Bloomily vs Procare: Which Childcare Software is Right for You?

Procare has been in the childcare software market for over 30 years. They're one of the oldest names in the industry. But does longevity mean they're the best choice for your center in 2025?

In this comprehensive comparison, we'll break down how Bloomily and Procare stack up across features, pricing, ease of use, and support—so you can make the right decision for your childcare center.

Quick Comparison Overview

Understanding the Platforms

Procare's History and Approach

Procare Solutions started in 1992 as desktop software for childcare centers. Over the decades, they've evolved into a cloud-based platform and expanded through acquisitions. They now serve large childcare chains and enterprise customers.

Procare's strengths:

• Long track record in the industry
• Comprehensive feature set for large operations
• Strong accounting and financial reporting
• Multi-location management capabilities

Procare's limitations:

• Complex interface designed for power users
• Steep learning curve for staff
• Enterprise pricing not accessible for smaller centers
• Limited camp and seasonal program support

Bloomily's Modern Approach

Bloomily was built from the ground up for the modern childcare landscape. We designed our platform for centers that need flexibility—whether you run a year-round preschool, seasonal camps, or both.

Bloomily's strengths:

• Intuitive, mobile-first design
• Same-day setup and onboarding
• All features included in every plan
• Purpose-built for childcare AND camps
• Modern check-in options including NFC

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Daily Reports and Documentation

Procare offers daily activity tracking through their Procare Engage parent app. Reports include activities, meals, naps, and photos. The system is comprehensive but can feel complex to navigate.

Bloomily provides AI-assisted daily reports that help staff document the day efficiently. Our reports automatically organize photos, activities, and milestones into beautiful summaries parents love. Staff can complete a full daily report in under 2 minutes.

Check-In and Attendance

Procare supports QR code scanning, PIN entry, and biometric options through their kiosk system. Their attendance tracking is thorough but requires additional hardware purchases.

Bloomily offers more flexibility:

• NFC tap-to-check-in — Parents tap their phone to check in. Faster than QR codes, more secure than PINs. We're the only childcare platform with this technology.
• QR code scanning — Traditional approach, works with any device
• Tablet kiosk mode — Turn any iPad into a check-in station
• Geofencing — Automatic location-based check-in prompts
• PIN verification — For pickup authorization

Billing and Payments

Procare has robust financial management tools, including tuition management, subsidy tracking, and accounting integrations. Their billing system is designed for complex enterprise needs with multiple revenue streams.

Bloomily simplifies billing while keeping it powerful:

• Automated invoicing based on enrollment
• Credit card (3.2%) and ACH (0.9%, capped at $5) payment processing
• AutoPay enrollment with smart retry on failed payments
• Late fee automation
• Subsidy and discount management
• Real-time payment tracking

For most small-to-medium centers, Bloomily's billing handles everything you need without the enterprise complexity.

Camp and Program Management

This is where the platforms diverge most significantly.

Procare was designed primarily for year-round childcare operations. While they've added some program features, managing seasonal camps often requires workarounds or additional modules. Many Procare customers use separate camp software (like CampMinder) for their summer programs.

Bloomily was architecturally designed for both childcare and camps from day one:

• 6 program types: Day Camps, Afterschool, Enrichment Classes, Break Camps (winter/spring), Weekend Programs, and General Classes
• 4 enrollment modes: Simple sign-up, Activity Selection (pick activities per day), Schedule Selection (AM/PM/full day), Track Selection (themed tracks like STEM, Arts, Sports)
• 7 add-on types: Early Care, Extended Care, Meals, Merchandise, Transportation, Activities, Supplies
• Unified billing: One invoice for year-round and camp programs
• Single parent app: Parents don't need to download separate apps

Parent Communication

Procare Engage is Procare's parent-facing app. It provides activity updates, messaging, photos, and billing information. The app is functional but has received mixed reviews for its user experience.

Bloomily's parent app was designed with parents in mind:

• Beautiful, intuitive interface
• Real-time push notifications
• In-app messaging with read receipts
• Photo and video sharing (unlimited storage)
• Event RSVPs and calendar sync
• Easy payment management
• Works on iOS, Android, and web

"Parents constantly tell us how much they love the Bloomily app. It's one of our best marketing tools—parents show it to their friends."

— Jennifer K., Owner, Sunshine Academy

Staff Management

Procare offers time tracking, scheduling, and staff management features. Their system integrates with payroll providers and handles complex scheduling scenarios for large operations.

Bloomily provides:

• Staff scheduling and shift management
• Time clock with GPS verification
• Staff-to-child ratio monitoring
• Qualification and certification tracking
• Role-based permissions
• Staff mobile app for on-the-go documentation

Developmental Assessments

Procare offers developmental tracking through observation records and milestone checklists.

