How To Develop A Childcare App Like Brightwheel?

Childcare centers are evolving, and so is the technology that supports them. Brightwheel, a popular childcare management app, has transformed how parents and teachers interact.

In 2024, Brightwheel reported a revenue of $37.5 million, which reflects its growing influence in the industry.

But if we look at the global market size of childcare management software, it is projected to reach $416 million by 2032.

This surge indicates a huge demand for efficient and user-friendly childcare app solutions for early education.

So, if you want to be the next industry leader in the childcare app market, it is the best time to develop an app like Brightwheel.

In this blog, we will discuss the features, costs, monetization models, and the process to develop a childcare app like Brightwheel that can take your business to the next level.

So, let’s begin!

What is the Brightwheel App?

Brightwheel is a childcare app that is made for preschools and daycare centers to help teachers and parents stay connected.

Teachers can use it to take attendance, share daily updates, photos, and videos of kids, and track learning progress from a mobile app.

Additionally, parents get real-time updates about their child’s activities, meals, and nap times, so they always know what’s happening at school.

It also helps schools manage billing, communication, and reporting.

This makes school management really easy for teachers and keeps parents more involved in their child’s early learning journey.

Market Statistics of Childcare Management App

The childcare management software market size was worth $190.3 million in 2023. However, it is forecasted to reach $416.7 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 8.9%.

This shows huge growth due to the advent of new technology and increased child safety and security.

The North American childcare services market made about $78.9 million in revenue in 2024, but it will grow to $109 million by 2030.

In addition, digital adoption in childcare management is growing fast.

In the US alone, 86% of licensed childcare centers were using some form of management software in 2024.

Working parents with children aged below 5 years old. 58% depend on center-based childcare centers in the USA.

Why Invest in Childcare App Development?

In the above section, you have seen the market size of the childcare management industry. One thing is clear from the above: the online childcare management industry is flourishing.

Are you planning to build an app like Brightwheel? Now is the perfect time to invest in childcare on-demand app development.

Let’s have a look at the reasons below to invest.

1. Big Demand for Childcare Services

Parents around the world are really busier than ever. If we look at the US alone, the childcare market is forecasted to grow from $65 billion in 2024 to nearly $110 billion by 2033.

This means more working parents need easy and reliable childcare solutions.

If you develop an app like Procare, Brightwheel, or any other popular platform, you can help them find, book, and manage childcare really fast.

It means your business can serve a growing audience with real and urgent needs.

2. Technology Makes Daycare Easy & Safe

Childcare mobile applications do not just help parents. They also make the work of a caregiver really easy.

Apps like Brightwheel can handle bookings, payments, daily reports and safety checks.

The childcare software market is forecasted to hit $55 billion by 2035. So, if you have similar mobile app ideas and want to invest in childcare management app development, your business can create an app that saves huge time, builds trust, and keeps parents happy.

3. Investors Are Paying Attention

Daycare mobile apps that solve real childcare problems are attracting money. For example, Bumo, a childcare booming app, raised $10 million in seed funding recently.

This shows that businesses in this industry can grow fast and get investor support.

Childcare apps meet a real need, make life really easy for parents and teachers, and have good growth potential.

So, if you are planning to develop an app like Brightwheel, now is the chance to create something really helpful while also entering into the booming market.

Steps to Develop a Childcare App Like Brightwheel

To develop your dream on-demand childcare app like Brightwheel, it is vital to have a roadmap that helps you through the process.

Below is the step-by-step process of the Blightwheel-like childcare management app development that can help you ensure your app is a success.

1. Understand Your Market

First of all, you have to spend time understanding your target market and target audience. In simple terms, if you want to develop an app like Brightwheel, do a thorough mobile app market research.

Just look at what parents, teachers, and daycare centers need. Also, see what other apps like Brightwheel or Procare are doing, what works well, and where they are falling short.

This will help you identify opportunities to make your childcare app stand out. Your goal is to create something outstanding that people will actually want to use every day, rather than just copying existing apps.

2. Plan Features and Design the App

Now you know what your potential audience needs, list the features your childcare management software or app should have. You should first focus on the MVP or must-have features.

For example, attendance tracking, daily updates, parents-teacher communication, etc.

Besides, you also need to think about nice-to-have features that could make your app stand out.You can also customize these features accordingly.

Now create a mobile app wireframe or sketch that shows how each screen will look and how users will navigate through the app.

It should be visually appealing and user-friendly. This visual plan makes development a lot easier and avoids confusion later.

3. Choose the Right Tech Stack

When you develop an app like Brightwheel, it is vital to choose the right programming languages and tech stack that align with your app requirements.

If you are looking to build an app that works on both platforms, go with a cross-platform framework.

For backend architecture, Node.js, Python are the best frameworks that can handle data security. Choosing the accurate tools from the start helps avoid delays and keeps the app stable as it grows.

4. Build an MVP Version

Instead of focusing on full-fledged daycare app development, you can build an MVP app. This is a very basic version of your childcare app like Brightwheel, that only has must-have features.

The main goal is to test your on-demand daycare app idea and see how real users interact with it. This helps you find out what works, what’s confusing, and what features people actually use the most.

By starting small, you save child care application development time and money. Also, you can improve or modify the app step by step based on real feedback, rather than guessing what the users might want.

5. Test and Deploy the App

Once your daycare app like Brightwheel, is successfully developed, do not rush straight to the launch.

First, test everything in the app carefully and make sure the app is easy to use and secure. Also, check the mobile and desktop versions’ speed.

