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	<title>Procare Blog</title>
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	<link>http://www.procareblog.com</link>
	<description>The Nation&#039;s Leading Child Care Software</description>
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		<title>Preschool Wait List: Keep in Touch with Parents</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/05/17/preschool-wait-list/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/05/17/preschool-wait-list/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PhilEH</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care wait list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care waiting list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare wait list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare waiting list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare wait list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare waiting list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manage wait list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manage waiting list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool wait list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool waiting list]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wait list management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[waiting list management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3742</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Waiting in line can be a hard thing to do, especially if you’re waiting for something important to you. For children, that might be as simple as waiting for lunch on pizza day. For their parents, it might be waiting for an opening at your child care, daycare or preschool. And for you, as their [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/children-in-line275.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3743" title="Children Waiting in Line" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/children-in-line275.jpg" alt="Children Waiting in Line" width="275" height="216" /></a>Waiting in line can be a hard thing to do, especially if you’re waiting for something important to you. For children, that might be as simple as waiting for lunch on pizza day. For their parents, it might be waiting for an opening at your child care, daycare or preschool. And for you, as their provider, it might be waiting for the official pre-registration payment to hold their slot.</p>
<p>A key part of making sure they do enroll is keeping in touch with the people on your waiting list. Luckily, for child care administrators, it’s easy to create a contact list of parent names, phone numbers and email addresses for your wait list families. By using  <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Procare Software</a>®, you can create a printed list or choose to email or send text messages to selected families all at once. <span id="more-3742"></span></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Wait List Directory</h3>
<p>It’s easy to get a list of everyone on the waiting list with parent contact information. Start with the standard “School Directory II” report (found under  <em>Reports &gt; Standard Reports &gt; Family Data &gt; Filtered Reports</em>) and use the <em>Filter</em> button to include only children whose enrollment status is set to “Waiting List”. <a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/wait-list-contact-info.pdf" target="_blank">See Sample: Wait List Directory</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/filter-wait-list.png"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3752" title="Filter Your Child Care Waiting List" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/filter-wait-list.png" alt="Filter Your Child Care Waiting List" width="414" height="128" /></a></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Customized Wait List</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.procaremedia.com/video-player.asp?Linkto=http://procaremedia.com/videos-support/data-viewer/wait-list-w-contacts.mp4&amp;width=640&amp;height=480&amp;header=Waiting%20List%20with%20Parent%20Contacts" target="_blank"><img class="wp-image-3682 alignnone" title="Video: Custom Preschool Wait List" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/view-clip2.png" alt="Video: Custom Preschool Wait List" width="86" height="24" /></a></p>
<p>With the <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Reports---Data-Viewer/Data-Viewer.aspx" target="_blank">Procare Data Viewer</a> you have more control over how the information is laid out and can include other fields, such as the date they got on the waiting list (the Status Date). Start with the Child Relationships view and add the fields you want like Primary Classroom, Enrollment Status, etc. <a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/wait-list-contact-data-viewer.pdf" target="_blank">See Sample: Data Viewer Wait List</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-wait-list-headings.png"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3753" title="Wait List Fields/Headings" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-wait-list-headings.png" alt="Wait List Fields/Headings" width="594" height="60" /></a></p>
<p>Use the tiny filter icon (funnel) on the <em>Enrollment Status</em> header to include only “Waiting List”.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-filter-wait-list.png"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3754" title="Select Children on Wait List" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-filter-wait-list.png" alt="Select Children on Wait List" width="171" height="126" /></a><br />
To group the report by classroom, drag the <em>Primary Classroom</em> header into the gray area just above the other headers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-drag-header.png"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3755" title="Drag Header to Group by Classroom" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-drag-header.png" alt="Drag Header to Group by Classroom" width="381" height="101" /></a></p>
<p>You may also want to remove the page break so you don’t get a separate page for each class. Right-click the gray area next to Primary Classroom and uncheck <em>Insert Page Breaks</em>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-insert-page-breaks.png"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3756" title="Remove Page Breaks from Wait List" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-insert-page-breaks.png" alt="Remove Page Breaks from Wait List" width="254" height="113" /></a></p>
<p>Then you are ready to <em>Print</em> or <em>Export</em> to another format, like a spreadsheet, PDF, etc.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-print-export.png"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3757" title="Print or Export Your Wait List" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dv-print-export.png" alt="Print or Export Your Wait List" width="171" height="132" /></a></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Email or Text People on Your Wait List</h3>
<p>To begin, use the <em>Select Filter</em> to include only families with children whose enrollment status is “Waiting List”. Then you’re ready to <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data/Email-Filtered-Accounts.aspx" target="_blank">Email the Families</a> or <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data/Text-Messaging.aspx" target="_blank">Send Text Messages</a> to the people of your choice. You can even use the built-in <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data/Letter-Merge.aspx" target="_blank">Letter Merge</a> to automatically fill in certain fields, like the name and address of each person, etc., and email (or print) the letter.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/select-filter-icon.png"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3759" title="Select Families to Email" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/select-filter-icon.png" alt="Select Families to Email" width="179" height="77" /></a></p>
<p>You may also be interested in other articles on <a title="Playing Musical Chairs with Your Enrollment?" href="http://www.procareblog.com/2012/03/13/playing-musical-chairs-with-your-enrollment/">Managing Child Care Enrollment</a>, how to <a title="New! Pre-Register Children Online" href="http://www.procareblog.com/2011/06/28/pre-register-children-online/">Pre-Register Children Online</a>, and setting up <a title="Waiting List for Your Childcare" href="http://www.procareblog.com/2010/05/25/childcare-waiting-list/">Wait List Categories</a>.</p>
<p>Wishing you a growing wait list and until next time, cheers!</p>
