16 Best Daycare Apps Compared: Features, Pricing, and Recommendations
Choosing the right daycare app is crucial for smooth daily operations in childcare centers. In our daycare app comparison, we examined 16 of the best applications that simplify administration, communication, and organization in childcare facilities. Whether you're looking for a kindergarten app, daycare management software, or a comprehensive childcare solution – you'll find the right fit for your needs here.
The following list is not a ranking, but rather a random compilation of daycare software within this comparison. Which daycare app is best is an individual decision and depends on many factors. For comprehensive advice, feel free to contact us.
1. Stay Informed
Stay Informed is a digital solution developed specifically for childcare centers to optimize communication and organization. The app keeps parents, relatives, and team members reliably informed by offering features such as secure messaging, important updates, and appointment notifications. It also supports appointment management, attendance tracking, and secure document sharing, all in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Stay Informed's pricing is transparent. It costs depending on the size of the daycare:
- 1–9 children: €9 (Basic), €14 (Premium Plus)
- 10–49 children: €32 (Basic), €38 (Premium Plus)
- 50–99 children: €48 (Basic), €54 (Premium Plus)
- 100–199 children: €61 (Basic), €71 (Premium Plus)
- 200–299 children: €75 (Basic), €88 (Premium Plus)
Stay Informed was developed specifically for the German market and primarily targets daycares and kindergartens seeking a privacy-compliant and easy-to-use solution for their administration. The company has made a name for itself through its high security standards and simple usability.
The app is used by many daycares that want to improve their communication with parents and team members. Particularly noteworthy is the flexible pricing structure, which allows even smaller facilities to benefit from the app.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Privacy-compliant and secure | Limited customization options |
| Intuitive user interface | No free trial version |
| Comprehensive communication features |
2. KiTaPLUS
KiTaPLUS offers a comprehensive daycare management software specifically developed for childcare centers, their providers, and administrative offices. The web-based solution runs on all devices and helps facilities efficiently handle administrative, billing, and statistical tasks. Key features include child and group management, personnel management, billing & finances, and statistics & funding. Additionally, KiTaPLUS offers add-on modules such as the parent app, group app, and catering portal that further simplify daily daycare operations. KiTaPLUS pricing is transparent and based on the number of facilities:
- For 1–9 facilities: €64 per month per facility
- For 10–24 facilities: €59 per month per facility
- For 25+ facilities: €53 per month per facility
All prices are monthly net prices per childcare facility plus VAT. Provider and administrative access is included at no additional cost. Only the number of facilities is relevant for determining monthly costs.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Modular and flexible solution | Add-on modules may incur additional costs |
| Web-based software, runs on all devices | Internet connection required |
| Intuitive user interface | Initial learning curve for new users |
KiTaPLUS is ideal for facilities looking for a flexible and modular software solution for their administrative tasks. Interested parties can use a free 30-day trial to get to know the software.
3. CARE Daycare App
The CARE Daycare App simplifies daily operations in daycares and after-school programs: secure communication, efficient organization, and simple documentation – all in one application. With translations in over 50 languages, the app enables barrier-free communication.
Whether parent letters, appointments, surveys, or photos from daily daycare life – all information can be shared in just a few clicks. Essential data about childcare is always at a glance and can be analyzed as needed - even across facilities for providers. Portfolio work is done digitally with CARE, also supporting children's media education.
CARE has been developed by Carlo & Friends GmbH in Hamburg since 2018 and is used daily by over 1,000 facilities across Germany. Its user-friendly design has won awards, and user ratings are extremely positive.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Free trial version and info webinars | No customization options |
| GDPR-compliant and ISO 27001 certified | May be too extensive for small daycares |
| Interfaces with common daycare management software |
4. Famly
Famly is one of the leading solutions in daycare management software. With features like communication, documentation, and billing, Famly covers all central needs of daycares and facilitates collaboration with parents. Prices currently range between €130 and €180 per month per facility, depending on the plan. There is a discount for small daycares.