Then, release it to a small group of users, like a few parents or teachers, and see how they interact with it. Now gather their feedback, fix any errors or bugs, and make small modifications.

After this soft launch, open the mobile application to a large audience. Just keep listening to users and updating the app regularly.

What Features to Add in an App like Brightwheel?

Features are the major factor that is responsible for making your childcare app successful.

So, when you develop an app like Brightwheel, you should carefully decide the must-have and nice-to-have features.

We have jotted down some essential features of an app like Brightwheel with different panels.

Advanced Features to Add in an App like Brightwheel

Now, once you have a clear understanding of the must-have features that you should integrate into an app like Brightwheel.

It is vital to integrate nice-to-have features to make your app stand out.

So, here are some advanced features that you should consider.

1. Smart Attendance with Face Recognition

You can integrate a biometric authentication feature like face recognition, fingerprint, etc, that automatically marks attendance when a child enters or leaves.

It saves teachers’ time and keeps the process secure. Parents also get instant notifications when their child is dropped off or picked up.

2. AI-based Daily Reports

Instead of teachers writing everything manually, the AI-powered childcare app can automatically create daily reports using data they enter during the day.

For example, meals, naps, and activities. This can help teachers focus more on kids rather than paperwork.

3. Digital Learning Tracker

You can also add a feature that tracks each child’s learning and development. It can show charts, small achievements, and progress over time.

This helps both teachers and parents understand how the child is growing.

4. Real-time GPS Tracking

When you develop an app like Brightwheel, you should integrate a live GPS tracking feature to make sure parents always know their child’s location during pick-up and drop-off.

This helps track the daycare van and caregiver. It adds an extra layer of safety and gives parents complete peace of mind.

5. Voice Notes

Lastly, you should definitely integrate a voice note feature so teachers or caregivers can send a quick voice note or audio message to parents.

This really saves a lot of time. Also, parents can reply with voice notes if needed.

Brightwheel Alternatives that are Making Huge Profits

If you plan to make an app like Brightwheel, it is essential to know who your competitors’ apps are.

We have created a table that shows Brightwheel alternatives that are making a huge money.

How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App like Brightwheel?

If you are thinking about Brightwheel app development, you probably want to know how much investment is required.

To give you a rough idea, a basic version with must-have features can usually cost around $25,000-$70,000.

Now, if you want to go beyond the basics and integrate advanced features, then the cost to develop an on-demand app like Brightwheel can rise to $70,000-$160,000.

Also, developing an app for both Android and iOS will add to the total. The good news is, this is not just a one-time cost to develop an app like Brightwheel. It is an investment.

Many businesses start with a simple version first, test it with real users, and then slowly integrate advanced features.

This way, you can manage the cost to develop a mobile app and make sure the childcare app grows in the right direction.

How to Monetize a Childcare App like Brightwheel?

Once you know how much budget you need to allocate for childcare app development, how will you make money from it?

Well, you need to implement some mobile app monetization strategies.

It will help you earn huge revenue from the app.

1. Offer Tiered Parent Memberships

Instead of just charging a flat fee, you can create memberships with real value.

For instance, a basic plan could give parents daily activity updates, while a premium plan covers video updates, personalized learning insights, or early access to reports.

Additionally, parents can feel they are paying for something that helps them stay connected with their child, and businesses get a predictable revenue stream.

2. Charge Schools for Streamlined Management

Your childcare application, like Brightwheel, can save lots of schools’ time by managing attendance, billing, communication, and reporting all in one place.

Schools are ready to pay for efficiency if your app reduces paperwork and helps them communicate better with parents.

Additionally, you can offer flexible pricing like a monthly subscription based on the number of students. Also, you can provide them with a one-time setup fee for onboarding.

3. Add Premium Add-Ons for Special Services

Beyond basic features, you can also provide them with optional services that parents or schools can buy.

For example, voice note updates from teachers, real-time GPS tracking for school buses, or customized learning reports for individual children.

These micro-payments allow users to choose what they want without feeling forced to pay for everything. While your daycare app earns a huge income from the most engaged users.

4. Partner with Child-Focused Brands

You need to think beyond traditional ads. The best thing you can do is partner with companies that provide educational software, books, or classes.

Also, you can feature sponsored content, recommend products through the app, or offer exclusive deals for users.

When you do it thoughtfully, this can add value for parents while generating a healthy income for your business.

Why Choose Nimble AppGenie for Childcare App Development?

Nimble AppGenie is the trusted mobile app development company that understands your dream project idea.

Founded in 2017, we have expertise in creating mobile applications that are really simple and visually appealing.

Our expert developers can integrate technologies like AI, ML, and IoT in your dream childcare app development project to make sure your application is future-proof.

Our goal is not just to develop an app but to make a profitable product.

We have a proven track record of delivering top-rated mobile apps that really boost your business growth. If you are planning to develop an app like Brightwheel, contact us right away!

Conclusion

Brightwheel childcare application development can really make life so easy for parents and teachers.

By helping track kids’ activities, share updates, and stay organized, your app can become something everyone can count on.

Additionally, if you pay close attention to what parents and caregivers actually need can make a huge difference.

So, when you make an app like Brightwheel, just keep it simple, visually appealing, and focus on real needs.

FAQs

Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma, CTO, Nimble AppGenie, is a tech enthusiast with more than a decade of experience in delivering high-value solutions that allow a brand to penetrate the market easily. With a strong hold on mobile app development, he is actively working to help businesses identify the potential of digital transformation by sharing insightful statistics, guides & blogs.