# Playground Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Playground the right Daycare solution for you? Explore 194 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/220200/Playground/reviews --- Playground 4.8 (194) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/220200/Playground/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of Playground Ease of use 4.7 Customer Service 4.9 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews TM Taneaha M Owner and DirectorChild Day Care Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “It makes communication with families easier, keeps student and staff information organized, and supports smoother scheduling, billing, and documentation. While there are occasional learning curves with certain features, the platform has helped streamline processes and improve efficiency within our center.“ December 24, 2025 LS Latasha S Business Operations ManagerChild Day Care Services, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Staff messaging also lacks flexibility, there’s no simple way to message an entire class at once or easily select only their assigned students (per the staff, who feel that our previous platform hit the mark with this option).“ October 13, 2025 JB Justin B OwnerChild Day Care Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “The standout feature of Playground is its ability to centralize every chaotic moving part of running a childcare center into one sleek, intuitive dashboard.“ March 12, 2026 GR Galen R Owner and DirectorRecreational Facilities and Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “Unfortunately having to use tryplayground for URLs is inconvenient and makes it a little harder than necessary to point families to it.“ September 27, 2025 JB Justin B OwnerChild Day Care Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Beyond the backend, the real-time communication tools are a massive win; the ability to send instant photo updates and digital daily sheets builds immense trust with families.“ March 12, 2026 CW Christen W OwnerChild Day Care Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “I wouldn't necessarily say I don't like it, however I would allow centers the opportunity to be able to pay monthly rather than quarterly for their subscriptions. Besides that, I haven't experienced anything else that I didn't really like.“ September 24, 2025 JB Justin B OwnerChild Day Care Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “It effectively replaces a fragmented mess of spreadsheets, paper checks, and clunky apps with a single, polished ecosystem that saves directors hours of administrative labor every week. While the transition period requires patience and the premium pricing reflects its high-end capabilities, the payoff in parent satisfaction and operational clarity is undeniable.“ March 12, 2026 Emma R Owner and DirectorEducation Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “There were also a few features that required additional costs that I didn’t fully realize upfront.“ December 29, 2025 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 194 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Emma R. Owner and Director Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Exactly What Our Microschool Needed" December 29, 2025 5.0 Overall, I’m extremely thankful for Playground and how much it has helped streamline our systems. It’s been a great fit for my microschool, and I’m glad we made the switch. Pros I’ve been using Playground for my microschool, and overall it has been an amazing addition to our operations. Even though the platform is geared toward childcare centers, it isn’t overly “babyish” and works really well for a microschool setting. It has significantly streamlined many of my business and administrative tasks, which has been a huge relief as a school owner. One of the biggest pros is the customer support. Their team has been incredibly responsive and helpful, answering all of my questions promptly and working with me to understand how Playground could best support my needs. The value for the price is excellent, and I really appreciate that they’ve been open to feedback and feature requests for tools I was hoping to use. Cons The only downsides I’ve experienced were some initial miscommunication at the beginning. After my demo, I didn’t receive clear follow-up instructions on how to get started and had to reach back out a few weeks later. There were also a few features that required additional costs that I didn’t fully realize upfront. That said, once everything was clarified and set up, the experience has been smooth and very positive Alternatives considered [brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground Playground provides more features that are geared towards microschools. Review Source Response from Playground January 5, 2026 Thank you for such a thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Playground has been a great fit for your microschool. It’s great that we’ve helped simplify your admin and business operations, and we’re especially glad to hear our support team has been responsive and collaborative throughout. We’re grateful you made the switch and are glad Playground is adding real value to your school’s daily operations. Thanks again for your trust and for helping shape the platform through your input! JM Jamie M. Owner of Childcare Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "We love Playground" February 24, 2026 5.0 Our overall experience has been fantastic. Transitioning from another platform has been very smooth with the support from Playground. Pros The customer