<p>-Phil</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like to <a href="http://twitter.com/Phil_EH" target="_blank">Follow Me on Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:phil@procaresoftware.com">phil@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright © 2012 Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Subsidized Child Care: Now Accepting Deposits</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/05/08/subsidized-child-care-deposits/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/05/08/subsidized-child-care-deposits/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 10:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PhilEH</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tuition express]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care subsidy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Childcare Subsidy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare subsidy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parent co-pay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parent co-payment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parent copay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parent copayment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refundable deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[subsidized child care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3701</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to subsidized child care, have you ever been caught holding the bag? That is, being responsible for a financial shortfall because someone else did not live up to their end of the bargain. Perhaps a family left without making the co-payment for their final month. Or, maybe your state agency paid less [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright  wp-image-3707" title="Holding a Garbage Bag" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/garbage-bag.jpg" alt="Holding a Garbage Bag" width="220" height="324" />When it comes to subsidized child care, have you ever been caught holding the bag? That is, being responsible for a financial shortfall because someone else did not live up to their end of the bargain. Perhaps a family left without making the co-payment for their final month. Or, maybe your state agency paid less than expected and you’re unable to collect the remaining balance from the parents. In either case, it’s an unenviable situation to find yourself in when child care services have already been provided and you’re left with little chance of getting paid.</p>
<p>In order to provide a quality early childhood experience for all the children in your care, each family needs to pay their share. When you’re not collecting full payment for subsidized care, that impedes your ability to keep good teachers, maintain the playground, provide enrichment programs, offer healthy snacks, etc;  the list goes on and on.</p>
<p>So what could you do to keep from getting stuck holding the bag? Last week, we talked about taking <a href="http://www.procareblog.com/2012/04/25/prepaid-deposits-for-summer-child-care/">Deposits for Summer Child Care</a>. This week we’ll take the deposit concept further and show you how to make sure subsidized care gets paid in full.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Daycare Policies &amp; Subsidized Care</h3>
<p>In order to ensure payment, consider adopting a policy that requires a deposit. The deposit would be paid in advance and used to cover the co-payment for their last month. In other words, when a family eventually leaves the center their prepaid deposit would be refunded to pay their final month of child care. <span id="more-3701"></span></p>
<p>If you’re already using <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Procare Software</a>® it’s pretty easy to do. Just record a deposit fee along with the payment received. This will give them a deposit on account. You can place the funds in your regular checking account or you might prefer to put the money into a separate savings account used to pay yourself later, when the family departs.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-subsidy.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3718" title="Subsidized Child Care: Deposit &amp; Payment" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-subsidy.png" alt="Subsidized Child Care: Deposit &amp; Payment" width="665" height="69" /></a></p>
<p>Down the road, at the time their child withdraws from your program, simply charge their final copay fee and refund the deposit to leave them with a balance due of zero. This truly is a win-win situation. The family will benefit by not having a final payment to make and being able to leave on good terms, while you’ll have peace of mind knowing your revenue flow has not been interrupted.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-refund-subsidy.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3720" title="Subsidized Child Care: Final Month's Tuition with Deposit Refund" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-refund-subsidy.png" alt="Subsidized Child Care: Final Month's Tuition with Deposit Refund" width="665" height="67" /></a></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Unpaid Agency Fees (DHS, DFACS, etc.)</h3>
<p>Requiring a deposit from the family could also help if the subsidizing agency does not pay the full amount expected. If your policy is this amount becomes the responsibility of the family, all or part of their deposit could be used to pay off the difference. With the <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/v10-Product-Overview/Agency-Accounting.aspx" target="_blank">Agency Accounting</a> module from Procare, you could easily transfer the balance to the parent and show a deposit refund to again bring the balance back to zero.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-refund-txn-from-agency.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3721" title="Subsidized Child Care: Transfer to Parent with Deposit Refund" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-refund-txn-from-agency.png" alt="Subsidized Child Care: Transfer to Parent with Deposit Refund" width="666" height="70" /></a></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Accept Automatic Payments</h3>
<p>Another way to make sure both subsidized and private pay families pay on time is to use an automated payment processing service like <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/Tuition-Express.aspx" target="_blank">Tuition Express</a>®. That way payments are electronically transferred from parent bank accounts or charged to a credit card and you can rest assured knowing you’ll never get caught holding the bag again.</p>
<p>Here’s wishing you continued success with your subsidized care programs and until next time, cheers!</p>
<p>-Phil</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like to <a href="http://twitter.com/Phil_EH" target="_blank">Follow Me on Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:phil@procaresoftware.com">phil@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright © 2012 Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Prepaid Deposits for Summer Child Care</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/04/25/prepaid-deposits-for-summer-child-care/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/04/25/prepaid-deposits-for-summer-child-care/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:00:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PhilEH</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[child care billing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fall deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[non-refundable deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nonrefundable deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pre-enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pre-paid deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preenrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prepaid deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool desposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refundable deposit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer deposit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3660</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The summer session at your child care, daycare or preschool may not include building sand castles, but with dozens of crafts, fun field trips and plenty of outdoor play, families may already be signing up. A great way to handle summer sign ups is by charging a prepaid deposit. Doing so has two benefits. First, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3663" title="Child Building Sand Castle" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/child-building-sand-castle.jpg" alt="Child Building Sand Castle" width="275" height="182" />The summer session at your child care, daycare or preschool may not include building sand castles, but with dozens of crafts, fun field trips and plenty of outdoor play, families may already be signing up. A great way to handle summer sign ups is by charging a prepaid deposit. Doing so has two benefits. First, you’ll know you’re getting at least some of the money up front; second, people are much more likely to keep their commitment when they pay a deposit.</p>
<p>According to the policies at your center, you may eventually credit the prepaid amount back to the family (toward their summer tuition) or, if the deposit is non-refundable, convert it to a fee, such as a registration or forfeiture fee. This may be appropriate if the child ends up being a no-show.</p>
<p>So let’s get out our sand shovel and dig in to see how <a title="Procare Child Care Management Software" href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Child Care Software from Procare</a> can help you keep track of prepaid deposits. You may also be interested in a previous article on <a title="How to Track Summer Enrollment" href="../2011/05/17/summer-is-here/">Tracking Summer Enrollment</a>. <span id="more-3660"></span></p>
<h3>Set Up Deposit Categories</h3>
