# 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

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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/)

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Last updated June 3rd, 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.

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!

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.

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 &amp; 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.

BB

Brooke B.  
Director  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "The software your center needs!"

February 15, 2026

5.0

Pros

Playground has everything my center needs in one place! It keeps my teachers and parents all connected. I can keep track of all my state compliance, employees, hours, payroll, and student needs in one easy to use platform!

Cons

The billing took us a little while to get used to but the support team was amazing in teaching us the best ways to utilize mass billing and as well as other needs we had.

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 price was better and it was very user friendly. The support staff is amazing.

Switched from

[Jackrabbit Dance](https://www.capterra.com/p/93349/Jackrabbit-Dance/)

Jackrabbit decided to close Jackrabbit Care and focus on their other platforms.

Review Source

Response from Playground

February 24, 2026

So glad to hear Playground is covering everything your center needs in one place. Totally understand that billing can take a little time to get comfortable with and we're glad our team was able to walk you through it. If anything else ever feels complex, we’re always here to simplify it with you. Thanks for your review!

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!

VC

Vanessa C.  
Director  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Extremely happy with my switch to Playground!"

February 19, 2026

5.0

My overall experience has been extremely wonderful! Everyone had been super helpful. They literally took me by the hand and assisted me with everything!

Pros

What I love the most about Playground is the enrollment component. It is a wonderful tool for a new and growing childcare center!

Cons

I do not like the activity listing part of the platform, however, I am sure there are tons of improvements underway to make the system so much better.

Switched from

[Tuition Express](https://www.capterra.com/p/177236/Tuition-Express/)[Gusto](https://www.capterra.com/p/131882/Gusto/)[Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)

Wanted to have everything in house in one system. I was also looking for a platform to make enrollment easier for admin as well as families.

Review Source

Response from Playground

February 24, 2026

So happy to hear the enrollment tools are making such a difference for your growing center! That’s exactly where we want to create leverage for new programs like yours. It means a lot that your experience has felt so supportive. We know how much goes into launching and growing a center, and we’re glad our team could walk alongside you and make it feel manageable. We’re excited to keep building with you as you grow.

AD

Angela D.  
Owner  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 2+ years

### "This app has been a great help to my childcare!"

July 24, 2025

5.0

Overall, I love working with this program! I would recommend this to any childcare provider! My families also love the ease of communication and the ability to see snippets of their kos activities throughout the day!

Pros

I started using Playground when my state had an offer to use the software. I researched the 2 options they had and found Playground had the most to offer! I absolutely love the software! I can send paperwork to my families digitally and then file directly in the app! Less paper files for me to organize. I also will use the app to keep my families informed of our daily activities, meals, photos and more! I also can post important announcements and have them pinned to the top of the families feed to keep them informed of important dates such as closings and holidays. Anytime I have had a question on how to do something in the app the staff has been so helpful! Everyone has been very patient takes their time explaining things when I have questions. I have never felt rushed off the phone. My families use a tablet to check in and out every day which is helpful for record keeping purposes. I also use Playground to keep track of all of my tuition and expenses! I recommend this software to any childcare providers that I talk to.

Cons

I do wish there was an option to keep track of income outside of tuition such as food program reimbursements and grants. It would also be helpful when I use the time space calculator that it would save the information I put in from year to year such as the square footage of my home. It would also be helpful to have the ability to keep track of the time I work outside of childcare hours but still doing things related to my business. It would also be helpful to be able to look at and process payments from my phone or tablet as well as the computer. Sometimes parents have questions, and I don't always have my computer handy.

Alternatives considered

[brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/)

Reason for choosing Playground

The ability to be able to process expenses as well as my income.

Switched from

[KidKare Accounting](https://www.capterra.com/p/10006285/KidKare-Accounting/)

Playground offered the ability to communicate with parents directly in the app.

Review Source

Response from Playground

July 25, 2025

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! We’re thrilled to hear that Playground has been such a valuable tool for your center—from streamlining paperwork and record-keeping to improving communication with families. It’s great to know that features like digital forms, daily updates, announcements, check-in/out, and tuition tracking have made such a positive impact on your operations. We’re especially happy to hear that our support team has been helpful and patient whenever you’ve had questions. Your recommendation to other childcare providers means a lot to us, and we’re honored to be a part of your day-to-day work. We’re here to support you and your families every step of the way!

PM

Pamella M.  
Owner Operator  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Playground is Superior to Other Programs"

January 22, 2026

5.0

After trying 2 other programs this is the only one that I was able to use from day one without having issues.