Famly was founded in Denmark in 2013 and is now an internationally successful platform used in more than 30 countries. Over 6,000 daycares trust the software. What makes Famly special is its user-friendly interface and the integration of communication features that make exchanges between educators and parents efficient. Famly supports daycares not only with administration but also with documenting children's development and creating invoices.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive features | Setup requires time |
| Intuitive user interface | No free version |
| Strong customer reviews | Relatively high-priced |
5. MeerKita App
MeerKita App offers a versatile daycare management software in this daycare app comparison. It facilitates communication and organization between parents, daycare, and providers. The app includes features such as messaging, calendar, personnel planning, and time tracking. The pricing is tiered at up to €0.89 per daycare spot per month for basic features. The more spots needed, the lower the individual price. Extended features like personnel planning are available for up to €1.49 per daycare spot per month. A complete solution including devices and insurance is offered for up to €2.89 per daycare spot per month.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Intuitive operation | Some features only available in higher price tiers |
| Comprehensive features for communication and organization | Price varies depending on feature scope |
| Privacy-compliant with storage on German servers |
The MeerKita App is ideal for facilities seeking a comprehensive solution for administration and communication and willing to invest in the desired features accordingly.
6. KDS Kita-MANAGER
KDS Kita-MANAGER is a web-based daycare management software specifically developed for efficient leadership and administration of childcare centers. It offers a clear dashboard with all important information at a glance, as well as features for master data management, attendance tracking for children and staff, and personnel planning. Modern communication tools, such as mobile and web apps, facilitate exchange between facilities, providers, and parents. Pricing information is not directly available on the website. Interested facilities can contact the provider directly for individual quotes and further details.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Intuitive user interface | No pricing information on the website |
| Comprehensive features for administration and communication | May require learning time for new users |
| Web-based solution enables flexible access | Dependent on internet connection |
KDS Kita-MANAGER is ideal for facilities looking for a comprehensive and practical software solution for their administrative tasks. For detailed information and an individual quote, it is recommended to contact the provider directly.
7. Ki·ON
Ki·ON offers an easy-to-use daycare management software specifically tailored to the needs of daycare managers. The software enables efficient organization of daily daycare operations, with a focus on managing attendance lists, parent communication, and scheduling. Additionally, Ki·ON helps reduce administrative workload in daycares and provides a user-friendly platform. Pricing information is not directly available on the website. Interested parties can contact Ki·ON for individual quotes and further details.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| User-friendly platform | No pricing information on the website |
| Focus on organizational efficiency | Feature scope not described in detail |
| Facilitates parent communication | Individual customization unclear |
Ki·ON is aimed at daycares looking for a straightforward software solution to make their daily operations more efficient. For detailed information, it is recommended to contact the provider directly.
8. KIKOM
KIKOM is a comprehensive daycare management software that digitizes communication, organization, and documentation in childcare centers. It offers features such as parent communication, digital group book, portfolio work, shift planning, and much more. The app supports multiple languages and is used by over 4,500 customers. KIKOM's pricing is based on a modular system that adapts to the individual needs of the facility. A fee calculator on the website allows calculation of monthly costs, which consist of a base price per facility and additional building blocks per spot. The minimum fee is €10.00 per month.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive features for communication and organization | Complex setup requires familiarization |
| Modular structure allows individual customization | Prices vary depending on selected modules |
| Multilingual user interface | Technical know-how required for optimal use |
KIKOM is ideal for facilities seeking a flexible and customizable solution for digitizing their daily daycare operations and willing to invest in familiarization and individual configuration.
9. Kiplano
Kiplano is a specialized daycare management software that focuses on shift and duty schedules. The software is ideal for facilities that place great emphasis on structured personnel planning. Kiplano's pricing starts at €99 per month, plus a one-time setup fee of €399. This model is particularly aimed at daycares with detailed shift and personnel planning needs.
