How to use Parent App
  • author

    Firas EL Bizri

  • Published on

    May 12, 2023

  • Reading time

    15 minute read

How parents can use Parent App

Parent Childcare App is a cloud-based childcare management software that allows childcare centers to manage their day-to-day operations as it offers a range of features that can help you manage your center more efficiently, including attendance tracking, daily sheets, parent communication, and billing and invoicing. It also has daily reports and curriculum planning features, among other features. If you wonder how to use Parent™ childcare app as a center's educator or manager, We have that subject covered.

This program was developed specifically for Canadian childcare institutions and adheres to all Canadian early childhood education and development guidelines.

Advantages Of Using Parent App

There are several advantages to using the Parent as a childcare software platform. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Convenient: The app offers a one-stop-shop for parents to manage their child's schedules, communicate with caregivers, track their development, and manage billing and payments.

  • Time-saving: The app simplifies and streamlines the process of managing your child's care, saving you time and reducing stress.

  • Easy to use: The app is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

  • Customizable: The app allows you to customize your child's schedule, add notes and photos, and communicate with caregivers in real-time.

  • Secure: The app uses state-of-the-art security measures to ensure the safety and privacy of your information.

  • Comprehensive: The app includes a wide range of features, from scheduling and communication to tracking your child's development, making it a comprehensive tool for managing your child's care.

Using the Parent app can make your life as a busy parent easier and more manageable, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on what really matters: spending time with your child.

 

How to Use This App As A Parent

In today's world, parents are increasingly busy, and finding time to manage a child's day-to-day activities can be a challenge. Thankfully, the Parent Childcare App is a useful tool to make life easier for parents, allowing them to manage their child's schedules and routines more effectively. The following will provide a step-by-step guide on how to use the Parent™ Childcare App, from setting up your account to managing your child's schedule and communicating with their caregivers.

Setting up your account

To begin using the Parent™ Childcare App, the first step is to create an account. To do this, your childcare center will have to create an account for your child. Your institute will add your email to the institute account, then you will receive an email with sign-up instructions, follow the instructions and you are ready to go. If you did not receive an invitation email with sing up, contact our support team at contact@parentapp.ca.

 

Managing your child's schedule on the app

One of the most useful features of the app is the ability to manage your child's schedule. You can schedule your child's vacation or sick leave, as well as any appointments or special events.

 

1. Attendance Schedule

As a parent, you are the best person to know your child's schedule. You know when you are going to drop them off and pick them up in advance you also know if someone else will be picking up your child. You can set up your child's expected drop-off and pick-up time using the attendance schedule.

Access the child Calendar tab using the website:
  • Click on the Calendar icon

  • Tap on Attendance Schedule

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  • Select the child name that you want to add an attendance schedule to his/her profile

  • Select the calendar month

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  • Enter the date range of the attendance schedule.
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  • Choose if you want to apply the attendance to all days or you can customize it per weeks/days

  • Pick the attendance type Sick/ or Vacation

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  • Once you are doing click on Next, add your Comments then click on Submit.

 

Access the child Calendar tab using the application:
  • Click on the Calendar icon

  • Tap on +

Image from iOS
  • Then select the child's name, the month, and the date range you want to add the attendance schedule to it.

    File (1)-4
  • Scroll down to choose either if you want to apply the attendance to all days or customize attendance per weeks/days

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  • Set the time of the attendance schedule

  • Select who will pick the child.

You can add your comments, once you click on Submit.

 

2. Report that your Child is Sick

Using the Application

To report that your child is sick using the application open the application and follow these steps.

Report Sick
  • Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile.

  • Click the blue icon on the bottom right corner

  • Click the sick icon from the popup menu

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  • Select the start and end dates of the sick days you want to report. You can also add a note, then tap on Submit.

Remove Sick Report
  • Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile.

  • Click on the Calendar tab

  • Find the sick day that you want to remove and click the 3 horizontal dots

  • Select the Delete option and click Yes to confirm

Using the Portal

To report that your child is sick through the website follow these steps.

