illumine vs Brightwheel
The Ultimate Solution for Childcare Management
Feeling restricted by Brightwheel? We understand.
illumine offers everything you need in one powerful platform - no add-ons required!
Best-in-Class Parent Engagement
Integrated CRM
Seamless Billing
Loved by 3000+ Customers
Why illumine is the Smarter Choice Over Brightwheel
#1
Rated all-in-one
childcare solution
childcare solution
35hrs
Saved each month on administrative task
99.9%
Uptime & 24/7 monitoring
we don’t crash
we don’t crash
illumine’s secret weapons
You won’t find on Brightwheel
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1
One Unified Platform: Say Goodbye to Multiple Tools
illumine eliminates the need for multiple software tools by integrating everything you need—built-in CRM for enquiries, efficient attendance tracking, and fool-proof billing and compliance—into one powerful solution. Reduce costs and complexity by replacing multiple SaaS tools with an affordable, scalable system that grows with your business.
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2
Hit Enrollment Targets with illumine
Effortlessly manage childcare inquiries with illumine’s integrated CRM. Capture leads, automate follow-ups, and assign tasks—all from one centralized platform. Streamline your admissions process and hit your enrollment goals with precision and ease.
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3
Preloaded Curriculum Framework That Fit Your Teaching Style
Choose from 25+ preloaded curriculum frameworks tailored to align with your teaching approach. Customize every detail—from terminology and milestones to age-specific development areas—to create lesson plans that truly fit your center’s needs.
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4
AI-Powered Communication with Custom Approval Flows
Keep parents connected every step of the way with AI-powered, multilingual communication tools. Instantly share real-time alerts, daily reports, and personalized updates across multiple channels. Deliver unlimited photos, videos, and updates tailored to diverse backgrounds—boosting parent satisfaction and engagement like never before.
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Why settle for less, when you can transform your childcare with illumine
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Assessments |  (25+ curriculums & preloaded milestones; AI-powered) |  |
| Learning Portfolios | (Digital Learning Journals; Customization) | |
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Online Payments | (Apple Pay, Cards, Autopay ACH & EFT; 10+ providers) | (ACH & Cards, 3-4% fee) |
| Billing Automation | (Automated billing, late fees, one-time charges, credits) | (Automated billing, late fees, credits) |
| Fee Reminders | (Automated in-app and email reminders) | Limited (Manual reminders) |
| Company Billing | (Bill corporates instead of parents) | |
| | |
|---|---|---|
| CRM | (Capture inquiries, marketing campaigns, etc.) | (Only waitlist) |
| Tour Scheduling | (Shareable calendar for booking tours) | |
| Integration | (Facebook & Website integration) | |
| Marketing | (Email automation for leads) | |
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | (Private & Group) | (Direct chat with teacher) |
| Concerns & Notes | (Share concerns, escalate, pickup/drop notes) | |
| Leaves | (Manage student & staff leaves) | Limited (No staff leave requests) |
| Photo/Video Gallery | (Unlimited sharing, high quality) | Limited (Manual download) |
| Incident Reporting | (Customizable, with approval process) | |
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Safety & Security | ||
GDPR Compliance | | |
Role-Based Access | (Manage roles and permissions) | Limited (Standard roles) |
Custom Roles | (Create as needed) | |
Center Management | ||
Multi-Center Management | (Manage multiple from one login; Real-time analytics) | Limited (Switch between centers) |
Control Center | (Centralized management; Bulk operations) | |
Dashboard | (Real-time multi-center info) | |
Staff Tools | ||
Messaging | (Real-time chat, announcements) | |
Forms | (Custom and standard; Dynamic forms with approval flow) | Limited (No dynamic forms) |
Attendance & Capacity | ||
Capacity Planning | (Attendance forecast and capacity projections) | |
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-Rate Pricing | | |
| Per-Classroom Pricing | | |
| Supports Multiple Payment Providers | (10+) | |
| Online Payments | (Apple Pay, Cards, ACH) | (ACH & Cards) |
| Company-Based Billing | | |
| Free Data Migration | | |
| Free Training | | |
| Unlimited Users | | |
| Unlimited Storage | | |
| Automatic Software Updates | | |
| Customizable Pricing Plans | | Limited |
| Discounts for Annual Billing | | |
| Refund Policy | (30-day money-back guarantee) | |
| Transparent Pricing | | Limited |
illumine is the #1 rated childcare management software by customers
Amelia J Brown
“Compared to other companies, illumine is head and shoulders above for responsiveness and communication”
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Rajesh kumar
“illumine has improved the way we run our nurseries. we are in firm control of our financial health and parent satisfaction has greatly improved.”
Cassidy Goodwin
“We really like that we can customise the features to our centre and can choose what we need in our centre. I’m also very happy with the 24/7 support”
I’m ready
How do I migrate from Brightwheel to illumine?
The good news is that it only takes 3 hours to switch to illumine. If you are a large enterprise and have custom needs, talk to our friendly sales team.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main differences between Brightwheel and illumine?
Both Brightwheel and illumine offer comprehensive childcare management solutions. However, illumine provides an all-in-one platform with features like a built-in CRM for lead management, automated billing, and AI-powered parent communication tools, which may not be as integrated in Brightwheel.
2. How do their pricing structures compare?
Brightwheel's pricing details are not publicly disclosed, requiring potential users to contact them directly for a quote. In contrast, illumine offers transparent pricing in its pricing page
3. How does illumine improve parent communication compared to Brightwheel?
illumine redefines parent engagement with real-time updates, milestones, and instant messaging. Parents feel more connected, and center's experience fewer communication gaps.
4. Who handles billing better?
illumine makes billing a breeze with automated invoicing, split payments, real-time tracking, and the lowest processing fees in the industry. Brightwheel’s billing tools are effective but do not offer the same level of payment flexibility and automation as illumine.
5. Are there differences in lesson planning and assessment capabilities?
illumine provides over 50 preloaded curricula, including state-specific options in the US, Montessori, and EYFS, all customizable to suit various teaching styles. It also offers real-time observation recording and comprehensive assessment reports. While Brightwheel includes lesson planning features, it may not match the same level of customization or variety in preloaded curricula.
6. Which platform is more scalable for growing childcare centers?
illumine is built to accommodate childcare centers of all sizes, from small daycares to large enterprises, with adaptable features and pricing plans. Brightwheel also caters to various center sizes but might need extra integrations as your center expands.
7. How do Brightwheel and illumine handle data security?
illumine offers comprehensive data security with unlimited storage and sharing options. This allows for the unrestricted sharing of photos, videos, and documents, ensuring thorough documentation of children's activities and seamless communication with parents.
8. Is illumine scalable for growing childcare centers?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a small daycare or a multi-location enterprise, illumine scales effortlessly with you. With features like centralized dashboards and multi-center analytics, we grow as you do.
9. Does illumine offer better onboarding and support?
Yes! illumine’s onboarding is quick and seamless. Plus, we offer 24/7 human support (no bots!) and tailored training to get you up and running in no time. Brightwheel has good support, but we make sure there’s always a human on the line.