Brightwheel is one of a handful of childcare management software companies that offers an “all-in-one” solution spanning multiple categorical pain points for childcare, daycare and preschool providers. For many programs, Brightwheel is a suitable option. But Playground offers a wide variety of additional features for the childcare industry, and many childcare providers have made the switch from Brightwheel to Playground. Thanks to Playground’s free data migration, the move itself is effectively painless. Given that, the deciding factor between Brightwheel and Playground will depend on whether you think Playground’s additional features, single-account login status, and speed of improvements are worth making the switch.

Curious about how Playground can help improve your bottom line? Book a free custom demo today.

Why switch from Brightwheel to Playground?

Brightwheel was founded in 2014. Playground was founded in 2021, with the founders spending six months physically in a childcare business identifying administrative and operational problems that could be fixed with technology, and then fine-tuning the solutions – giving providers more time back to care for children.

Since, Playground has amassed a team of agile engineers constantly taking in consumer feedback and modifying or adding product features in response. In the last 12 months alone, more than 859 changes have been pushed to production, giving child care providers cutting edge improvements such as AI integrations and CRM call recording.

Some unique features that Playground offers include:

• Payroll directly in the app

• Door lock integration and geofencing

• Discounts on common child care supplies through Playground Savings Club

• Automatic language translations for family communications

• Automated email and SMS marketing campaigns

• Custom SEO/GEO optimized websites for childcare

• Issuing payment cards to staff (virtual or physical)

• Mileage tracking for family/home-based centers

Playground uniquely offers these features and more – including a wide array of statewide partnerships enabling some childcare providers to get Playground for free for one year or sometimes longer. 

What is data migration and how long does it take?

Data migration from Brightwheel to Playground can be done seamlessly. This means that if you’re currently a Brightwheel customer, you can move your data to Playground in one fell swoop, including:

• Children’s names

• Classroom

• Address

• Birthday

• Guardian information (multiple names; one phone number)

This helps save a lot of time and energy during the switch, and ensuring you can hit the ground running with Playground. While it might seem like a hassle upfront to make the switch, the better fluidity within your software platform and wider business may very well be worth.

How much does Playground cost versus Brightwheel?

For both Playground and Brightwheel, the pricing will depend on your specific circumstances, including your center type and the number of children under your care. In general, more locations and more children will lead to higher pricing – but also more savings. To get an accurate estimate for Playground and Brightwheel, you should book a free demo with each.

Getting onboarded with Playground

The Playground onboarding process makes it quick and easy to get started saving time and money in your business. You’ll have a dedicated onboarding manager who will ensure you and your team are properly oriented on how to use everything, including helping get your data uploaded. There’s always someone on hand to answer your questions. Book a demo today to learn more and get started.