Report a Sick Child
  • Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile.

  • On the child’s profile page click the Sick button.

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  • A popup will appear.

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  • Select the start and end dates of the sick days you want to report. You can also add a note.

  • Click the Submit button when you are done

Remove Sick Report
  • Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile.

  • Click on the Calendar tab

  • Find the sick day that you want to remove and click the 3 horizontal dots

  • Select the Delete option and click Yes to confirm.

 

3. Report that your Child is on Vacation

Using the Application
Report a Vacation
  • Tap on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile.

  • Tap on the blue icon at the bottom right corner

  • Add vacation.

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  • Select the start and end dates of the vacation days you want to report. You can also add a note, then click Submit.

Remove a Vacation
  • Tap on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile.

  • Open the Activity tab

  • Find the reported vacation and click the 3 horizontal dots, then choose Delete

Using the Website
Report a Vacation
  • Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile.

  • On the child’s profile page click the Vacation icon .

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  • A popup will appear.

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  • Select the start and end dates of the vacation days you want to report. You can also add a note.

  • Click the Submit button when you are done

Remove a Vacation
  • Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile.

  • Click on the Activity tab

  • Find the vacation on the calendar and click the 3 dots

  • Choose Delete, a warning will appear, click Yes to confirm.

 

4. Check your child in/out of the Institute

Learn how to check your child in/out of the institute

You drop your child off in the morning and leave them in the care of the teachers for the rest of the day. As you drop them off there are a few options of how you can check them in.

Using your Application

To check your child in and out using your application, follow these steps:

  • Navigate to your child's profile by clicking on their profile picture

  • Click the blue icon on the bottom right corner of the screen

  • Select the Check-in /Check-out icon

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Using the Check-in Application

If the center has the Check-in application installed you can check your child in and out by doing the following:

  • If a pin code is required, enter your pin code

  • Click on the child's picture

  • If a pickup person is required by the institute, choose the pickup person

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  • If a pickup time is required by the institute, choose the pickup time

  • Select Check-in

If you are checking the child out, then simply select Check-out.

 

5. Tag your Child in Photos

When the child care center posts pictures of your child on the newsfeed you (as well as the staff) have the option to tag your child. All tagged photos will be visible and accessible on your child's profile under Media.

To tag your child in a photo, follow the steps below:

By using the Portal
  • Go to the Newsfeed from the top menu

  • Find the post with the picture(s) you would like to tag

 

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  • Click on the picture to open it
  • A bar is displayed underneath the picture, click on Tag Children and choose your child


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Once the name is displayed in blue, the tag is saved and you can close the picture by pressing on X in the top right corner.

Note: you can also remove the tag by pressing on the small X next to your child's name.

By using the App
  • Go to the Newsfeed from the bottom menu

  • Find the post with the picture(s) you would like to tag

IMG_6544 (1)
 
  • Click on the picture to open it

  • Click on Tag Children underneath the picture

  • Click on your child's name to tag him/her
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Note: you can also remove a tag by pressing on the X next to your child's name.

 

6. Add a New Contact

Using the Application
  • Open the application and click on your child's photo icon to access their profile.

  • Press the Contacts tab and then press the + icon.

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  • Add the required details for the contact you are adding.

  • If you want the new contact to have access to the profile don't forget to select the Role (Parent*, Family**, Pickup***) and add an email address. Also, you can select the relation of the contact you are adding to your child from the drop-down list.

  • Press the Create button.

Using the Website
Log in to Parent

Use your username and password to log in to your Parent™ account.

Add New Contact
  • Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile.

  • Click the Contacts tab then click the blue + icon button.

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  • Add the required details of the contact you are adding.

** If you want the new contact to have access to the profile don't forget to select the Role (Parent*, Family**, Pickup***) and add an email address. Also, you can select the relation of the contact you are adding to your child from the drop-down list.

  • Click the Create button when you are done.

*Parent:
The contact who has the Parent role has access to everything regarding the child. He/she can view photos, read posts, get private messages, receive and reply to invitations. This role also has access to the child's profile and can edit it.