support is excellent from onboarding and beyond. We are able to communicate with staff and families through a feed, email or text. There are so many options to be sure messages are sent. Our teachers are easily able to manage the app to sign children in and send pictures and messages. Also the access to very real and excellent trainings is super convenient. They offer additional resources that can benefit our center. Cons I couldn't say there's anything I don't like about playground. Learning something new always takes time and patience, but the support though it has been amazing. Alternatives considered [brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground I had been doing the trainings offered through Playground for over a year. With every training, Playground had a way or solution to help with the resources discussed in the trainings. Switched from [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/) We tried a few different products, and Playground has been the best so far in all areas. Review Source Response from Playground February 27, 2026 Thank you for such a thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear that support—from onboarding and beyond—has stood out to you. Making communication flexible across feed, email, and text is intentional, and it’s great to know your team is using it effectively. We love hearing that teachers are comfortably signing children in, sharing photos, and sending updates with ease. It’s also wonderful that the trainings and additional resources have been helpful for your center. Learning a new system always takes some patience, but we’re glad the support has made the transition smooth. We’re grateful to be part of your center’s journey and are always here when you need us. KJ Kayla J. daycare provider Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Playground pilot program" December 10, 2025 3.0 It is great when I figure out what I am actually doing. It has a space for everything and a great place to keep track of everything I need to. Pros It has everything I need to keep track of everything and to have open communication with families. The parents seem to enjoy it. Cons The onboarding staff lack information and also do things so quickly and for you that they don't actually help you learn the system. It is very bland and not colorful and look like a daycare site. Review Source Response from Playground December 11, 2025 Thanks for the honest feedback. We’re glad Playground helps you stay organized and communicate clearly with families—and it’s great to hear parents are enjoying it too. We also hear you on onboarding. If it felt rushed or too hands-off, that’s a miss on our part. Our goal is to empower you with confidence, not just do things for you. We’ll pass this on to improve how we train new users. Glad to hear that once you’re oriented, it’s working well. We’re here if you want help going deeper. JB Justin B. Owner Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Modernizing Childcare: A Seamless Hub for Directors and Families" March 12, 2026 5.0 Playground is a transformative "all-in-one" solution that successfully bridges the gap between professional business management and heart-centered childcare. It effectively replaces a fragmented mess of spreadsheets, paper checks, and clunky apps with a single, polished ecosystem that saves directors hours of administrative labor every week. While the transition period requires patience and the premium pricing reflects its high-end capabilities, the payoff in parent satisfaction and operational clarity is undeniable. It is currently one of the most forward-thinking platforms available, making it an ideal choice for centers looking to modernize and scale their operations with confidence and ease. Pros The standout feature of Playground is its ability to centralize every chaotic moving part of running a childcare center into one sleek, intuitive dashboard. Administrators rave about the automated billing system, which virtually eliminates the headache of chasing down late tuition by offering parents easy autopay options. Beyond the backend, the real-time communication tools are a massive win; the ability to send instant photo updates and digital daily sheets builds immense trust with families. Furthermore, their customer support is legendary in the industry, often responding to technical questions in under a minute with actual human assistance. Cons While the platform is incredibly powerful, the sheer depth of its features means there is a noticeable learning curve for staff members who aren't tech-savvy. Migrating years of paper files or data from older legacy systems into Playground requires a significant time investment and meticulous data entry. Some users have also expressed a desire for more granular customization in the reporting suite, as the pre-built templates don't always capture niche data points needed for specific state grants. Additionally, while the mobile app is generally stable, occasional lag during peak morning check-in times can be a minor frustration for busy teachers. Alternatives considered [brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground We passed on Brightwheel because Playground offers a more intuitive user interface and significantly faster customer support. Playground’s automated billing felt more seamless for our families, and its customizable reporting provided better data clarity for our specific administrative needs Switched from [Kangarootime](https://www.capterra.com/p/166487/Kangarootime/) We switched to Playground for its superior user interface and faster customer support, which