cradleOS
7.4#5 in daycare management softwareFree planFree planAndroidiOSWebAPI
VisitcradleOS vs illumine
What both publish
| Fact | cradleOS | illumine |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance | Digital check-in and check-out can run through a kiosk, parent device or web app, with live headcounts and ratio tracking. | Attendance supports QR and kiosk check-in, leave tracking, staff-child ratios, geofencing and electronic signatures. |
| Billing | Invoices can be generated from attendance or schedules, with tuition plans, discounts, subsidies, deposits, credits, late fees and balance tracking. | The platform automates invoices, credit and debit notes, discounts, subsidies, taxes, reminders, late fees and financial reports. |
| Enrollment | The enrollment CRM tracks leads, schedules tours, manages waitlists and collects digital registration, medical, emergency and consent forms. | Enrollment tools capture inquiries, schedule tours, manage waitlists, run marketing campaigns and digitize registration. |
| Integrations | The page names Stripe for online payments and says API access and integrations are included with Enterprise. | Illumine advertises more than 50 accounting and payment integrations, including Gusto, Stripe, PayPal, Tally, QuickBooks, NetSuite and Paychex. |
| Parent communication | Two-way messaging, daily reports, photos and center announcements connect families with teachers. | The parent app provides AI-assisted daily reports, media and messaging with translation in more than 20 languages, pickup requests, surveys and consent forms. |
| Support | Email and chat support are included across plans; the Free tier lists email support and Pro lists priority support. | Official support includes email at [email protected] and in-app live chat, with training videos and onboarding guidance. |
cradleOS plans
- FreeFree
- ProPriced on request
- EnterprisePriced on request
illumine plans
- Standard—
- Business—
- Enterprise—
- Standard$0.99 a month
- EssentialsPriced on request
- Growth + AIPriced on request
Pick cradleOS if…
cradleOS suits home daycares and small centers that need attendance, billing, enrollment, staff, and family communication tools in one workspace. Enterprise is aimed at multi-site operators with advanced reporting and compliance needs.
Pick illumine if…
illumine may suit childcare providers looking to manage enrollment, family communication, attendance, billing, and lesson planning. Centers considering it should review the plan capabilities and request pricing.