Since 2017, Kiplano has been on the market and is used by numerous large and medium-sized daycares in Germany. The company has specialized in optimizing shift schedules and personnel management and offers a very efficient solution for daycares with complex personnel structures.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Clear planning tools | Limited feature scope |
| Transparent pricing model | High setup costs |
| Intuitive user interface | No extensions possible |
10. KitaOne
KitaOne is a versatile daycare software specifically developed for automating administrative tasks. From personnel planning to spot allocation, it supports facilities in optimizing their processes. KitaOne offers individual pricing that depends on the size and requirements of the facility. Exact costs are calculated on request, as they are tailored to the daycare's needs.
The company behind KitaOne, "KitaOne GmbH," was founded in Germany and quickly established itself as a provider of software solutions for daycares. With customers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, KitaOne offers one of the leading solutions for digitizing daycare administration. The app is particularly suitable for larger daycares, as it can map many complex processes.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Customizable workflows | Price on request |
| Broad feature scope | Complex for small daycares |
| Modularly expandable | Learning time required |
11. PAUSE-KITA Cloud
PAUSE-KITA Cloud is a modern daycare management software that enables all administrative processes regardless of location. Perfect for teams that value flexibility. PAUSE-KITA Cloud prices are calculated individually and depend on the selected feature scope. This flexible pricing policy allows the software to be optimally adapted to the facility's needs.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Cloud-based and mobile-friendly | Less intuitive operation |
| GDPR-compliant | Price on request |
| Years of experience in the daycare sector | Limited customizability |
12. KitaLux
KitaLux offers an open-source daycare management software specifically developed for use in childcare centers. Due to its modular structure, it can be flexibly adapted to the individual requirements of each facility. It covers a broad spectrum of features, including group and personnel management, attendance lists, meal plans, as well as billing and statistics.
The software runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and offers a cloud solution that enables access from different locations. Technical know-how is required for setup and use. Prices are available on request and depend on the selected feature scope and any customizations.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Open-source and free | Technical know-how required |
| Modular and flexible | Complex setup |
| Individually customizable | No support from a fixed provider |
KitaLux is an ideal solution for daycares looking for a cost-effective, flexible, and customizable software but willing to deal with technical challenges.
13. LITTLE BIRD
LITTLE BIRD is software for digital allocation and management of daycare spots. Parents can apply centrally for childcare spots, while daycares and providers optimize administrative processes. The app is used in many German municipalities and facilitates spot allocation through digital waiting lists and contract management.
The solution is primarily aimed at cities, municipalities, and large providers with multiple facilities. In addition to spot allocation, LITTLE BIRD also supports document management and communication between parents and daycares. The software complies with German data protection standards and offers secure, GDPR-compliant use.
Pricing: Individual quotes depending on the facility and scope of use.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Simplified digital daycare spot allocation | No transparent pricing structure |
| Central management for large providers and municipalities | Less focus on daily communication |
| GDPR-compliant and high security standards | More suitable for larger facilities than small daycares |
14. KIGAROO
KigaRoo is a comprehensive daycare software that supports facilities with administration, organization, and communication. It offers features such as child and personnel management, parent communication via a dedicated app, accounting, and document management. The software is cloud-based and meets GDPR requirements.
Pricing:
- Mini Package: €30 per month for up to 8 children, including 1 GB online storage, parent and staff apps, and tablet version for check-in/check-out.
- Professional Package: €44 per month for up to 20 children; each additional child costs €2.10 per month. Includes 3 GB online storage, management of up to 500 children and 50 employees, parent and staff apps, and tablet version for check-in/check-out.
- Enterprise Package: Individual pricing for larger facilities and providers with unlimited children and employees, 5 GB online storage (expandable), premium support, and additional modules.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive management features for children and staff | Costs increase with the number of children |
| Integrated parent communication via apps | Some modules only available for additional fees |
| GDPR-compliant and secure | Internet connection required due to cloud basis |
KigaRoo is particularly suitable for facilities looking for a flexible and scalable solution to optimize their administrative processes.
15. nupian Daycare Software
nupian Daycare Software has been in use since 2009 and covers all relevant functional areas – from administration, billing, and documentation to parent communication – in a single, GDPR-compliant web portal. An integrated parent portal including web app ensures efficient, secure communication. Particularly attractive: Support (by phone and email) and regular updates are already included in the price.
