Global child care software market expected to more than double by 2031

The global child care software market is projected to more than double in value by 2031, according to new industry research signalling significant implications for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

Driven by rising demand for digital tools that support service delivery, communication, compliance and administrative efficiency, the market is forecast to grow from USD 1.5 billion in 2024 to USD 3.2 billion by 2031. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5 per cent over the period.

Child care software platforms are increasingly being adopted across early learning services to manage enrolments, attendance, health and incident tracking, staff rosters, billing, family communications, and curriculum documentation. These platforms are becoming indispensable as services respond to growing complexity, regulatory compliance and increased family expectations around transparency and engagement.

Key features driving adoption include:

• cloud-based and mobile-enabled access for families and educators
• real-time communication tools
• automated compliance reporting and quality assurance tools
• secure recordkeeping and data sharing
• personalised learning tracking and analytics

The research points to growing use of AI-driven tools that offer individualised learning plans, predictive scheduling and resource optimisation trends likely to continue as the sector digitises further.

In Australia, services regulated under the National Quality Framework are required to maintain comprehensive records and demonstrate continuous improvement in quality practice. Child care software systems offer scalable solutions that support compliance with the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, particularly in areas such as Quality Area 1 Educational program and practice and Quality Area 7 Governance and leadership.

As enrolments in long day care, family day care and outside school hours care continue to rise, software platforms also support operational viability freeing up educator time for pedagogy and relationships.

With initiatives such as the Commonwealth Government’s Early Years Strategy emphasising child safety, accountability, and family-centred practice, software providers are developing features aligned to sector-specific needs, including safety alerts, wellbeing dashboards and parent access to curriculum documentation.

The forecast growth presents significant opportunities for approved providers, centre managers and educators to:

• Review current software systems and assess whether they meet present and future needs
• Invest in staff training to maximise platform capabilities
• Engage families in digital communication and documentation processes
• Select vendors with strong data security, compliance and customer support credentials
• Contribute to the co-design of new features with vendors, ensuring systems align with sector needs

Key players in the child care software market include Brightwheel, Procare Solutions, HiMama, Kinderlime, Smartcare, EZCare, Tadpoles, Kidsoft, Famly and Kangarootime many of which have a presence in the Australian market.

As child care software continues to evolve in scope and sophistication, early childhood services will need to stay ahead of digital transformation trends. The projected global market growth reflects a broader shift towards technology-enabled quality, accountability and family engagement offering tools that, when implemented strategically, can enhance outcomes for children, educators and families alike.

Source: Market Research Intellect Global Child Care Software Market Forecast 2025–2031, released October 2025.