ChildPlus review
A Head Start-focused system for ERSEA, child development assessments and program reporting.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ChildPlus is a data management system for Head Start and Early Head Start programs, including agencies and grantees. It brings together child, family, health and assessment information while supporting ERSEA workflows, attendance and reporting. That focus makes it relevant to programs managing eligibility and child development alongside day-to-day program operations, rather than buyers seeking a general-purpose center platform.
Its operational depth centers on eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance, with DRDP assessments and observation capture for child development. Staff can plan individual, small-group and whole-group lessons, and use a Module Designer to create custom data modules, forms and fields. Reporting includes more than 200 prebuilt reports, customizable reports and real-time dashboards. Two-way family messaging supports updates, photos and files. Web, Windows, iOS and Android coverage spans cloud, desktop and mobile deployment, giving programs options across staff workflows and family communication.
According to the vendor's pricing page, buyers need to request a quote rather than choose from published prices, so procurement requires a sales conversation. Phone, email, chat and ticket support are listed; support is not described as 24/7. The listed compliance features include SOC 2 and two-factor authentication. ChildPlus is positioned for programs serving from 50 to 5,000 children and fits small through enterprise organizations. It is a strong match for Head Start operations centered on ERSEA, assessment and reporting; programs seeking a broader center-management system should compare alternatives, particularly if billing is a core requirement.
ChildPlus pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports ERSEA eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance workflows
- Offers DRDP assessments, observation capture and child and family records
- Includes customizable reports, 200+ prebuilt reports and real-time dashboards
- Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires a quote, so costs are not shown upfront
- Its focus on Head Start programs may not suit other early education settings
- Billing is not among the listed capabilities
ChildPlus fact sheet, pricing and score →
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