** Family:
With the family role, you are allowed to pick up the child as well as view photos and posts sent to the child. This is recommended for grandparents and other family members.

*** Pickup:
With the pickup role, you are only allowed to pick up the child.

 

Communicating with caregivers through the Parent Childcare App

Another helpful feature of the Parent™ Childcare App is the ability to communicate with your child's caregivers. You can send messages to their teacher or caregiver, as well as receive updates on your child's day. To do this, click on the "Messages" tab and select the recipient you want to send a message to. You can then type your message and send it directly from the app.

1. Reply and Change Replies to Permissions

From time to time the nursery may require your permission for your child to participate in certain activities. You can grant or deny these permissions by doing the following.

Log in to Parent

Use your username and password to log in to your Parent account.

Go to Child Profile

Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile, then click on the About tab. Finally, click on the Permissions tab.

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Reply to Permission

You will find reply options under each permission request.

If you want to grant permission select Yes. To deny permission select No.

Note: you can change your reply anytime you want to.

 

2. Respond or Edit Response to the Event

Go through steps of how to respond to an event set by the institution. This article was not written before so I need to go step by step through it.

Using the Application

When you open your application your default tab will be the Newsfeed. Find the event and press the Show and RSVP button. You can also get to the event through your notifications.

Respond to Event
  • If you haven't responded to the event click on the edit icon to start responding.

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  • Tap on the blue edit button.

  • Select the check-mark icon if the child is attending and the x if the child is not attending.

  • If the child is attending select the number of Adults and/or Children that will attend the event then click the Attending button.

  • If no-one will be attending the event click the Not Attending button.

Edit Response to Event
  • If you want to edit your reply to the event click on the edit icon.

  • Edit your response or the number of people attending.

  • Press the Submit button when you are done.

Using the Website
Log in to Parent

Use your username and password to log in to your Parent™ account.

Find Event

You can access the event through one of the following ways:

  1. Find the event on your newsfeed and click the Show and RSVP button.

  2. Go to the Calendar tab and find and click on the event.

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Respond/Response to Event
  • You will land on the event's page.
  • If you haven't replied to the event click the Reply button. If you have already replied and want to change the reply click the Edit Reply button. In both cases, you will be directed to the event's reply page.
  • Select the number of Adults/children attending if it's available.

    Choose Attending if you have already selected a number of people attending. Otherwise, click the Not Attending button.

 

3. Reply or change your reply to Holiday Feedback

During major holidays, your center may still be operating. In that case, they will have holiday feedback set up, and you need to let them know if your child will attend or will be on vacation during the time.

Note: The nursery can choose whether or not to require drop-off and pick-up times in the Holiday Feedback. Below you will find the steps for both options:

Go to Child Profile
  • If you have more than one child, tap on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile

  • You will find the holiday feedback first thing on your child's profile

Image from iOS (1)
 
Reply to Holiday feedback when your child's nursery does NOT require a drop-off/pick up time

To add your reply, follow these steps:

  • Open the Holiday Feedback.

  • Choose Will attend/ On Holiday

    File-1
  • if your child will be attending on any of the dates, mark the dates your child will be attending. If the date is marked in blue, that means your child will attend that date.

  • You can write a comment for all days, or press Customize Details to be able to write separate comments for each individual date.

  • When you are done, press Submit.

Reply to Holiday feedback when your child's nursery requires drop off/pick up time

To add your reply, follow these steps:

  • Open the Holiday Feedback.

  • Choose Attending if your child will be attending on any of the dates.

  • Mark the dates your child will be attending. If the date is marked in blue, that means your child will attend that date.

  • If you choose Full day, your child will be registered as attending during the nursery opening hours.

  • Untoggle Full Day to add drop off and pick up times for all days, or press Customize Details to be able to add drop off and pick up times, as well as a comment for each individual date.

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  • When you are done, press Submit.