<p>You start by creating special descriptions for the types of deposits you accept. Each one, like <em>Deposit Tuition: Summer</em>, needs a corresponding deposit refund, such as <em>Deposit Refund: Summer</em>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procaremedia.com/video-player.asp?Linkto=http://procaremedia.com/videos-support/jing/Deposit-and-Refund-Descriptions.mp4&amp;width=640&amp;height=480&amp;header=Set%20Up%20Deposits%20&amp;%20Deposit%20Refunds" target="_blank"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3682" title="Video: Set Up Prepaid Deposits" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/view-clip2.png" alt="Video: Set Up Prepaid Deposits" width="86" height="24" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/special-charge-credit-blog.png"><img title="Set Up Prepaid Deposits and Deposit Refunds" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/special-charge-credit-blog.png" alt="Set Up Prepaid Deposits and Deposit Refunds" width="606" height="145" /></a></p>
<h3>Record a Prepaid Deposit</h3>
<p>When a family is ready to sign up for the summer, simply post a summer deposit charge (to show they owe the deposit) and then a payment received, to bring their balance back to zero.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procaremedia.com/video-player.asp?Linkto=http://procaremedia.com/videos-support/jing/Post-Deposit-and-Refund.mp4&amp;width=640&amp;height=480&amp;header=Record%20a%20Prepaid%20Deposit%20or%20Deposit%20Refund" target="_blank"><img title="Video: Enter or Refund a Deposit" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/view-clip2.png" alt="Video: Enter or Refund a Deposit" width="86" height="24" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-pmt.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3674" title="Ledger Card: Record Deposit &amp; Payment" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-pmt.png" alt="Ledger Card: Record Deposit &amp; Payment" width="666" height="69" /></a></p>
<p>The <em>Deposits</em> button will show how much they currently have available in prepaid deposits.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/btn-deposits-100.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3676" title="Deposit on Account (button)" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/btn-deposits-100.png" alt="Deposit on Account (button)" width="60" height="64" /></a></p>
<p>When summer arrives you’ll charge the family their summer fees, which results in a balance due. Since the amount was already paid, you’ll show a deposit refund on the next line bringing their balance to zero. Of course, if the deposit was for less than the full tuition amount they would need to pay the difference.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-refund.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3678" title="Ledger Card: Refund Deposit" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-refund.png" alt="Ledger Card: Refund Deposit" width="666" height="69" /></a></p>
<h3>Non-Refundable Deposits</h3>
<p>Your center may have a policy of non-refundable deposits. In other words, if the child does not enroll the original prepaid deposit is charged off as a registration or forfeiture fee. In that case, post the fee and use the deposit refund to pay it off.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-forfeited.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3680" title="Ledger Card: Non-refundable Deposit" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ledger-deposit-forfeited.png" alt="Ledger Card: Non-refundable Deposit" width="667" height="70" /></a></p>
<p>If you’d like to learn more, see our knowledge base article on <a title="Learn More about Prepaid Deposits" href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Accounting/Deposit-on-Account.aspx" target="_blank">Deposits &amp; Deposit Refunds</a>.</p>
<p>Good luck with your pre-enrollments for summer and until next time, cheers!</p>
<p>-Phil</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like to <a title="Follow Phil on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/Phil_EH" target="_blank">Follow Me on Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a title="Contact Phil" href="mailto:phil@procaresoftware.com" target="_blank">phil@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright © 2012 Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Learn Procare at Procare University</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/04/18/procare-university/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/04/18/procare-university/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PhilEH</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to use procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learn procare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learning procare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare classes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare online learning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare training class]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3639</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you looking to improve your knowledge of Procare Software®? Perhaps you’re just getting started or know how to do a few things, but want to learn more. You might be a new staff member who needs to get up to speed or perhaps you’re the person in charge of training new hires at your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/procare-university-web.png"><img class="alignright  wp-image-3647" title="Procare U Logo" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/procare-university-web-255x300.png" alt="Procare U Logo" width="204" height="240" /></a>Are you looking to improve your knowledge of <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Procare Software</a>®? Perhaps you’re just getting started or know how to do a few things, but want to learn more. You might be a new staff member who needs to get up to speed or perhaps you’re the person in charge of training new hires at your child care, daycare or preschool. You might even be completing your degree in early childhood education and want to bolster your resume. Or, you may be a consultant who helps people nurture and grow their child care business.</p>
<p>For all of you, we’re very pleased to announce the official launch of Procare University, also known as Procare U. A few months ago you saw a <a href="../2011/08/16/procare-university-sneak-preview/">Sneak Preview of Procare U</a>. Now there are lessons available to cover the basics of using the <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/v10-Product-Overview/Family-Data.aspx" target="_blank">Family Data</a> and <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/Product-Information/Family-Accounting-Software.aspx" target="_blank">Family Accounting</a> modules.</p>
<h3>3 Part Approach to Learning</h3>
<p>Procare U is different from and enhances other ways to learn Procare, such as <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Webinars.aspx" target="_blank">Free Webinars</a>, <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Video-Library.aspx" target="_blank">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data.aspx" target="_blank">Articles</a> and <a href="http://procaresoftware.com/Training/Live-Training.aspx" target="_blank">Custom Training</a>. Each online class at Procare U takes a three part approach to learning. <span id="more-3639"></span></p>
<p><strong>1: Show Me</strong></p>
<p>Each lesson begins with a short video showing how to do certain tasks, along with explaining the way this fits into the larger picture.</p>
<p><strong>2: Let Me</strong></p>
<p>Then it’s your turn to try. In part two, you get a chance to show that you know what to do and where to click. Don’t worry; there are hints along the way. The idea is to practice what you’ve learned, to help you better remember in the future.</p>
<p><strong>3: Test Me</strong></p>
<p>Once you’ve seen how to do it and tried it for yourself, you’re ready to test your knowledge. Each lesson includes a short, five question quiz, to demonstrate that you have mastered the objectives for the lesson. Of course you can skip ahead to the quiz, bypassing the “Show Me” and “Let Me” sections, if you feel you already know the subject matter.</p>
<h3>Certificate of Completion</h3>
<p>At the moment, lesson results are not being tracked, but within a couple of months we’ll have a method to report the completion of each lesson. When you’ve completed all the lessons we’ll send you a certificate stating that you successfully completed Procare U. There may even be separate certificates for specific groups of lessons. Stay tuned.</p>
<h3>Visit Procare University</h3>
<p>Go ahead and get started today. <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Procare-University.aspx" target="_blank">Visit Procare U</a> and let the learning begin!</p>
<p><a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Procare-University.aspx" target="_blank"><img class=" wp-image-3651 alignnone" title="Visit Procare U" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/procare-u-button.png" alt="Visit Procare U" width="284" height="60" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let us know of other classes you’d like to see by adding a comment below. We’ll be creating additional lessons over the coming months.</p>
<p>Good luck with your online learning and until next time, cheers!</p>
