HomeCenter managementSwitching from Procare to Lillio: Improving Parent Communication with Childcare Management Software
Switching from Procare to Lillio: Improving Parent Communication with Childcare Management Software
Little Discoveries Early Learning Cooperative | Weyburn, Saskatchewan | 120 Children
“When we had Procare, families engaged very little. Lillio creates more opportunities for parents to interact—commenting on photos, messaging teachers, and connecting with us daily. Parents love the updates!” – Jessica Fenwick, Director
Childcare management software is widely used in early childhood settings to help programs stay organized, support regulatory compliance, and reduce administrative stress. Modern, all in one systems thoughtfully replace paper-based processes with centralized, cloud-based platforms, giving childcare centers a simpler way to manage everything from billing to family communication in one place, so educators can spend more time focused on children and families.
Comprehensive platforms like Lillio integrate features such as automated billing, the ability to track attendance digitally, and built-in parent communication tools designed to keep families connected. While many systems promise efficiency, the experience for staff and families can vary greatly, especially when it comes to ease of use and ongoing support.
The Challenge of Parent Communication
Little Discoveries Early Learning Cooperative, a licensed childcare center serving 120 children, is deeply committed to building strong relationships with families. But their previous childcare management software, Procare, wasn’t fully supporting that goal.
Parent engagement was low, and families rarely interacted with updates or communication tools. While the center could track attendance and manage operations, the system didn’t feel intuitive or inviting for families. For Director Jessica Fenwick, it became clear that simply having software wasn’t enough, it needed to be user friendly and actively foster connection.
Jessica and her team wanted more than a basic administrative tool. They needed an all in one system that could simplify operations, support compliance requirements, and help families feel meaningfully involved in their child’s day.
After a frustrating experience, Jessica knew their next solution had to feel like a true partner, backed by a responsive support team and designed with both educators and families in mind.
The Solution
That’s when Little Discoveries made the switch from Procare to Lillio.
From the start, the difference was clear. The transition was seamless, supported by interactive training and hands-on guidance. Lillio’s support team played a critical role. Checking in regularly, answering questions quickly, and ensuring staff felt confident using the platform.
More importantly, Lillio delivered where Procare fell short, making communication simple, accessible, and part of the daily experience.
Because the system is user friendly and intuitive, families adopted it quickly. Instead of passive updates, parents began actively engaging — liking, commenting, and participating in their child’s learning journey.
For educators, having everything in one place streamlined daily tasks. Lesson planning, documentation, communication, billing, and compliance reporting now live within a single, centralized platform designed specifically for childcare centers.
Lillio also supports regulatory compliance with built-in reporting tools, secure digital record-keeping, and accurate attendance logs, designed to help administrators feel confident during audits and licensing reviews.
“With Procare, we didn’t have a partnership. With Lillio, we do. The team checks in, asks for feedback, and genuinely wants us to succeed.” – Jessica Fenwick
The Results for Childcare Centers
Since switching from Procare to Lillio, Little Discoveries has seen meaningful improvements across the board:
Increased parent engagement Families are now actively liking, commenting, and messaging educators through the parent app. Communication is no longer one-sided as families feel connected to their child’s day in real time.
Higher staff satisfaction Because the platform is user friendly and truly all in one, staff spend less time navigating systems and more time with children. Administrative workflows are smoother, and onboarding new team members is easier.
Stronger family relationships With consistent updates and open communication, families feel informed and valued. The ability to track attendance, view documentation, and manage payments in one app creates transparency and trust.
Improved operational confidence Digital records, automated billing, attendance tracking, and reporting support regulatory compliance while reducing manual paperwork. Administrators gain peace of mind knowing critical documentation is accurate and accessible.
“The best thing since switching from Procare to Lillio is that parents are happier and more engaged. Lillio gives families more ways to connect with their child throughout the day.”
The Takeaway
Switching from Procare to Lillio helped Little Discoveries transform parent communication into a true strength.
With a responsive support team, a user friendly parent app, and an all in one system designed specifically for childcare centers, Lillio goes beyond administrative management. It helps centers stay compliant, track attendance accurately, streamline operations, and, most importantly, keep families connected every day.
See how Lillio can help your center improve parent engagement and simplify operations! Get started today!