- €69 net per facility per month (unlimited children & all modules included)
nupian is aimed at facilities looking for a comprehensive all-in-one solution without having to pay extra for additional modules or user tiers. Thanks to the transparent monthly fee, providers and managers keep their costs clearly in view while benefiting from a professional, ready-to-use complete solution.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Free trial version | May be too extensive for very small daycares |
| Billing per facility, unlimited children | Constant internet connection required |
| All modules & support included in price |
16. Kitaversum
Kitaversum is a modern all-in-one solution (daycare software/daycare app) for childcare centers. The platform combines communication, organization, and pedagogical documentation in an easy-to-use, modern interface and stands out through integrated AI features. These support, for example, text revision, activity planning, or formulating development reports. The software is modularly structured and covers areas from chats and duty schedules to digital portfolios and documentation.
Pricing:
- Basic: from €0.75 per child/month
- Standard: €0.99 per child/month
- Professional (incl. provider management "KVAdmin"): on request
Kitaversum was developed for the German market and, due to its modular structure, targets the entire range of facilities – from small family daycares to large providers. The company places high value on data protection (server location Germany, GDPR-compliant, encrypted storage). AI support is also operated in Germany (according to EU guidelines).
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Very high data protection (location DE) | Full feature scope requires familiarization |
| Suitable for all facility sizes | Price for Professional tier only on request |
| Comprehensive provider module | |
| Unique AI support | |
| Free trial access available |
The app is used by providers and facilities looking for a future-oriented and comprehensive solution. Particularly noteworthy are the management module for providers (KVAdmin) with central provider management and flexible introduction, where you can individually determine which features to start with. Interested parties can also request free trial access.
Overview of the Best Daycare Apps Compared
- Stay Informed – Efficient communication and organization for daycares.
- KiTaPLUS – Practical and user-friendly, especially for larger facilities.
- CARE Daycare App – Excellent for secure communication and organization.
- Famly – Best all-round solution with comprehensive features.
- MeerKita App – Comprehensive solution for administration and communication.
- KDS Kita-MANAGER – Best choice for large facilities with complex requirements.
- Ki·ON – Best solution for cost-effective daycare management.
- KIKOM – Innovative and flexible daycare management software.
- Kiplano – Ideal for structured shift and personnel planning.
- KitaOne – Diverse features for central management.
- PAUSE-KITA Cloud – Optimal solution for individual needs.
- KitaLux – Modular and customizable, but complex to learn.
- LITTLE BIRD – Specialized solution for digital spot allocation and management.
- KigaRoo – Scalable daycare software with flexible modules.
- nupian Daycare Software – All-in-one solution with unlimited child spots and free support.
- Kitaversum – Integrated AI features, modular, GDPR-compliant, and developed for the German market.
Summary of the Daycare App Comparison
What is the best daycare app?
The best daycare app depends on the specific requirements of the facility. For comprehensive and privacy-compliant solutions, Stay Informed offers an ideal platform for communication and organization, especially for smaller facilities. Famly is another top choice for daycares looking for an all-in-one solution with comprehensive features, albeit at higher costs.
Kindergarten App Comparison: Which is suitable for small facilities?
MeerKita App is particularly well suited for smaller facilities, as it is user-friendly and offers cost-effective solutions through its transparent pricing structures.
How much does daycare management software cost?
Costs vary depending on the provider and feature scope. Often dependent on the number of children. Other apps like Famly or Kiplano also offer transparent pricing models that vary depending on requirements.
Why is daycare software useful?
Daycare software facilitates administration, improves communication with parents, and ensures more efficient organization of daily daycare operations.
How We at IJONIS Can Help
Selecting and implementing a daycare app is often complex and time-consuming. As an experienced agency for digital solutions, we support daycares and providers in selecting the right software by analyzing specific requirements and identifying suitable options. Additionally, we help with technical integration, team training, and process optimization to ensure the app truly simplifies daily operations and provides long-term value. With our expertise in process digitalization and user experience, we make the transition to digital solutions as smooth as possible.