resolved the navigation frustrations and technical lag experienced with Kangarootime. Its automated billing and real-time family communication tools provide a more professional, reliable experience for both our administrative staff and parents. Review Source Response from Playground March 16, 2026 Thank you for such a thoughtful and detailed review. We’re thrilled to hear that Playground has helped bring so many moving parts of running a center into one organized system. Billing automation, real-time communication with families, and fast human support are all areas we work hard to get right, so it’s great to see those making a real difference for your team. You also raised some very fair points. With a platform that covers so many workflows, there can be a learning period while teams get comfortable and while data from older systems is brought in. We’re continuing to improve onboarding tools and resources to make that process smoother. We truly appreciate you highlighting both the strengths and the areas where we can grow. Hearing that Playground is helping replace spreadsheets, paper processes, and disconnected apps with a single system means a lot to our team. Thanks for being part of the Playground community and helping us keep improving. LV Lynette V. director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Love Playground so far" January 9, 2026 5.0 Is being a really smooth transition and a really quick learning process. The way it simplify the process of invoices, communicating with parents and the door access is amazing for our school and the community we serve. Pros The way we can track the ratios in our classrooms, the communication with parents and staff. And the way we can just click and fix any type of last minute adjustment in the invoices. I really like that as an admin I have access to all the neccesary stuff without needing to move from app to app. Cons I really don't have anything I don't like and I hope don't get to that point. The only things I wish they have easier is to be able to give specific staff member access to the door in specific time instead of changing all the role. And that when adjusting an amount in the invoices instead of doing different isntallments is just one that I can add for example all the specials in one installments instead of doing one per specials. Switched from [Kangarootime](https://www.capterra.com/p/166487/Kangarootime/)[Dojo](https://www.capterra.com/p/246885/Dojo/) Kangaroo is a pain with their costumer services, and with keeping records that we constantly need to figure out or doing it in different app. I'm glad we switch Dojo we still using it, since with Playground we still figuring out creating groups chat for certain classess and groups Review Source Response from Playground January 16, 2026 Thank you for the honest review! We’re so glad to hear how valuable features like ratio tracking, parent/staff communication, invoice flexibility, and unified admin access have been for your program. Making real-time adjustments without jumping between apps is exactly the kind of operational ease we aim to deliver. It’s also great to hear that your transition has been smooth and that core workflows—like invoicing, family communication, and door access—are already making a tangible difference for your community. We appreciate you sharing your experience switching from other platforms. Thanks again for trusting Playground—we’re excited to keep growing with you! JB Joy B. Owner Director Administrator Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Come on over the BEST Playground there is!!!" January 22, 2026 5.0 Playground has been very accommodating and easy to learn. The consultants have been professional and upfront. The time that Playground has saved me has been phenomenal compared to other products of its type! I am SUPER pleased with the service that it has given me this far. Pros I like the ease of the application and enrollment processes in Playground! I like that the paperwork is easily digitized and parent communication is easily used. It is a low cost compared to other products of this style and unlimited students and staff. For a small business like our school this was key! The app and desktop use are flawless and cohesive too. Cons I have not found anything I do not like about it at this time--everything has been quite easily done and moved over to the platform. Alternatives considered [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)[brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground The enrollment and admission feature was VERY appealing to me. I am a lead teacher who is the director/owner as well. My time is well used and extra time is minimal. This product allows me to spend less time administratively devoted to enrollment and waiting lists, so I have more time to spend planning and taking care of other things as well. Switched from [Wonderschool](https://www.capterra.com/p/207558/Wonderschool/) Because of cost and functionality and low cost to the "little people" like me Review Source Response from Playground January 26, 2026 Thanks so much for this thoughtful feedback. We’re so glad to hear Playground is helping you save time and streamline your enrollment and admin work, especially as someone wearing so many hats. It’s great to know the mobile & desktop flow feels cohesive and that the cost model works well for your program size. If there’s ever anything you feel could be smoother, especially around digitizing paperwork or customizing enrollment flows, we’re all ears. We're glad to hear our onboarding team has been helpful! We appreciate you being part of the