<p>-Phil</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like to <a href="http://twitter.com/Phil_EH" target="_blank">Follow Me on Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:phil@procaresoftware.com" target="_blank">phil@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Copyright © 2012 Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Road to the Future: Mobile Apps for Child Care Management</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/04/10/mobile-apps-child-care-management/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/04/10/mobile-apps-child-care-management/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PhilEH</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[child care business news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care management app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care software app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care software apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare management app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare software app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare software apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare software app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare software apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile application]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile applications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool apps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool management app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[web app]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[web application]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[web apps]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3610</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Roads are wonderful metaphors. They can represent links between time and place, ways to get from here to there and anticipation of what’s coming around the bend. So what might that road look like between technology and your child care business? Well, there’s a good chance you have some kind of mobile device, perhaps more [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3613" title="Road to the Future" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/road-winding.jpg" alt="Road to the Future" width="275" height="183" />Roads are wonderful metaphors. They can represent links between time and place, ways to get from here to there and anticipation of what’s coming around the bend. So what might that road look like between technology and your child care business?</p>
<p>Well, there’s a good chance you have some kind of mobile device, perhaps more than one. You may own a smartphone, iPad, or similar tablet or Android device. If so, you’re familiar with the dazzling array of “apps” available to do anything from teaching kids the alphabet to checking your bank balance and everything in between. So, it’s probably no surprise we frequently hear the question: “Is Procare working on a mobile app for child care management?”</p>
<p>With that in mind, I recently had the opportunity to speak with our development team about the future of mobile apps and what that might look like when using <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Procare Software</a>® together with <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/Procare-v10-Data-Hosting-%281%29.aspx" target="_blank">Procare Data Hosting</a>. So here’s a sneak peak, a road map, if you will, of what we’re working on. It’s all <em>very</em> preliminary right now and there is no fixed timeline, but it’s still exciting to think of the possibilities and perhaps feel rather like a Procare insider on this little day trip. <span id="more-3610"></span></p>
<h3>Should I pack my iPhone, iPad, Android or Windows Mobile device?</h3>
<p>Sure, it’s good to plan ahead for your trip. There’s no reason to pack something you’ll never use. But the road ahead will be easy in this regard. Because Procare apps will be web based, you’ll use the browser built into your device to access them. That means the operating system of your device (iOs, Android, etc.) won’t matter.</p>
<h3>The first leg</h3>
<p>To begin our journey, let’s understand what is possible in the present. Did you know you can already access Procare from another device such as a tablet, iPad, or handheld computer? It’s true. All it takes is a remote connection to a Windows computer that runs Procare. See: <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Hardware/Tablet.aspx" target="_blank">Using Procare with a Tablet/Handheld</a></p>
<h3>A few miles down the road</h3>
<p>The first item on our mobile itinerary will be to bring information from <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/Procare-v10-Data-Hosting-%281%29.aspx" target="_blank">Procare Data Hosting</a> to your handheld device. This may include emergency contacts (complete with the ability to instantly dial or text) as well as on screen reports of things like which children (or employees) are checked in, recent revenue numbers, bank balance, etc. Below are a few examples.</p>
<p>Emergency contacts by classroom [Click images to enlarge]</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-contacts.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3622" title="Mobile App: Classroom Contact List" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-contacts-300x149.png" alt="Mobile App: Classroom Contact List" width="300" height="149" /></a></p>
<p>Open a class to see individual contact people with instant call/text options</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-contact-mom.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3623" title="Mobile App: Child Emergency Contacts" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-contact-mom-300x89.png" alt="Mobile App: Child Emergency Contacts" width="300" height="89" /></a></p>
<p>Children currently checked in</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-children-checked-in.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3624" title="Mobile App: Children Checked In" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-children-checked-in-300x167.png" alt="Mobile App: Children Checked In" width="300" height="167" /></a></p>
<p>Family balance due</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-bal-due.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3625" title="Mobile App: Child Care Balance Due" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-bal-due-300x93.png" alt="Mobile App: Child Care Balance Due" width="300" height="93" /></a></p>
<p>Recent charge, credit and payment totals</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-tccs.png"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3626" title="Mobile App: Child Care Revenue &amp; Payments" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-tccs-300x298.png" alt="Mobile App: Child Care Revenue &amp; Payments" width="300" height="298" /></a></p>
<p>Bank account balance</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-bank-bal.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-3627" title="Mobile App: Child Care Bank Balance" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-bank-bal-300x79.png" alt="Mobile App: Child Care Bank Balance" width="300" height="79" /></a></p>
<h3>A longer journey</h3>
<p>Further along the horizon we can see the ability to enter new data (to Data Hosting), such as checking children in directly from a tablet device. This may work along the lines of the existing <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Attendance-Tracker/Receptionist-Check-In.aspx" target="_blank">Receptionist Check In</a>, where a staff person checks children in on behalf of the parent or pickup person.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-receptionist-check-in.png"><img title="Mobile App: Child Care Check In" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/mobile-receptionist-check-in-300x90.png" alt="Mobile App: Child Care Check In" width="300" height="90" /></a></p>
<h3>What’s your destination?</h3>
<p>Wherever your child care business is headed, Procare will keep working hard to deliver the best solutions in child care management. If you have ideas for mobile web-apps you’d like to see, please leave a comment below.</p>
<p>Until next time, cheers!</p>
<p>-Phil</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like to <a href="http://twitter.com/Phil_EH" target="_blank">Follow Me on Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:phil@procaresoftware.com">phil@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright © 2012 Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>How to Track Daycare Marketing &amp; Enrollment</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/04/04/track-daycare-marketing-enrollment/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/04/04/track-daycare-marketing-enrollment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shelley M. Spliethof</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[child care business news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer relationship management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3592</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the current economy, maintaining a stable and profitable enrollment base, as well as an updated and active waiting list, are key ingredients to the prosperity of your child care, daycare or preschool. Maintaining records to track the success of various advertising campaigns, new contacts generated, referral sources, and how many contacts move on to  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3596" title="Preschool Teacher &amp; Child Playing with Blocks" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/teacher-child-w-blocks.jpg" alt="Preschool Teacher &amp; Child Playing with Blocks" width="250" height="313" />With the current economy, maintaining a stable and profitable enrollment base, as well as an updated and active waiting list, are key ingredients to the prosperity of your child care, daycare or preschool. Maintaining records to track the success of various advertising campaigns, new contacts generated, referral sources, and how many contacts move on to  become customers, are all important ingredients to successful growth.</p>