Pros

Playground was very easy to learn. I love the fact I can access from my laptop and phone. It has been super easy to keep up with paperwork and expenses. Everything is easy to navigate to manage my children and parents.

Cons

So far I have not found anything about Playground that I don't like. If I have a question they have been quick to answer which is a plus.

Switched from

[Procare Solutions](https://www.capterra.com/p/23486/Procare-Child-Care-Management/)[brightwheel](https://www.capterra.com/p/144060/brightwheel/)

others were very hard to understand and customer service was subpar

Review Source

Response from Playground

January 26, 2026

Thank you for the great review! We’re thrilled to hear that Playground has been easy to learn and that managing paperwork, expenses, and communication from both your laptop and phone has been smooth. That kind of flexibility is exactly what we aim to provide. It’s also great to know our support team has been responsive whenever questions have come up. We’re honored to be part of your day-to-day, and we’re here anytime you need us!

RF

Rebecca F.  
Direcot  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Excellent program"

January 22, 2025

5.0

It is so user friendly - easy to figure out without much guidance, but also with a support time just a click away. The one question that I had was answered within hours of sending an email. The amount of paper we will be using is going to drop dramatically - the system will pay for itself in copy paper costs alone. Having everything at your fingertips makes my job so much easier. Loving the daily payouts as well.

Pros

The customer service is fantastic and they listen to the issues that we come across - any glitches are fixed quickly and they take my suggestions into account to make improvements. Knowing that you can schedule an appointment anytime with a customer service person dedicated to your account is wonderful

Cons

We are very new to the program so we are still learning it. I wish there was a way for parents to sign documents with an original signature as that is required by licensing - for example an injury report that needs to be signed by all witnesses and the guardian. Its possible there are ways around this that I just haven't discovered yet.

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

We joined a shared service alliance and this product was the choice that fit our alliance best

Review Source

Response from Playground

January 23, 2025

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! We’re so glad to hear that you’re enjoying Playground and find it user-friendly and efficient. It’s fantastic that our responsive customer service team and their ability to address issues quickly and consider your suggestions have made such a positive impact. The ability to schedule a dedicated appointment and receive prompt email responses is something we strive to offer for a seamless experience. We’re thrilled that Playground is helping reduce paper usage significantly, saving costs and streamlining your workflow. It’s also great to hear that the daily payouts are a helpful feature. If you ever need anything, our support team is always just a click away!

TM

Tamika M.  
owner  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Owner and director"

October 21, 2025

5.0

I give a 5-star for the help and learning of this app.

Pros

The app it self. also the help you get if you need questions answered right away.

Cons

I hope I don't have to answer this question. I am still new to this.

Alternatives considered

[Lillio](https://www.capterra.com/p/134048/HiMama-Preschool-Child-Care-App/)

Reason for choosing Playground

i wanted to see how your product will work for me

Review Source

Response from Playground

October 27, 2025

Thank you for your feedback! We’re so glad to hear that you’re already having a positive experience with the app and the quick support you’re receiving. We’re here to make the transition smooth and easy as you continue exploring. We’re confident you’ll continue to see how our all-in-one platform can grow with your program. If you ever have questions or need guidance, our team is always just a click away!

RN

Rebecca N.  
Owner  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Highly recommend!"

March 31, 2025

5.0

Onboarding was easy and support is always available. I'm still learning, but so far I really love it!

Pros

All of it is amazing! Support is fast and so helpful. I love the lesson planning feature. Billing is simple. CRM is great. I love everything about Playground!

Cons

I have no complaints. There are features that could be a little more user friendly, but they have a place where you can suggest changes, and actually do them!

Alternatives considered

[Wix](https://www.capterra.com/p/169007/Wix/)

Reason for choosing Playground

The entry price was very manageable. Once I started using it I upgraded to include CRM and will be adding payroll soon!

Review Source

Response from Playground

April 18, 2025

Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you love everything about Playground—from lesson planning and billing to CRM and support. It’s great to know that onboarding was smooth, and that our team has been helpful and responsive as you continue learning the platform. We’re especially glad you’re taking advantage of our suggestion system and seeing your input turned into real improvements. It’s also wonderful to hear that you started with a manageable entry point and saw the value in upgrading to CRM, with plans to add payroll soon. We’re excited to keep supporting you as your needs grow!

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!

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!

