders.
How much is brightwheel Premium?
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all pricing, brightwheel recognizes that each childcare program has unique needs, enrollment numbers, and operational requirements. Brightwheel Premium's value lies not in its cost but in the comprehensive transformation it provides to your program's operations.
Consider the time savings alone: if brightwheel Premium saves your administrative staff 20 hours per month, that represents significant cost recovery in reduced labor hours. Factor in improved payment rates, enhanced family satisfaction, and streamlined operations, and the platform typically pays for itself through operational efficiencies.
The investment in brightwheel Premium can be viewed through the lens of total program improvement. Programs report better staff retention, increased enrollment, and enhanced reputation within their communities—benefits that contribute to long-term financial health and growth.
For personalized pricing information that reflects your specific program needs, visit brightwheel's pricing page where you can connect directly with their team. This consultation approach ensures you receive accurate information tailored to your enrollment size and program requirements.
Brightwheel Premium: Less time on admin, more time with children
Brightwheel Premium represents more than just childcare management software—it's a comprehensive solution that transforms how programs operate, communicate, and grow. The platform's all-in-one approach eliminates the complexity of managing multiple systems while providing the specialized features that childcare programs need to thrive.
The combination of automated billing, enhanced communication, streamlined operations, and comprehensive reporting creates a foundation for program success that extends far beyond simple administrative efficiency. When families feel connected and informed, staff members feel supported and organized, and administrators have clear visibility into all aspects of their program, the entire childcare community benefits.