<p>In today’s post, we’ll take a look at using <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Procare Software</a>® to track these items so owners and directors can reliably see results.</p>
<h3>Track Marketing Sources</h3>
<p>Procare includes a very powerful database that can accomplish a wide variety of tasks, extending way beyond the scope of daily child care management. One of these is a <em>Customer Relationship Management</em> database, or CRM.</p>
<p><strong>Set Up Customer Relationship Management (CRM)</strong></p>
<p>Create the marketing items you wish to track. From <em>Procare Home</em> screen go to  <em>Configuration &gt; System &gt; Database Management &gt; Tracking Items &amp; User Defined Fields</em>. See: <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Configuration/Tracking-Items.aspx" target="_blank">How to Set Up Tracking</a> <img title="More..." src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" alt="" /><img title="More..." src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" alt="" /><span id="more-3592"></span></p>
<p>Hint: If you have multiple centers and wish to set up different marketing sources by site, use <em>Local Tracking</em>. If you have one center (or multiple centers) and wish to create a consistent list, use <em>Global Tracking</em>.</p>
<p>Within <em>Account</em> tracking, create a <em>Group Name</em> called Marketing or Advertising, Referral Source, etc. The <em>Group Type</em> should be <em>Single Item</em>, as incoming, prospective customers should have one primary referral source assigned to them.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3601" title="Child Care Marketing Sources" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/config-track-marketing.png" alt="Child Care Marketing Sources" width="566" height="351" /></p>
<p>Your list should be expanded as new campaigns are promoted. For instance, if you do a big open house every year, make sure to create an “Open House” item (with the year) so you can evaluate the success from year to year.</p>
<h3>Use Child Enrollment Status</h3>
<p>Next, configure your <em>Child Enrollment Status</em> options. You’ll use this to follow each child from initial contact through pre-registration and enrollment, etc. Go to <em>Configuration &gt; System &gt; Database Management &gt; Status &amp; Relationships.</em> See: <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Configuration/Status-Enrollment-Employment.aspx" target="_blank">Set Up Enrollment Status</a></p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3602" title="Set Up Child Enrollment" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/config-enroll-status.png" alt="Set Up Child Enrollment" width="538" height="398" /></p>
<h3>Benefit from Your CRM</h3>
<p>A CRM database is only as good as its input and only as reliable as the information updated by staff. Consistent usage, for EVERY potential and active child, is necessary to receive meaningful information.</p>
<p><strong>Remember the Basics</strong></p>
<p>When a parent first contacts the center, be sure to get the basics:</p>
<ul>
<li>Parent’s Name</li>
<li>Email Address</li>
<li>Cell and Home Phone</li>
<li>Number of Children and Ages (or Dates of Birth)</li>
<li>Type of Care or Program Needed</li>
<li>and ideally, Home Address and Children’s Names</li>
</ul>
<p>If the parent doesn’t provide the home address or children’s names, that’s okay. You still have enough to set up the account and communicate with the parent. In this day and age, email is almost more crucial than having a home address, so be sure to GET their EMAIL. Hint: If you receive a home phone number, an <a href="http://www.anywho.com/reverse-lookup" target="_blank">Online Reverse Lookup</a> will give you the physical address.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/Online-Waiting-List-and-Pre-Registration.aspx" target="_blank">Procare’s Online Wait List (OWL)</a> system provides you with an online resource for parents to contact you and submit information for waiting lists and pre-registration, so very minimal data entry would need to be performed by staff.</p>
<p><strong>Example of an Account with Minimal Information</strong></p>
<p>In this example I have the parent(s) names, email address and a few phone numbers. In tracking, I can see how they heard about the center and the family’s account status. For the child, I have a name, date of birth, desired classroom, and current enrollment status.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3603" title="Family with Marketing &amp; Child Enrollment" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/act-setup.png" alt="Family with Marketing &amp; Child Enrollment" width="572" height="436" /></p>
<p><strong></strong>Build the enrollment screen as the child progresses toward enrollment, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>First Contact / First Tour</li>
<li>Waiting List</li>
<li>Pre-Registration</li>
<li>Enrollment</li>
</ul>
<p>Whatever your milestones, be sure to define them all the way through why the child might leave your center. Withdrawal information is important for building an alumni database, keeping in touch with former fund raising contacts and tracking longevity of enrollment, as well as the reason for leaving.</p>
<p>Here’s wishing you continued success with your child care business!</p>
<p>- Shelley Moore Spliethof, Executive Software Consultant</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like a similar article from our blog archives called <a href="../2010/06/21/child-care-business-marketing/">Marketing Dollars &amp; Your Child Care Business</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:shelley@procaresoftware.com">shelley@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright © 2012 Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Playing Musical Chairs with Your Enrollment?</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/03/13/playing-musical-chairs-with-your-enrollment/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/03/13/playing-musical-chairs-with-your-enrollment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:00:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PhilEH</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[child care billing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare schedules]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[class graduation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[classroom graduation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[enrollment counts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[enrollment management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[enrollment prediction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[enrollment projection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fall enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fall roster]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forecast enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[future enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[manage enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[predict enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[project enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[revenue forecast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[revenue projection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slot available]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[slot open]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[space available]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[space open]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer enrollment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer roster]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3557</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Musical chairs, it’s a great game with oh-so-familiar rules. Once the music stops, it’s all about who can sit down most quickly; who can claim that last vacant seat. Predicting enrollment at your child care center or preschool might feel a bit like that too. You’d like to be sure every seat is filled with [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="size-full wp-image-3571 alignright" title="Musical Chairs © Ant Strack/Corbis" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/musical-chairs.jpg" alt="Musical Chairs © Ant Strack/Corbis" width="275" height="183" />Musical chairs, it’s a great game with oh-so-familiar rules. Once the music stops, it’s all about who can sit down most quickly; who can claim that last vacant seat. Predicting enrollment at your child care center or preschool might feel a bit like that too. You’d like to be sure every seat is filled with happy, smiling faces. You don’t want to take away a chair, if you’ve still got room.</p>
<p>A recent question in the <a href="http://procarecommunity.com/Forums.aspx" target="_blank">Procare Forum</a> asked about tracking the date a child is expected to move to the next classroom. The more I thought about it, the more I realized this isn’t just about recording a date; it’s also about forecasting <em>enrollment</em> and <em>revenue</em>. What you really want to know is, “How is my enrollment shaping up for next month, this summer or fall?” In fact, it would be even better if you could project your revenue over the coming months as well.</p>