Playground community. KB Kim B. Director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great so far " February 24, 2026 5.0 So far the experience has been positive, and I am excited to learn more that the application has to offer. Pros I love the enrollment process and support from the team. The options seem endless and once we keep exploring, we have more information. Cons There is a lot of options so it can be a bit confusing on the teachers end. I wish there could be an easier way for to choose to update information as it seems a bit more time-consuming.. Alternatives considered [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/) Reason for choosing Playground The enrollment paperwork work the reason I went with playground. Switched from [brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) I liked the enrollment process on Playground versus brake wheel Review Source Response from Playground February 27, 2026 So glad to hear the enrollment process and team support have stood out. That’s exactly where we want to make a real difference. It’s great that as you explore more, you’re continuing to discover new capabilities—that depth is intentional. We appreciate you choosing Playground, especially because of the enrollment paperwork tools. That part of the platform is built to remove friction and save time, so it’s great to know it’s delivering. Excited for you to keep unlocking more as you dive in! Our friendly support team is here to help if anything comes up! BF Britney F. Owner and Operator Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Peace of mind in one place" February 21, 2026 5.0 Pros I love that the platform can manage my business tracking and childcare needs in one place. Their customer service is quick and helpful. I couldn't recommend Playground more! Cons So far no issues after a year of being with them. They have solved and worked me through any issues or limitations I've had Alternatives considered [brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground Brightwheel required a certain number of children enrolled. Playground didn't have a minimum. Review Source Response from Playground February 24, 2026 Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Playground has helped you manage your business needs all in one place. It means a lot that after a full year, you’re still having a smooth experience and that our team has been able to support you through any questions along the way. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful to be part of your journey! TH Tayler H. Administrator Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A Game Changer for Our Daycare!" February 24, 2026 5.0 Overall, our experience has been extremely positive. Playground has helped our center improve communication, stay organized, and operate more efficiently day to day. It has simplified administrative tasks and strengthened our connection with families. We highly recommend it to any childcare provider looking for an all-in-one management solution! Pros What we love most about Playground is how it keeps everything organized in one place. Daily reports, attendance, billing, messaging, and paperwork are all streamlined and easy to manage. It saves our team so much time and helps us stay organized and professional. The communication feature makes it simple to keep families informed with real-time updates, photos, and announcements. Cons There was a small learning curve at first while getting everything set up, but once we became familiar with the system, it’s been very user-friendly and efficient. Review Source Response from Playground March 9, 2026 Thank you for such a thoughtful review. We’re really glad to hear Playground is helping your team stay organized and saving time across daily reports, attendance, billing, and communication with families. That all-in-one workflow is exactly what we aim to deliver. Totally fair that there can be a short learning period during setup. Once everything is configured, we’re happy to hear it’s been smooth and efficient for your team. It’s great to know the platform is helping strengthen communication with families while simplifying day-to-day admin work. We truly appreciate the recommendation! EL Erin L. Behavior Analyst Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "great customer support" April 17, 2026 5.0 we are using playground in an unusual way; for therapy instead of daycare; wonderful for parent communication Pros The customer support with Playground is FANTASTIC! They are professional and have been able to answer any questions that I've had. Cons I'm still learning more about what we can do with playground for our therapy center. I primarily use the forms and media threads. Review Source Response from Playground April 22, 2026 Thank you for the great feedback! We’re so glad to hear our support team has been helpful and responsive. As you continue exploring more features, we’re happy to help you tailor things to fit your workflow even better. Appreciate you being part of the Playground community! GR Galen R. Owner and Director Recreational Facilities and Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Indispensable Business Value and Owner Experience" September 27, 2025 5.0 I needed to set up a new business and center quickly, and if Playground hadn't been available I'd still be arguing about high prices and struggling with onboarding with the competition. Playground was fast, covered almost all my business needs, and was affordable. I probably wouldn't be up and running already if it weren't for Playground. Pros Playground puts so many functions into once system: enrollment, paperwork, daily check-in and check-out, scheduling of staff, billing, and payroll. To get 90% of all operation functions covered by a single platform which is so much more reasonablly priced than the competitors makes Playground an easy choice. Cons Unfortunately having to use tryplayground for URLs is inconvenient and makes it a little harder than necessary to point families to it. Also a little frustrating that the mobile app doesn't mirror all the same functionality of the website even as an administrator. That said, the apps do most of what peoples' day-to-day needs are, and the website allows full access and ability to handle anything the mobile app either didn't allow or which didn't get handled right the first time. Alternatives considered [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)[brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground Much more complete featureset, integrated platform, included payroll, invoicing/billing, all for much lower price for a small after-school Review Source Response from Playground September 29, 2025 Thank you for your incredible feedback! We’re so glad Playground helped you move quickly and confidently in launching your new program. It’s great to hear that having enrollment, paperwork, check-in/out, staff scheduling, billing, and payroll all in one platform and at a good price made such a difference. Your story perfectly captures what we strive for: giving providers the tools they need without delays, complexity, or inflated costs. We’re proud to have played a role in getting you up and running, and we’re here to keep supporting your success every step of the way! BD Brittany D. Executive Director Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Hands Down Best User Experience and Value for the Money" September 24, 2025 5.0 The team is incredibly responsive, and helps when I have issues/requests. The customer service is tremendous, and there's always someone to help me. Honestly, of all the child care management software, this one is by far the best. Pros Incredibly easy to use for both childcare management, parent communication, clock in/out, billing, payroll, and just overall value for money. The UX is incredibly user friendly, and gives sooo many options. I love that we can record and monitor things like who can be in pictures, and all different program enrollments. It's easy to use on both my phone and the desktop. Also, the planning portion so we can put the overall what we did for the week is great. Cons Would love for better billing visibility in the app as the admin. For smaller facilities like ours, it's helpful to be able to provide real-time information when parents have questions. It certainly isn't going to replace QuickBooks, but it's solid. Alternatives considered [brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground Better UX. Provided more features, and was a better experience for the parents. Didn't give me the option for Transparent Classroom as a competitor, but they were one. Review Source Response from Playground September 29, 2025 Thank you for such a glowing and detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that Playground has been the best child care management software you’ve used and that it’s delivering real value across every part of your operations: from parent communication and billing to clock-in/out, payroll, and weekly planning. It’s great to know the UX is working well for both mobile and desktop, and that features like photo permissions and program-specific enrollments are making things easier for you. We’re especially proud that our team’s responsiveness and commitment to customer support has stood out to you. Your trust and feedback mean the world to us—and we’re here to keep helping however we can! MC Miranda C. Owner and Director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Yes! yes! Yes!" October 20, 2025 5.0 I absolutely love it! It has been such a great experience, and I’ve shared it with many other centers throughout the Sioux Falls area. I truly believe it could benefit so many programs the same way it has ours. Pros I love the Playground app because it seamlessly incorporates a CRM. Once my website is up and running, it’ll help me build strong, consistent revenue streams. Cons What I like least is the payroll timing. It says funds pull the next day, but it often takes several days to process, which causes issues. Switched from [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)[HighLevel](https://www.capterra.com/p/177156/HighLevel/)[QuickBooks Online](https://www.capterra.com/p/190778/QuickBooks-Online/)[GoDaddy Website Builder](https://www.capterra.com/p/182500/GoDaddy-Website-Builder/) Everything is in one place, ease, and conscience Review Source Response from Playground October 24, 2025 Thank you so much for your kind words and for spreading the word about Playground in the Sioux Falls area—it means a lot! We’re thrilled to hear that the built-in CRM has already made such an impact and that you’re looking forward to using it even more once your website is live. Building strong, consistent revenue streams is exactly the kind of growth we love to support. We’re also glad the all-in-one convenience and ease of use made switching from your previous system a clear choice. If there’s anything else we can do to help as you continue rolling out Playground—or ideas you’d like to share—we’re always here for you! SP Suzanne P. Owner Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Great app and customer service - listens to requests!" November 5, 2024 4.0 Overall I love Playground, like I said earlier