Childcare Management Systems | Literature Review

Childc atomic number 18 perplexity Systems Literature Re look outCHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW2.0 OVERVIEWLiterature reviews ar conducted in line of battle to fully understand a topic being researched ab forth. By doing so, we could define and establish our atomic number 18a of study, as in my topic childcare counseling systems. Reviews are d unitary on existing systems by explore how existing childcare or daycare crackers arrangement systems be look at been introduced, implemented and evolved. Comparisons of the systems are made for fail understanding of systems functions. Advantages and disadvantages of the systems have to be understood as well. Section 2.1 depicts background study of three existing childcare management systems which are analyzed for soften understand of this project. Section 2.2 summarizes the proposed system which will be intentional and developed on later stages of this project. The features have been tabulated in Table 2.1.2.1 BACKGROUND STUDY direct ly the need of daycare and childcare centers are increasing due to working parents and need of proper care of children. The management has to be efficient to keep up with these demands. In point to ease the work done in the centers, owners purchase or subscribe childcare management system software system. There are so many different types and quality level of childcare management system software in the market. Even though each of them is use for similar decide that is to manage a daycare centers but the design of functions and implementations of the systems are different. A system that provides on the whole(a) important functions postulate by childcare centers will be the top priority in the market. Following existing systems have been choosing for compare because they have higher market value and many customers favor them. In order to understand the similarities and differences of existing systems in different platform as well, comparison have been made between fully web ba se system, software based system and mobile use based system. Exploring the systems have been done by understand fully how the systems works and fin entirelyy list out the advantages and disadvantages.2.1.1 Centers Online (https//www.centresonline.com/index)Centers online is an online childcare management system designed for both long and short day care centers. Centers Online provides childcare services with straightforward and easy to use online software for daily reportage and communication needs. The site updated continually and modified to ease users needs.The management system also helps every parent receives frequent updates about their child instantly. Centers Online provides a login larboard for childcare centers and parents that is easy to use allowing parents to continually be aware of their childrens activities. Centers Online employments are procurable for all smartphones and tablets.Centers Online is designed to be used by three types of users which are admin/owne r of the childcare centers, teachers and parents. wholly of the users have their own login ids and viewing page.The owner flowerpot access, view, create users and create rooms. They also prat manage events and contact parents.Teachers gouge update all information regarding children in their room much(prenominal) as feeding schedule, activities, performance, health condition and etc.Parents get instant update regarding their children. They substructure view daily activities, update parent pen, view event situations and view pictures uploaded by teachers of their children. go into 2.1 shows user management page where the owner or admin of the childcare center manages users profile such as registration of students, parents profile and assigning teachers to classes. The panel on left side gives access to all functions for users. symbol 2.1 Display of User Management PageFigure 2.2 shows the group permission page which grants owner or admin of childcare center to categorize users and their level of permissions on using the service. For instance, parents have limited access on site and much focus in viewing childrens update. Senior teachers have extra permissions since they have extra work to be done compared to new teachers.Figure 2.2 Display of Group Permission PageFigure 2.3 shows children management page where all profile of children will be managed. Teachers and some sentences owners will assign children to classes according to their ages here. Status of students can be viewed here. All reports can be saved as pdf and surpass files for reference or print out.Figure 2.3 Display of Children Management PageFigure 2.4 shows the calendar in schedule management of the system. All the activities that are carried out in the daycare center are recorded in the calendar. Upcoming events will be marked as well for easy reference and updates. Admin and teachers can access and view all the events and activities carried out on particular day. Parents plainly have access to view marked activities by teachers for their children. Parents will not attain behind knowing important dates of events.Figure 2.4 Display of Calendar PageAdvantagesEasy to use GUI (graphical user interface)The user interface is fond and understandable. giving access via website to parents accountParents who register with childcare that use Centers