Edit Reply to Holiday Feedback using

You can edit a previous reply to a Holiday Feedback by following the steps below:

  • Go to the Calendar.
  • Find and press on the holiday you would like to change the reply to.
  • A pop-up will appear, letting you edit the attendance for the holiday, when you are done, press Submit.

Note: Replies cannot be changed after the deadline set by the nursery.

 

Using the Parent™ Childcare App to track your child's development

The Parent™ Childcare App also allows you to track your child's development and milestones. You can record their height and weight, as well as any other milestones they achieve, such as their first words or steps. To do this, click on the "Development" tab and select the milestone you want to record. You can then enter the date and any additional details, such as a photo or video.

1. View Institute Calendar

Children's parents and contacts can track activities, events, and closing days through the institute's calendar. You can also RSVP to events set by your child's institute.

To view the calendar go through these steps:

Log in to Parent account.
Access the Calendar

Click the calendar icon to access the calendar.

View Event Details

Click on an event to view its full details.

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RSVP to Event

If the event requires a response you will be able to view the options in the event detail popup. To respond to an event do the following:

  • Click on Reply button.

  • Select the Attending or Not attending option.

  • If you select Attending choose the number of children and/or adults that will be attending the event.

  • You can add a note with your response, then click Submit button.

Note: you can edit your RSVP at any point in time before the response deadline.

 

2. View a Child’s Newsfeed

The news feed on the child's profile is where you receive real-time activities, event invitations, posts your kid is tagged in, videos taken of your kid and much more. You will find all reports and statuses for your child listed on this page. You will also find videos, documents, and photos that your child was tagged in.

Log in to Parent

You will land on the newsfeed by default. If you have navigated away from the newsfeed simply click on the Newsfeed icon to get back to it.

Like a Post

You can like posts on your child's newsfeed by clicking on the Like icon below the post.

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Comment on a Post

If you are using the website simply type a comment and click the Post button.

If you are using the application tab in the Comment area under the post, write a comment, and click the blue arrow.

View Event Details

Events will appear on the child's newsfeed.

RSVP to Events and Holidays

To RSVP to an event or a holiday simply click the Show and RSVP button and fill in the details.

Watch Videos

Watch videos posted by the nursery by clicking on the Play icon on the video.

 

3. View your Child’s Leaves Graph

Parent™ gives you an easy-to-understand graph with all child's leaves. Easily track sick and vacation reports for any child by going through the following steps:

Using the Application
  • Open the application and tap on your child's photo icon to access their profile.

  • Tap the last icon tab on the right, and then you will find the leaves graph.

File (1)-1
Using the website

Log in to Parent

Use your username and password to log in to your Parent™ account.

Go to Child Profile

Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile, then select the Profile tab. Scroll down to find the Leaves graph.

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  • Planned Holidays, Vacation Days, and Sick Days are all shown in a graph.

  • Hovering the mouse on a graph bar will show the number of leaves in this month.

 

4. View the Child's Contacts

You can view the list of contacts created for a specific child.

To access the child's contacts do the following:

Log in to Parent account.
Go to Child Profile

Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile and click the Contacts tab.

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You can view the following information about each contact by clicking on the contact's name:

  • Full name: the contact's full name.

  • Relation: the contact's relationship to the child.

  • Grant access: If you have permission you will be able to grant the contact access to the child's profile.

  • E-mail address: the contact's email address.

  • Mobile number: the contact's mobile number.

  • Phone number: the contact's phone number.

  • Address: the contact's address.

 

5. Add Child Pickup Information

When you drop off your child you want to make sure that the nursery knows who is picking them up. This is very important for your child's safety so that the nursery is aware of who is picking your child up.

Add Child Pickup

If the nursery requires the pickup information to be added when you check in your child you will get a popup to add who is picking up your child and when they will be picking them up.