the customer service is the best I have experienced anywhere! For me the customer service experience supercedes anything that I want improved but they take suggestions and actually do change things if there are enough suggestions! Pros I like the customer service and helpfulness of the staff when help is needed! I have used other platforms and this is by far the most user friendly! I love that they listen to suggestions for improvement and actually do things to change it! Cons Honestly I don't have any real issues with Playground so if I have to choose something, it would have to be the billing portion as it is less friendly than other apps when you need to adjust the billing plan. Switched from [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)[Wonderschool](https://www.capterra.com/p/207558/Wonderschool/)[brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Cost, research, included with programs we are involved in - definitely not my only reason for switching but I always try it out when offered. Review Source Response from Playground November 14, 2024 Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Playground’s customer service and user-friendly design have made such a positive impact for you. It’s wonderful to know that our team’s responsiveness to improvement suggestions is meaningful to you, and we truly value the input from users like you. We appreciate your comments about the billing portion and if you need some extra help, reach out and our friendly team will be happy to assist! Your experience with our customer service means a lot to us, and we’re committed to keeping it as a top priority. If you have more feedback or need any further assistance, we’re here to support you! SE Sherry E. Owner Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "The features are Incredible!" October 26, 2024 5.0 So far, they have been EXTREMELY helpful and accommodating, going out of their way to answer my questions and look into adding some features. I love the one-on-one where we have video chat check-ins to see how I'm doing and if I have any questions. Pros There are so many features that are useful, some do not pertain to me, but I'm not burdened having to go through them. Cons It can be a little overwhelming, BUT see my description of the overall experience. Switched from [KidKare Accounting](https://www.capterra.com/p/10006285/KidKare-Accounting/) They were not very accommodating. They are changing some of their features that are important to me. I am not on the food program. It is geared more for that, so that was frustrating to me. I did not get the customer service I am getting from Playground. Review Source Response from Playground November 4, 2024 Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you find Playground’s features useful and that navigating through them is easy. It’s great to know that our team has been helpful and accommodating, going above and beyond to answer your questions and consider new feature requests. We’re glad you enjoy the one-on-one video chat check-ins—they’re a great way to stay connected and ensure you’re getting the most out of Playground. If there’s anything else you need, we’re always here for you! MH Michelle H. Director Education Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Director/Head teacher" January 21, 2025 5.0 Pros I love that my families and staff can stay connected through the week with photos, videos and chats. Cons I would love the add on of website building but too much money for our program. Alternatives considered [brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground I liked the set up and thought it will work well with my families.. Review Source Response from Playground January 23, 2025 Thank you for your feedback! We’re so glad to hear that you love how Playground keeps your families and staff connected through photos, videos, and chats. It’s wonderful to know that the platform helps strengthen communication throughout the week. If you have any more thoughts or need assistance, we’re always here to help! GA Gail A. Director Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Could have been designed by childcare administrators." November 5, 2024 5.0 Excellent! I have used several of these platforms and by far this has been the best designed, both in terms of billing and parent messaging. I am excited to start using the digital enrollment features next month. Pros Very intuitive software - so easy to figure out even as a brand new user. Many options for customization and highly supportive on-boarding process Cons No "grace period" while onboarding (billing starts immediately); a little pricier than the competitors, but worth it! Alternatives considered [Kindertales](https://www.capterra.com/p/224892/Kindertales/)[Blackbaud Tuition Management](https://www.capterra.com/p/252050/Blackbaud-Tuition-Management/)[Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/) Reason for choosing Playground More intuitive software, higher level of customization, integrated parent messaging system, better experience from end user (parent) perspective. Review Source Response from Playground November 13, 2024 Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Playground has been intuitive and easy to use, even as a new user, and that you've enjoyed the customization options and supportive onboarding. It's fantastic to know that our billing and parent messaging features stand out among other platforms you've used. We’re excited for you to start using the digital enrollment features next month, and if you need any assistance along the way, we’re here to help! CE Chris