Online will get free access to get updates from the center.no host neededNo server and IT maintenance needed since it is web based software. The service provider maintains all the data and all data are secured.register and useThe childcare center owner that is interested using this system simply registers with the service provider and start using.application for smartphones and tabletsThe service provider also has created application for devices such as smartphones in order to give an easy access and portability for users.Disadvantagescompulsory need of internet connectionSince it is a web-based software system internet conne ction needed in order to use the service provided and no offline option is given for the users to work offline.2.1.2 The Pre-School teammate (http//www.on-qsoftware.com/pspscreens.html)The Pre-School Partner is a software-based childcare management system. The software is available for a single PC or buyer could choose to take a package contains of license key for up to 20 personal computers which tagged as Network (1- 20). The software is obtained by either getting an installation CD or e-mail link to download and install.It facilitates the daily functions andmanagementof the center by tracking and instantly making available all family, child and staff related information. It is complete and up to date with urgency contacts, guardians, drop off/ nag up contacts, family and children notes, medical information, vaccination management, charge, accounts receivable, remote terminal logging and child scheduling and attendance. All the reports are easy to manage and printable for addi tional purpose. The software also has feature to manage staffs. The owner can keep track of staffs training histories.Figure 2.5 shows children registration page where owner or staff at childcare center can register new children with the system. Childrens full detail such as full name, age and family information required for registration. house painting of registered children will be uploaded in the profile as well.Figure 2.5 Display of Children Registration PageFigure 2.6 shows family or sponsor info page where all details of parents or sponsor are added such as contact details and address. Detail about particular people not permitted to be last to children added here as well to increase awareness of management. All records of drop off and pick up are keyed in here as well.Figure 2.6 Display of Family/Sponsor Info PageFigure 2.7 shows guardians detail page where all information of child parents registered with the daycare center will be recorded and updated regularly. Contact det ails of parents given importance in order to get hold of them in case of emergency. Picture of the parent will be added as well.Figure 2.7 Display of Guardians Detail PageFigure 2.8 shows invoice record page where all invoices for the parents or sponsor of children registered recorded. All details of payments such as dates, amount and identification will be recorded accordingly for easier reference and record keeping.Figure 2.8 Display of Invoice PageAdvantagesuser friendly screensThe GUI (graphical user interface) of the software is designed well by placing all the essential keys and buttons in easy accessible and understandable way.larger scale of choice, more detailed and more functionalThe software provides all essential functions that needed to run a daycare center. User has the option to choose use functions only they required.work can be done offline (online only needed for cloud backup and sync)No internet connection needed to use pre-school partnerDisadvantagesone software one pcThe software is limited to one personal computer unless the owner buys a network package. Even though the network package consists of a maximum of 20 key licenses for personal computers the portability of the software is still limited.sever maintenanceThe server of the software installed has to be maintained regularly. The files saved have to be fragmented to remove bad sectors. Firewall, virus and spyware protection needs regular review and management.minimum requirementsThe software installed needs hardware specifications that meets its minimum requirements in order to function well and fully.Operating System Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 2)Processor Pentium 4 with Hyper-Threading, 2GHzRam 512MB minimumDisk Capacity 80GB2.1.3 Tadpoles (http//www.frogsquared.com)Tadpoles is a web-based application aided childcare management system. The use of smartphone application is integrated with the system for easy and effective use. Tadpoles is revolutionizing the childcare market by helping to streamline operations and parent communication through mobile technology. Tadpoles focuses more on the importance of parent involvement in the learning process.Teachers are able to share photos and videos to parents end-to-end the day. They could record meals, activities, naps and more to daily reports. Teachers also could prepare lesson plans up to four weeks ahead.Directors are able to view real time counts per class. They can manage classroom, children and employees. All the pictures and videos teachers send to parents have to be approved by directors or owners. They can view charts and graphs of reports on children progress under their care. They are able to send functionary letters to parents and emergency alerts as well.Parents