Bloomily provides ELOF-aligned developmental assessments across 6 domains:

• Cognitive Development
• Language & Literacy
• Social-Emotional Development
• Physical Development
• Self-Help Skills
• Creative Expression

Each skill uses a 4-level mastery scale (Not Yet → Emerging → Developing → Mastered) with observation notes and photo documentation.

Pricing Comparison

Procare Pricing

Procare doesn't publish pricing on their website. You must contact their sales team for a custom quote. Based on industry reports, Procare typically costs:

• Setup fees: $500 - $2,000+
• Monthly fees: $150 - $500+ depending on center size and modules
• Per-child fees: Vary by plan
• Contract: Usually 1-2 year commitment required

Additional costs may include:

• Hardware (kiosks, card readers)
• Training fees
• Premium support
• Add-on modules

Bloomily Pricing

We believe in transparent pricing. Our plans are published on our website:

What's included in every plan:

• All features (no gating)
• Unlimited staff accounts
• Unlimited parent accounts
• White-glove onboarding
• Dedicated support
• No setup fees
• No contracts

Ease of Use and Implementation

Procare Implementation

Procare implementations can take weeks to months, especially for larger centers. The process typically involves:

1. Sales consultation and contract negotiation
2. Data migration planning
3. System configuration
4. Hardware setup (if applicable)
5. Staff training (often multi-day)
6. Parallel running period
7. Go-live

For enterprise customers with complex needs, this thoroughness makes sense. For smaller centers, it can feel overwhelming.

Bloomily Implementation

We designed Bloomily for fast, painless setup:

1. Day 1: Sign up, we configure your account
2. Day 1-2: We migrate your data (kids, families, classrooms)
3. Day 2-3: Brief staff training (15-30 minutes)
4. Day 3-5: Parallel running (optional)
5. Day 5-7: Fully operational

Most centers are completely switched over in under a week. Our white-glove onboarding team handles the heavy lifting.

"We were dreading the software switch. Bloomily had us up and running in 3 days. Staff learned it faster than any system we've used."

— Maria T., Director, Little Stars Learning Center

Who Should Choose Procare?

Procare may be the right choice if you:

• Run a large childcare chain with 500+ children
• Need complex accounting integrations with enterprise ERP systems
• Have dedicated IT staff to manage the platform
• Don't run seasonal camps or programs
• Have budget for enterprise software and long implementation
• Need extensive subsidy management for government programs

Who Should Choose Bloomily?

Bloomily is the better choice if you:

• Run a small to medium center (up to 300 children)
• Want to be operational quickly (days, not months)
• Run both year-round childcare AND camps
• Value transparent pricing without sales negotiations
• Want all features included without upsells
• Prefer a modern, intuitive interface staff can learn quickly
• Want NFC check-in and other modern conveniences

Making the Switch from Procare

If you're currently using Procare and considering a switch, here's what to expect:

What We Migrate

• Child and family records
• Emergency contacts
• Classroom assignments
• Staff information
• Enrollment data
• Historical attendance (if needed)

What We Don't Migrate

• Financial history (you'll keep this in Procare for records)
• Custom reports (we'll help you recreate important ones)

The Transition Process

1. Parallel running: Use both systems for 1-2 weeks
2. Staff training: 15-30 minutes, done during naptime or breaks
3. Parent communication: We provide templates to announce the switch
4. Full cutover: Once comfortable, switch completely

No Long-Term Risk

Unlike Procare's contracts, Bloomily has no long-term commitment. If it doesn't work for you, you can cancel anytime. We're confident you'll stay because the platform works—not because you're locked in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bloomily handle multiple locations?

Yes. Bloomily supports multi-location management with centralized reporting, billing, and administration. Each location can have its own settings while sharing family records across sites.

Does Bloomily integrate with payroll systems?

Yes. We integrate with popular payroll providers and can export time clock data in standard formats. Contact us about specific integrations.

What about data security?

Bloomily is SOC 2 compliant with enterprise-grade security:

• All data encrypted at rest and in transit
• Regular security audits
• COPPA compliant for child data
• 99.9% uptime SLA

Can I import my Procare data?

Yes. We handle data migration as part of our free onboarding. Our team will work with your Procare export to ensure a smooth transition.

What if my staff isn't tech-savvy?

Bloomily was designed for ease of use. If your staff can take a photo on their phone, they can use Bloomily. Our interface is intuitive, and most staff are proficient within 15 minutes of training.

The Bottom Line

Procare is a capable enterprise platform with decades of history. For large childcare chains with complex needs and dedicated IT resources, it can be a solid choice.

But for most independent childcare centers—especially those running both year-round programs and camps—Bloomily offers a more modern, accessible, and cost-effective solution.

Ready to see the difference? Start your free trial or schedule a demo to see Bloomily in action.

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Have questions about switching from Procare? Contact our team for a personalized assessment of your center's needs.

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