To select a pickup person, please follow these steps:

  • Select the person picking up the child

  • If someone who is not a contact is picking up the child type their name in the Someone else? field

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  • Select the time the child is getting picked up, then Check-in

Using the web portal:
  • Go to the child profile, click on “Add Pickup Info”

  • Choose the person who will pick your child up

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6. View the Child's Daily Activities

Since the calendar carries all of the institute's or room activities a daily activity was designed to filter out each child's daily activity. This makes it easy to know what the child has done throughout the day.

To access a specific child's daily report follow these simple steps.

Use your username and password to log in to your Parent account.
Go to Child Profile


Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile then click on the Activity icon.
Now you can check the Daily Activity.

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The report will show the child's activities throughout the day. For example, it will show check-in/out times.

Using the application

Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile then click on the Activity icon.

 

7. View and Edit the Child's Health Information

The best way to make sure your child is safe is to keep his/her information up to date. To view/edit your child's health information go through these steps:

Log in to Parent

Use your username and password to log in to your Parent account.

Go to Child Profile

Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile then click on the About tab.

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And then click on the Health info to check and edit the health information.

Edit Health Details

To edit the child's health details click Edit. You can now edit the following information:

  • Insurance Number: Your child's health insurance number.

  • Allergies: add any allergies the child has.

  • Tolerates penicillin: toggle the switch on if the child tolerates penicillin and off if they have an intolerance.

  • Special dietary considerations: add information regarding any special dietary needs for the child.

  • Vaccinations: add child vaccination information.

  • Special Notes: add any more important notes about your kid's health.

  • Doctor Details: add child's doctor information including: name, phone, and address.

When you are done click the Save button.

Using the App

Click on your child's photo icon to access his/her profile then click on the About tab.

Tab on the Health info to check and edit the health information.

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8. View a Child's Gallery

To view all photos, videos, and documents that your child was tagged in or are related to his room follow these steps.

Log in to Parent

Use your username and password to log in to your Parent account.

Go to Child Profile

Click on your child's Media icon to access his/her. You will find all the media in which your child was tagged.

You can view any of the files by simply clicking on it.

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Using the app:

Click on your child's Media icon as shown in the following screenshot

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Managing your billing and payments on the Parent™ Childcare App

If you are using the Parent™ Childcare App to pay for your child's care, you can also manage your billing and payments through the app. You can view your invoices, make payments, and set up automatic payments for your convenience. To do this, click on the "Billing" tab and select the payment option you want to use. You can then enter your payment information and submit your payment.

Parent™ makes it simple to set up any fee structure. We will go through how to set up all of your fee structures and how Parent™ can be tailored for your specific pricing plans.

 

Troubleshooting common issues with the Parent™ Childcare App

While the Parent™ Childcare App is generally user-friendly, you may encounter some common issues that require troubleshooting. Although we offer regular software updates to stay relevant and up-to-date in order for you to enjoy improved performance and access to innovative features, if you are experiencing difficulty using the app, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, make sure you have the latest version of the app installed on your device. You can also try logging out and logging back into your account, or uninstalling and reinstalling the app. If you are still experiencing issues, you can check out our help center or contact Parent™ App support team for assistance.

 

Conclusion

Parent™ is the best childcare app for your daycare center. It's a valuable tool for parents who want to manage their child's schedules, communicate with their caregivers, and track their development. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily set up your account, add your child, manage their schedule, and communicate with their caregivers. Additionally, you can use the app to track your child's development and manage your billing and payments. With the Parent™ Childcare App, parents can feel more confident and in control of their child's care.

 

FAQs

Is the Parent™ Childcare App available in multiple languages?

Yes, the app is available in multiple languages, including English, French, and Spanish.

Can I use the Parent™ Childcare App to communicate with multiple caregivers?

Yes, you can communicate with multiple caregivers through the app by selecting their names from the recipient list.

How secure is my information on the Parent™ Childcare App?

The app uses state-of-the-art security measures to ensure the safety and privacy of your information.

Can I access the Parent™ Childcare App from multiple devices?

Yes, you can access the app from multiple devices by logging in to your account.

Is there a fee for using the Parent™ Childcare App?

Yes, there is a monthly fee for using the app, which varies depending on the number of children and the services you require.