KM

Karen M.  
Administrative Assistant  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Playground is the best"

August 26, 2024

5.0

I am constantly learning how to do new things with Playground, which is great! Overall, my experience has been superb, and it makes my day much more enjoyable!

Pros

It isvery easy to use, yet very powerful. The staff is great, and they are very receptive to ideas to add or improve Playground. Our parents really like how easy it is to sign their children in and out, and the communication with staff. WE tried other products and feel that Playground gives us the best value!

Cons

As an Administrator, I can't do some things from the App such as fix other staff members time in or time out, and I can't run reports.

Switched from

[Tadpoles](https://www.capterra.com/p/118895/Childcare/)

Playground had more and better features. Personally I love that I can run a report and export it to an Excel spreadsheet.

Review Source

Response from Playground

September 3, 2024

Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you find Playground both easy to use and powerful. It's wonderful to know that your parents appreciate the ease of signing children in and out, as well as the communication features. Your positive experience and the fact that it makes your day more enjoyable mean a lot to us. If you have any more thoughts or suggestions, we're always here to listen and support 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!

SF

Shayln F.  
Child care provider  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Happy customer"

December 3, 2025

5.0

I really like this app for all the paperwork ' signing kids in and out and to be able to communicate to parents as well

Pros

I love how organized this app is and if i need help there is always an agent to ask questions to! Great business app

Cons

I am not a huge fan off the billing process as is take 2-3 days to go into my account as venmo takes only a day.

Review Source

Response from Playground

January 19, 2026

Thank you for the great feedback! We’re so glad you find Playground well-organized and helpful for managing paperwork, sign-in/out, and parent communication—and that our support team has been there when you need them. Regarding payouts: for most users, funds are deposited into their bank accounts same-day or by the next business day at the latest. If you’re experiencing delays longer than that, definitely reach out to our team—we’re happy to take a closer look. We appreciate your feedback and are always here to help you get the most out of Playground!

CR

Carolina R.  
Director  
Education Management  
Used the software for: 1-2 years

### "Excellent Experience with Playground App"

November 25, 2024

5.0

My experience with Playground has been nothing but excellent. I truly appreciate how responsive and helpful the Playground staff is whenever assistance is needed. I’m also glad this app is being utilized by our administrative staff—it’s a fantastic tool for communication and organization!

Pros

I love how user-friendly this tool is! It provides a wonderful way for parents and the school to stay connected, and it’s incredibly convenient for handling tuition payments. In addition, the staff at Playground are incredibly attentive and always available to assist when needed.

Cons

So far, there isn’t anything we dislike about Playground. It’s been a great experience overall!

Review Source

Response from Playground

December 2, 2024

Thank you for your glowing review! We’re delighted to hear that Playground has provided an excellent experience for you. It’s wonderful that you find the tool user-friendly and valuable for fostering strong connections between parents and the school, as well as for managing tuition payments conveniently. We’re especially happy to know that our team has been attentive and responsive to your needs. Your kind words about Playground’s impact on communication and organization mean a lot to us. If there’s ever anything more we can do to enhance your experience, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you!

SW

Shiela W.  
tba  
Child Day Care Services  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "Disappointed"

February 24, 2025

2.0

workless at this point.

Pros

Im reviews were priceless before this nightmare. I am not sure how to find your web page. But, I guess it doesn't matter. Because that I am requesting wouldn't take but five minutes of your time. to send me a copy of my w2.

Cons

trying to talk with a representative. no live response.

Review Source

Response from Playground

April 1, 2025

Thank you for your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear about your frustration in trying to get support. If you’re looking to access your W-2, our support team can absolutely assist you with that. The fastest way to get help is through the in-app chat—just open the Playground app or website, click the chat icon, and someone from our team will be with you shortly. If you’re unable to access the app or need direct help, feel free to email support@tryplayground.com and our team will prioritize your request. We’re here to help and want to make this right for you.

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!

cT

chermarie T.  
prrovider  
Accounting  
Used the software for: Less than 6 months

### "luv n share"

December 5, 2024

5.0

I love it i enjoy it i can commutation with the parents better

Pros

parents can fill out the paperwork online

Cons

n/a the price is a little experience other then that its good

Review Source

Response from Playground

December 11, 2024

Thank you for your feedback! We’re so glad to hear that you love the convenience of having parents fill out paperwork online and that Playground has improved your communication with them. It’s wonderful to know you’re enjoying the platform. If you have any additional thoughts or need assistance, we’re always here to help!

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