can receive daily update of their children via email. They can download and share the photos and videos of their children. In case of emergency, they will receive text message first before further notice for a head start. Parents also can view their childrens profile using mobile application provided and they also able to mark their child sick or on vacation.Figure 2.9 shows classroom page in tadpoles application where teachers can view all the children in their class accordingly. The children will be categorized by their age. Teachers can choose and update information on children from here. They could edit notes for their teachings and send photo to parents as well.Figure 2.9 schoolroom PageFigure 2.10 shows children profile page where a childrens profile can be viewed by selecting a child. All detail about meal taken, sleeping time and activities done by children will be added here by the teacher. They can tag category of the child for easier reference.Figure 2.10 Children Profile PageFigure 2.11 shows the dashboard which offers a live view of the activity in the center. The classroom counts, attendance, and parent communications updates in real time without refreshing. The owners or directors can view th e update anywhere and anytime.Figure 2.11 Live DashboardFigure 2.12 shows communication page where owner can notify all parents by text messages in case of emergency, school closings or other urgent messages. This method is effective and fast compare to individual notification.Figure 2.12 talk PanelFigure 2.13 shows email snapshot parents receive from the daycare center with all current detail of their children, activities they are doing, sleeping times, meals and more. Pictures that are taken for their children during activities are attached as well. Parents are able to get update on their children anywhere anytime through their email.Figure 2.13 Display of Parent EmailAdvantageschildren information up to date for parents via emailTeachers and owners update childrens profile throughout the day by updating profile, uploading pictures and updating schedules. Parents get the updates via their email and mobile application.application for teachersThe designed application is easy to use and give better functionalities for teachers in carrying out their daily activities. All details of children, schedule and study plans can be accessed well-nigh instantly.live view and real time updating for directors and ownersThe directors and owners are up to date with activities carried out in centers and childrens statuses. All without software installations and no per-user licenses. They can check on things easily and securely even while away from the center.portableSince it is an application on device, it gives more portability to teachers. All childrens attendance and emergency details are within teachers reach when they bring children to playground or field trip. Pictures and videos taken can be uploaded instantly.Disadvantageslimitation of devices can be usedThe application is only designed for apple products with IOS. The teachers are encouraged to use devices such as ipad mini or ipad only for easy access and portability.2.2 PROPOSED frameThe proposed childcare center management system is a web-based system that has all the features stated in Table 2.1. The name of the system would be Kool-Child Childcare Management System. Kool-Child provides all functions needed to manage a childcare or daycare center efficiently. With Kool-Child, child care centers are able to record down feedings, nursing, milestones, activities children are doing such as playing, sleeping and others. Apart from that, they are allowed to make photo galleries of the children. Parents will be updated with all their children information. Kool-Child provides tuition/billing management as well. The billing is done automatically with little information about chargers and individual childs program. With Kool-Child, owner of the childcare center will be able to manage employee profile by record and update personal details of employee. Parents also will be able to log in into Kool-Child with limited access to view their childrens schedule. Kool-Child also will have chat space where al l parents could share ideas and get to know each other. Kool-Child will also provide simple tutorials on how to use the system for the customers. Customer support is also available to assist customer and receive feedbacks.Table 2.1 Features ComparisonFEATURESCenters OnlinePre-School PartnerTadpolesKool-Child1Classroom andSchedule ManagementX2Food Programrecords3Immunization RecordsX4Daily ActivitiesPlanning5Photo header6Billing ManagementXX7Online RegistrationXX8Employee DatabaseXX9Customer go10Parents UpdateX11Reports ManagementNew Feature12Chat SpaceXXXTable 2.1 shows the comparison in features of Centers Online, Pre-School Partner, Tadpoles and the proposed system Kool-Child. All three existing systems have important features which are classroom management, food program records, photo gallery and customer support. Pre-School Partner is only a system among three that has billing management and employee management features which needed by most childcare centers to ease their work load. Chat space is an additional feature that will be implemented in Kool-Child. All twelve features will be integrated in Kool-Child to maximize functionality of the system.