<p>So without playing any more musical chairs, let’s take a look at how your <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/v10-Product-Overview-%281%29.aspx" target="_blank">Child Care Management Software</a> can help. <span id="more-3557"></span></p>
<h3>7 Ways to Manage Enrollment</h3>
<p>Typically there are two types of children to account for, those who are currently enrolled (and are expected to continue) and new children enrolling for the first time. With that in mind, here are seven ways to let <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Procare Software</a>® help you know what to expect when the music stops.</p>
<p><strong>#1 Schedule Ahead</strong></p>
<p>A great way to plan for the coming months is to set up <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data/Child-Schedules.aspx" target="_blank">Child Schedules</a> for everyone who is likely to be in a particular class at that time. By doing so, you can print reports with names, counts, etc. for any point in the future.</p>
<ul>
<li>For currently enrolled children, just add an additional schedule beginning at the point they would likely change to a new classroom. The ending date might be the end of the school year, or the point when they would age out of that program.</li>
<li>For new children, who are pre-registered or otherwise expected to enroll, set their <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data/Child-Enrollment-Status.aspx" target="_blank">Enrollment Status</a> to “Enrolled” (as of their likely start date) and enter a typical schedule for them as well.</li>
</ul>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Hint: Use the optional <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/Online-Waiting-List-and-Pre-Registration.aspx" target="_blank">Online Wait List &amp; Pre-Registration</a> (known as OWL) to gather data from parents through your website.</p>
<p><strong>#2 Set Up Anticipated Fees</strong></p>
<p>To get accurate revenue projections, place the typical weekly or monthly rates in each <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Accounting/Child-Billing-Box.aspx" target="_blank">Child’s Billing Box</a> and assign the rate to the appropriate schedule. Your Billing Box reports will include only fees that are effective as of the date you select.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bill-box-future.png"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3570" title="Child Care Billing Linked to Future Schedule" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bill-box-future.png" alt="Child Care Billing Linked to Future Schedule" width="349" height="132" /></a></p>
<p><strong>#3 Child Tracking for the Future</strong></p>
<p>As an alternative to schedules, you could set up a <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Configuration/Tracking-Items.aspx" target="_blank">Child Tracking Group</a> called &#8220;Future Enrollment&#8221; and create items within the group, like &#8220;Infants &#8211; May 2012&#8243;, &#8220;Toddlers &#8211; Sept 2012&#8243;, etc. You could even have a group for “Summer Camp” with items like “Week 1: June 4” and “Week 2: June 11”. This is helpful to create quick rosters, but does not tie in with revenue forecasts.</p>
<p><strong>#4 Enrollment Reports</strong></p>
<p>Even without entering schedules, billing information or tracking items, you can still use <em>Child Enrollment</em> reports based on a future date. The first page includes the number of kids that <em>will be</em> enrolled, then just dbl-click to see their names. This report shows the Primary Classroom they are currently assigned to (not the class they will be in), but at least you&#8217;ll get a snapshot to help predict class levels.</p>
<p><strong>#5 Enrollment with Data Viewer</strong></p>
<p>You can use the <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Reports---Data-Viewer/Data-Viewer.aspx" target="_blank">Data Viewer</a> to create your own custom enrollment lists. For example, you could make a list of children sorted by the age they <em>will be</em> as of a future date. If you are also using Tracking for future programs (as mentioned above), you can include only children assigned to a certain item, like Week 1 of Summer Camp and so forth.</p>
<p><strong>#6 Calendar Reminders</strong></p>
<p>Make a <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Miscellaneous/Reminder.aspx" target="_blank">Calendar Reminder</a> for each child, using the date they will move to the new class. You might even set the reminder a few days ahead, so you&#8217;ll know it is coming up. Of course, this isn’t really necessary if you’ve already prescheduled them, but it could help you remember to change their default <em>Primary Classroom</em>. Hint: If many children are changing classrooms at the same time (such as at the start of the school year) use the <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data/Classroom-Graduation.aspx" target="_blank">Classroom Graduation</a> feature.</p>
<p><strong>#7 Make Your Own “Date” Field</strong></p>
<p>If you want to record the exact date a child will change rooms, another option is to create your own field (or box) to enter the date. This is known as a <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Configuration/Create-User-Defined-Fields.aspx" target="_blank">User Defined Field</a>. It doesn’t have the benefits of scheduling into the future, but would let you print a simple list of classroom transition dates.</p>
<p>Here’s hoping every chair is filled at your center and until next time, cheers!</p>
<p>-Phil</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like to <a href="http://twitter.com/Phil_EH" target="_blank">Follow Me on Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:phil@procaresoftware.com">phil@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright © Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Move Daycare Records to Your Smartphone, iPad, etc.</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/03/05/move-pdf-files-to-smartphone-ipad/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/03/05/move-pdf-files-to-smartphone-ipad/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:00:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PhilEH</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[android]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dropbox]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[file transfer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[handheld]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ipod touch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[itouch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kindle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile device]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare pdf]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare reports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smart phone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smartphone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tablet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transfer files from computer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transfer files to ipad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transfer pdfs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3531</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Still moving files around the old-fashioned way? Good. So am I. Some information is too important to leave to chance. Keeping it on paper, in a filing cabinet, makes it available at all times &#8211; even if the power goes out or your computer is misbehaving. But, wouldn’t it be great if you could get [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3538" title="Organizing Files in a Filing Cabinet" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/woman-at-filing-cabinet.jpg" alt="Organizing Files in a Filing Cabinet" width="250" height="251" />Still moving files around the old-fashioned way? Good. So am I. Some information is too important to leave to chance. Keeping it on paper, in a filing cabinet, makes it available at all times &#8211; even if the power goes out or your computer is misbehaving. But, wouldn’t it be great if you could get the same information without having to print all that paper?</p>
<p>In our last article, we looked at how to <a href="../2012/02/15/be-prepared/">Be Prepared for a Power Outage</a> at your daycare or preschool, as well as other issues that may prevent you from having access to your <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/v10-Product-Overview/Family-Data.aspx" target="_blank">Child Care Database</a>.</p>
<p>Today we’ll show you how to move information from your computer to a handheld device like a smartphone, iPad, Kindle, or Android handheld. Why is this important? Because cellular phones (and 3G/4G capable handhelds) are battery powered and use cell towers to connect to the internet. Even when the power in your building goes out, you’ll still have access to the information you need. In fact, WiFi capable handhelds would be able to access important child and family information too, even if your WiFi connection was down. Sound too good to be true? <span id="more-3531"></span></p>
<h3>Save it as a PDF</h3>
<p>The key is to regularly update information in your <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/v10-Product-Overview-%281%29.aspx" target="_blank">Child Care Management Software</a> and export it in <em>Portable Document Format</em>, more commonly known as <em>PDF</em>. There are two great things about PDFs. First, they can be easily moved from one device to another, as we’ll explain in a moment. Second, you don’t have to print them out, since the information can be so easily viewed on screen.</p>
