New Hope Church · Silo CenterPlatform reviewOctober 2nd, 2026

Replacing SmartCare

The Silo Center is moving off SmartCare. We reviewed four platforms against what the preschool, before and after school care, and Camp Whatakid need every day. Pick an option to see its full review, or jump straight to the side-by-side comparison and recommendation.

Silo Center PreschoolBefore and after school careCamp Whatakid (eight weeks, K–6)
Option 1 Illumine Modern parent app with live translation. Seed-stage vendor based in Bengaluru, India. 4.4 Capterra · 106 reviews
  • CostQuote only; not published
  • SupportHours not published
  • CampSeparate product (Bookingo)
Read the Illumine review → Option 2 brightwheel The most widely used US platform. Strong parent app and preschool tools. 4.7 Capterra · 3,257 reviews
  • CostAbout $150–$400+/month (reported)
  • SupportLive chat 9:00 am–8:00 pm ET
  • CampWorkaround: one program per week
Read the brightwheel review → Option 3 iCare Best fit on paper for camp and school-age care. Published prices and a three-month free trial. 3.9 Capterra · 16 reviews
  • CostAbout $4,000–$5,500/year (published)
  • SupportPhone and email; hours unclear
  • CampWeekly sessions built in
Read the iCare review → Option 4 Five Star Online registration and state forms tool from a small Ohio company. Not a full childcare system. None No independent reviews
  • CostNot published
  • SupportEmail and phone; hours not published
  • CampNot described
Read the Five Star review → Start here if you are deciding Compare all five and the recommendation SmartCare today next to Illumine, brightwheel, iCare, and Five Star: fit for each program, costs, parent fees, reviews, what changes for staff, and the recommended next steps. IlluminebrightwheeliCareFive StarSmartCare today See the comparison →

Prepared by New Hope Church for the Silo Center, October 2nd, 2026. Ratings, prices, and features change often; each review lists its sources.