E. Director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Positive Experience" January 9, 2025 5.0 Pros It puts more of the responsibility with parents. I spend less time with uncomfortable conversations, asking people to pay. Cons Nothing at the moment. I am still learning to navigate. Switched from [Child Care Seer](https://www.capterra.com/p/216501/Child-Care-Seer/) It was not a good value. There were continual bugs Review Source Response from Playground January 10, 2025 Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re glad to hear that Playground has made managing payments easier by shifting more responsibility to parents, reducing uncomfortable conversations. As you continue learning to navigate the platform, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance—we’re here to help! TS Tiki S. Child Care Provider Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Big Fan! Would love for this app to become more popular in the mid west!" August 23, 2024 5.0 I am a big fan, I live out in Minnesota and it is a little less popular here, but I do keep telling providers about it. The goal is for us home providers would love to find the simplest and easiest app and this one is by far been my favorite. I hope it becomes more popular here and our food program is added to it. I love that this software does not seem meant for centers but more in home providers also. Pros It is so user friendly and simplified. The support is always on the messages and ready to help with quick solutions. Cons There is a few things I have put in the request and suggestions that I am waiting for. I do with it was a bit more colorful and had color coded options for the calendar for providers to put vacation, holidays, etc in color sections. I would like to see a pop up memo for parents when they sign in and out. I would like to put my receipts in from my phone to make documenting easier and faster. Possibly training or news letters to customers for new features added. Being able to download licensing documents, like fire drills and storm drills and we could put dates in to simplify the paperwork and make it all digital. Alternatives considered [Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)[KidKare Food Program](https://www.capterra.com/p/166858/Kid-Kare/)[Lillio](https://www.capterra.com/p/134048/HiMama-Preschool-Child-Care-App/)[brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground So far has been the simple , user friendly and has a great expense tool was a big one for me. The creating pdfs was huge and enrollment. Review Source Response from Playground August 29, 2024 Thank you for your enthusiastic feedback! We’re glad to hear that you’re a big fan of Playground and appreciate its user-friendly and simplified design. It’s wonderful to know that our support team has been responsive and helpful with quick solutions. We’re always working to expand our reach, and your support means a lot. If you have any more suggestions or need further assistance, we’re here for you! KJ Kassidy J. Director Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great Platform!" September 11, 2025 5.0 I have found the entire process of integrating Playground with my school very easy. \[sensitive content hidden\], my Onboarding Specialist, has been very clear with her explanations on how to use the platform. She gives simple explanations and confirms my understanding before moving to the next topic. She has been responsive and available if I need to schedule a meeting with her to ask questions. I am excited to use the other features as I start enrolling students and know I can reach out to her as questions arise. Pros Playground has been very easy to learn and use! I signed up for Playground because of the enrollment features. It helps keep my applications and waitlist organized. I love the autofill feature to make sure paperwork is complete and saves families time. The cost of Playground is a lot cheaper than I was expecting which was a pleasant surprise. As a new school having an expensive program to help with attendance and family communication isn’t always an option. Playground allows me to provide this feature to families. Cons There hasn’t been a con about Playground yet. I have received good feedback from families who have applied to my school about the user friendliness. The platform itself has a lot of great features I am looking forward to exploring. Alternatives considered [Kaymbu](https://www.capterra.com/p/150273/Kaymbu/)[brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/) Reason for choosing Playground Modern design, features all in one place Review Source Response from Playground September 15, 2025 Thank you for such a thoughtful and encouraging review! We’re thrilled to hear that Playground has been easy to learn and that the enrollment features are already making a difference for your new school. It’s wonderful to know that tools like the waitlist manager and autofill functionality are saving you and your families time. We’re especially glad the platform fit comfortably within your budget as a growing program. We’re also so glad to hear about your positive experience with your Onboarding Specialist. Her clear explanations and hands-on support are exactly what we aim to provide during your setup and beyond. Knowing you feel confident to reach out as you continue exploring the platform means a lot to us. We’re excited to support you as your program grows and look forward to seeing all the ways Playground can continue to help you thrive! DJ Diamond J. IT Support and Marketing E-Learning Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Streamlined