<p>You might want to export things like Child Information Sheets, School Directories or Emergency Contact Lists, <a href="../2011/01/31/tracking-child-allergies-part-1/">Allergy Reports</a>, a manual <a href="../2008/08/13/free-child-care-sign-in-sheets/">Sign In or Roll Call Sheet</a>, and perhaps even current Account Balance information. Some of this may change only once in a while, but you may want to update other PDFs each week. It’s easy to do, especially if you are using  <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Procare Software</a>®; just click the <em>Export</em> button on any report and under <em>Save as Type</em> choose PDF (*.pdf).</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3541" title="Export Report from Procare" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/export-report2.png" alt="Export Report from Procare" width="371" height="109" /></p>
<h3>Move PDFs to Your Smartphone, iPad, etc.</h3>
<p><strong>Email:</strong></p>
<p>The most basic way to move information from one device (say a computer) to another (like a smartphone or tablet) is to email it to yourself. Just log on to your email account, from your computer, and attach the PDFs to an email. Send it to yourself and the attachments will then be available from most any device used to check your email. It’s relatively easy to do, but there is a better way.</p>
<p><strong>File Transfer Apps: </strong></p>
<p>You can use free apps like DropBox, or even iTunes, to make files (like PDFs, etc.) available from any device. Of course, an internet connection is needed at the time the files are transferred, but once downloaded the files are available later, even if the internet is down.</p>
<p>On the recommendation of a co-worker, I recently tested <a href="http://www.dropbox.com/" target="_blank">Dropbox</a> and found it very easy to use; quicker than manually attaching and emailing individual files. In my test, I installed the Dropbox app on my Windows 7 computer and my WiFi enabled iPad. I also downloaded iBooks, to enhance viewing the PDFs, but that is optional.</p>
<p><strong>Step 1</strong> – I opened Dropbox on my Windows computer (yes, there is a Mac version too) and created a Procare folder.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3543" title="Dropbox Shortcut on Windows Desktop" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/drop-box-icon-windows.png" alt="Dropbox Shortcut on Windows Desktop" width="221" height="127" /></p>
<p><strong>Step 2</strong> – I exported a School Directory report in PDF format and saved it to the <em>\Dropbox\Procare</em> folder, along with a copy of the <a href="http://procaresupport.com/pdfs/v10/Procare-User-Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Procare User Guide</a>.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3544" title="Dropbox Folder Contents in Windows" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/dropbox-procare-contents-windows.png" alt="Dropbox Folder Contents in Windows" width="445" height="219" /></p>
<p><strong>Step 3</strong> – On my iPad I opened Dropbox, then opened the Procare folder.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3545" title="Dropbox Folders on iPad" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/iPad-home-Dropbox4.png" alt="Dropbox Folders on iPad" width="403" height="220" /></p>
<p><strong>Step 4</strong> &#8211; The same PDFs were instantly available. From there I could view the PDFs directly in Dropbox, or choose to <em>Open In</em> another app, such as iBooks. [Note: You do have to view the PDF one time, in order to make it available when you are offline.]</p>
<p><img class="alignnone  wp-image-3547" title="View PDF in Dropbox or iBooks" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Dropbox-open-in-iBooks1.png" alt="View PDF in Dropbox or iBooks" width="614" height="461" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Have fun exploring the capabilities of your mobile devices and until next time, cheers!</p>
<p>-Phil</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like to <a href="http://twitter.com/Phil_EH" target="_blank">Follow Me on Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:phil@procaresoftware.com">phil@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright © Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Be Prepared, Not Alarmed</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/02/15/be-prepared/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/02/15/be-prepared/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PhilEH</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[back up database]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[back up procare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[computer down]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[database backup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[power outage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare backup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3519</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s so easy to take technology for granted. We assume we’ll be able to look up whatever we need on our computers, smart phones and tablet devices. So what happens when your computer isn’t working, your internet connection is down, or the power goes out completely? It’s sure to happen sooner or later, but don’t [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3520" title="Fire Alarm" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/alarm2.jpg" alt="Fire Alarm" width="250" height="262" />It’s so easy to take technology for granted. We assume we’ll be able to look up whatever we need on our computers, smart phones and tablet devices. So what happens when your computer isn’t working, your internet connection is down, or the power goes out completely? It’s sure to happen sooner or later, but don’t pull that alarm just yet. The answer, as any Boy Scout will tell you, is to be prepared.</p>
<p>What does that mean for your child care business? How do you create an “Emergency Management Plan” to keep you running even when your high-tech gadgets are on the fritz? Well, that’s what we’ll attempt to answer in today’s post, specifically with regards to key information stored in your <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/v10-Product-Overview-%281%29.aspx" target="_blank">Child Care Management Software</a>.</p>
<p>There are a number of possible things that might help, depending on the situation. Let’s start with the basics. <span id="more-3519"></span></p>
<h3>The Kids are All Right</h3>
<p>If you’re a music fan you might be thinking of the classic rock song by “The Who”, but seriously now, the children always <em>do</em> come first. Make sure you have something ready for them to do in the event of a power outage. Have your flashlights at the ready and perhaps a few blankets, then circle up for story time. Board games or an outdoor activity might work too, depending on the weather and time of day. Having a ready supply of non-perishable snacks such as granola bars, crackers and raisins may also help keep everyone feeling all right.</p>
<h3>A Battery Backup</h3>
<p>To help keep you running, in the event of a power outage, consider getting an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uninterruptible_power_supply" target="_blank">Uninterruptible Power Supply</a> (UPS) and connect it to your cable modem, router, monitor and main computer. The battery power will keep you going for a short time, allowing you to quickly complete any crucial computer tasks and shut the system down normally.</p>
<h3>Payments &amp; Receipts</h3>
<p>Purchase a paper receipt book at your local office supply store. As parents pay, simply write out receipts the old fashioned way. You can always enter them into the computer later on. You may also want to print (or save as a PDF) ahead of time, one of the <em>Account Activity</em> reports showing everyone’s balance with totals of recent charges, credits and payments. You could do this at the end of each week, so you always have a recent list available.</p>
<p>If you’re using Tuition Express to process payments electronically, one of these ideas may work:</p>
<ul>
<li>Submit a batch of payments ahead of time, choosing a date (up to two weeks in the future) when they will be processed. Just set “Allow Processing Date Change” to <em>True</em> when you <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Tuition-Express/Tuition-Express-Set-Up.aspx" target="_blank">Configure Tuition Express</a>.</li>
<li>Allow parents to make their own payments online. Even if the internet is down at your center, parents could still make payments from home. See: <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Tuition-Express/Enable-Online-Payments.aspx" target="_blank">Enable Online Payments</a></li>
<li>If you are using a Data Hosted version of Procare, <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Data-Hosting/Welcome-to-Data-Hosting-Services-.aspx" target="_blank">Install the Data Hosting Client</a> on another computer that <em>does</em> have internet access and process your payments from there.</li>
