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
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”

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.