Communication and Management for Our Learning Center" October 31, 2025 5.0 Overall, Playground has been an excellent addition to our center’s workflow. It improves communication, enhances parent engagement, and simplifies management tasks. The support team is responsive and open to feedback, which makes the experience even better. Despite a few small limitations, it’s a platform we rely on daily and highly recommend to other centers. Pros Playground makes communication between parents and staff simple and organized. I love how easy it is to manage attendance, send messages, and share updates with families. The parent app is intuitive, and the platform saves our staff time with sign-ins and daily reports. Cons SMS messages to parents must be under 250 characters, which can be limiting when sending important updates. Also, phone calls through the platform only work for leads, not for all parents, which would be a great feature to have across the board. Review Source Response from Playground November 3, 2025 Thank you for the thoughtful review! We’re so glad Playground has become an essential part of your center’s workflow—making communication, attendance, and daily updates simpler and more organized. It’s especially great to hear that the family app feels intuitive and that the platform is saving your staff time each day. Your recognition of the support team and their responsiveness means a lot, and we appreciate you calling out the value of being open to feedback—that’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re constantly working to improve, and insights like yours help guide that progress. Thank you again for the recommendation—we’re proud to support your center and excited to keep growing with you! KD Kayla D. Owner and Provider Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Kayla Cares Daycare" December 3, 2025 5.0 It has been fairly easy to use and navigate. The parent’s seem to like it as well. It was very nice having someone help set you up. Pros I like being able to keep track of payments and being able to keep track of attendance as well as my clock in and out times. Cons There isn’t anything I dislike about Playground. I have had no issues so far and I will continue to use this. Review Source Response from Playground December 5, 2025 Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad to hear that Playground has made it easy to track payments, attendance, and your own clock-in/out times—all in one place. It’s great that the platform has been smooth to navigate, that your parents are enjoying it too, and that setup support was helpful. We love hearing that you haven’t run into any issues and plan to keep using Playground—exactly the kind of experience we aim for. If you ever need anything or want to explore more features, we’re always here to help! GA Gabriela A. Owner Child Day Care Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Best Software" August 21, 2025 5.0 Pros Like that you can find everything you need in one single software. Communication with parents. The Eta on parents. Cons There is nothing at this time that I have found that might be a problem. Everything is running smoothly. Review Source Response from Playground September 2, 2025 Thank you for your feedback! We’re so glad to hear that you’re enjoying the all-in-one convenience of Playground and that communication with parents, especially features like ETA tracking, is working smoothly for you. It’s great to know everything is running well and that nothing has stood out as a problem. If anything ever does come up or you have ideas for improvement, our team is always just a message away! DP David P. Director Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best Preschool Management app" October 8, 2024 5.0 Playground makes center management easy through its intuitive design and full-featured feature set. Pros Although I rarely need it - the support is top notch Cons Waiting for new, exciting features! They iterate so quickly but I'm an eager beaver. Alternatives considered [Seesaw](https://www.capterra.com/p/204060/Seesaw/)[Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/) Reason for choosing Playground User interface and strong support services Switched from [Seesaw](https://www.capterra.com/p/204060/Seesaw/) Looking for a more user friendly interface Review Source Response from Playground October 16, 2024 Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you consider Playground the best preschool management app and that you find it easy to manage your center with its intuitive design and full-featured capabilities. It’s also great to know that even though you rarely need it, our support team has been top-notch when needed. If you ever have any more thoughts or questions, we’re always here to assist you! CJU Chiamaka Juliet U. Care giver Child Day Care Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Safe space for kids" October 27, 2025 5.0 Pros I like that play ground gives children a safe space and the platform to interact, have fun and be active. Cons Adjusting billing on the playground app is less intuitive. It is chunky and complex. It isn’t user friendly. Review Source Response from Playground November 1, 2025 Thank you for your feedback! We also hear your concern about the billing experience feeling less intuitive. If you’d like, our team would be happy to walk you through some of the billing tools in more detail or gather your specific suggestions—your input directly helps us shape the platform. We’re always here to help! Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Daycare](https://www.capterra.com/child-care-software/)