<li>If you are not Data Hosted, you could install Procare (from CD) on a computer that <em>does</em> have internet access, <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Utilities/Backup-Restore-Database.aspx" target="_blank">Restore a Backup</a> and process payments as usual. Note: You may need to <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Contact.aspx" target="_blank">Contact Procare Support</a> to get the alternate computer temporarily registered as your <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Installation/Primary-Secondary-Install.aspx" target="_blank">Primary Database</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Record Check In/Out Times</h3>
<p>If your check in computer is down, but you are still able to run <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Procare Software</a>® from another computer, you can use the <em>Receptionist</em> feature where a staff person checks children in/out for the parent. See blog post: <a href="../2011/10/12/child-care-check-in-plan-b/">Plan “B” for Check In</a></p>
<p>If all computers are down, you can use a manual sign in or roll call sheet. Get in the habit of printing one out at the end of each week (for next week) so you’ll have it available. Or, you could just use a sheet of notebook paper to keep track of people signing in.</p>
<h3>Payroll Checks</h3>
<p>Be prepared to write paychecks by hand, if needed. Don’t worry about the taxes. Just treat it as a <a href="http://procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Payroll/Payroll-Advance.aspx" target="_blank">Payroll Advance</a> for the approximate amount of their normal take home pay. You can sort it out in the computer later.</p>
<h3>Emergency Contacts &amp; Other Reports</h3>
<p>You’ll want to regularly print (or save as PDFs) up-to-date reports for emergency contacts, <a href="../2011/01/31/tracking-child-allergies-part-1/">Allergy Lists</a>, etc., so the information is easy to access when you need it. You could label a 3-ring binder as your “Emergency Kit” with your center’s own Emergency Plan and printed copies of any reports you would need.</p>
<p>For a more high-tech solution, you could save the reports you want in PDF format. But, how will you access them if the internet is down or power is out? Well, if you have a smart phone or a 3G/4G capable iPad or Android tablet, you can still access information via your cell phone connection. You can use apps, like <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/" target="_blank">Dropbox</a> or iTunes, to transfer PDFs from your computer to the handheld device. See article: <a title="Move Daycare Records to Your Smartphone, iPad, etc." href="http://www.procareblog.com/2012/03/05/move-pdf-files-to-smartphone-ipad/">How to Move Files to Your Smartphone, iPad, etc</a>.</p>
<p>Here’s hoping your power stays on, your internet is ever functioning and your computers always work!</p>
<p>Until next time, cheers!</p>
<p>-Phil</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like to <a href="http://twitter.com/Phil_EH" target="_blank">Follow Me on Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:phil@procaresoftware.com">phil@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright © Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>If Technology Stood Still</title>
		<link>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/02/07/if-technology-stood-still/</link>
		<comments>http://www.procareblog.com/2012/02/07/if-technology-stood-still/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>PhilEH</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[child care software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[procare software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[child care technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[childcare technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[computer technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daycare technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[software technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.procareblog.com/?p=3498</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Okay, I admit it. I’m old enough to remember using a typewriter. Raise your hand if you remember too. At the time, it was a pretty good system, but there were a few drawbacks. For one thing, it wasn’t so easy to correct mistakes. Are any of you longing for a return to the days [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/typewriter2.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3502" title="typewriter - circa 1975" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/typewriter2.jpg" alt="typewriter - circa 1975" width="250" height="167" /></a>Okay, I admit it. I’m old enough to remember using a typewriter. Raise your hand if you remember too. At the time, it was a pretty good system, but there were a few drawbacks. For one thing, it wasn’t so easy to correct mistakes. Are any of you longing for a return to the days of “white-out” and correcting tape? Oh, and what about spelling gaffs and grammatical errors? You had to actually look things up in a real, printed dictionary or paperback grammar guide. Yes, those were the days all right.</p>
<p>Well, what if technology stood still? What if the <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/v10-Product-Overview.aspx" target="_blank">Daycare Software</a> you used today was the same as it was in 1995 or maybe even 2000? Of course, you’d never have anything new to learn, but would that be a good trade off? <span id="more-3498"></span></p>
<h3>1995 Daycare Technology</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/1996-Motorola2.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3503" title="motorola phone - circa 1996" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/1996-Motorola2.jpg" alt="motorola phone - circa 1996" width="150" height="183" /></a>The first Windows capable version of <a href="http://www.procaresoftware.com/" target="_blank">Procare Software</a>® was introduced in 1995, the same year that “Braveheart” won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Windows 95 was introduced. It was a year later before this not-so-high-tech looking phone came out from Motorola. Anyone still have one?</p>
<h3>The Year 2000 and Procare Version 9</h3>
<p>Remember the Y2K scare of the late 1990’s when planes were supposed to drop from the sky and computers would go “wonky” (highly technical term there) when the year switched from “99” to “00”? Well, that’s the same year Procare version 9 was released. Believe it or not, that was a full dozen years ago. Although new and improved, it was still based on the original technology from 1995 and updated to be compatible with the newly released Windows ME (Millennium Edition), which itself was a gussied up version of Windows 95. I’m betting many of you never heard of Windows ME, let alone still have a computer that runs it.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/windows-me2.gif"><img class="alignright  wp-image-3504" title="windows me logo - year 2000" src="http://www.procareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/windows-me2.gif" alt="windows me logo - year 2000" width="175" height="148" /></a>To Infinity and Beyond</h3>
<p>If you’ve ever seen the children’s movie “Toy Story” (or one of the sequels) you may remember the catch phrase of spaceman superhero Buzz Lightyear whose mission was to protect the galaxy “to infinity and beyond”. Thankfully, technology does not stand still. If it did we wouldn’t have iPhones, hybrid cars or cinnamon-caramel lattes. Well okay, maybe we’d have the lattes, but not the internet cafes where we enjoy them.</p>
<h3>Commitment to the Future</h3>
<p>Procare v10 (version 10) is the epitome of sophisticated, yet easy to use software that simplifies the daily management of your child care business. There are so many things v10 can do for your center that just weren’t possible in previous versions, such as <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Accounting/Email-Statements.aspx" target="_blank">Emailing Statements</a>, <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data/Text-Messaging.aspx" target="_blank">Text Messaging Parents</a>, <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Accounting/Drop-In-Formula-Billing.aspx" target="_blank">Drop In Billing</a>, <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data/Attach-Document.aspx" target="_blank">Attaching Forms to Families</a>, <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Utilities/Scheduled-Backup.aspx" target="_blank">Scheduled Backups</a>, and true calendar based <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Family-Data/Child-Schedules.aspx" target="_blank">Child Scheduling</a>, just to name a few.</p>
<p>New services such as parent initiated <a href="http://www.procaresupport.com/Resources/Knowledge-Base/Tuition-Express/Enable-Online-Payments.aspx" target="_blank">Online Payments</a>, the <a href="http://procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/Online-Waiting-List-and-Pre-Registration.aspx" target="_blank">Online Wait List (OWL)</a> and <a href="http://procaresoftware.com/Products-Services/Procare-v10-Data-Hosting-%281%29.aspx" target="_blank">Remote Access / Data Hosting</a> are also a result of Procare’s commitment to you and to the future.</p>
<p>So, sip your latte, embrace the future and until next time, cheers!</p>
<p>-Phil</p>
<p>P.S. You may also like to <a href="http://twitter.com/Phil_EH" target="_blank">Follow Me on Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>If you have questions or comments about this article (or suggestions for another article) I’d be pleased to hear from you. Drop me a note at <a href="mailto:phil@procaresoftware.com">phil@procaresoftware.com</a>.</p>
<p>Copyright © Procare Software – All Rights Reserved</p>
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