But don’t worry, we won’t send you on a wild goose chase through the app store--we’ve done the legwork for you. Here are our recommendations for the top 5 tools for preschool directors.

Wix

You know you need a website, but haven’t had the time or are afraid you couldn’t afford a nice-looking one, let alone manage how to update it. Enter Wix, a cloud-based web platform that allow you (yes, you!) to easily put together a pro-looking website--absolutely no coding skills required. Oh, the best part is that they even offer a free version.

brightwheel

Here’s a big idea: Why not use technology to streamline all of your administrative tasks?

Or did you ever wish there was a simple way to communicate on a day-to-day basis with your families? Enter brightwheel, an easy-to-use mobile software app that will help you manage your school and stay in touch with families. Your staff will use brightwheel for recording and tracking daily events and activities in the classroom, and parents get real-time updates delivered to their mobile device throughout the day. This powerful app also offers secure, digital check-in/check-out, and an automated paperless billing system. This is a great way to keep your families looped in on daily activities. This tool will keep your parents happy and simplify your management tasks.  That’s a win-win in our book.

Google Drive

While we’re on the subject of going paperless, we can’t discount the power of Google Drive. This tool has endless uses, from creating documents, notes, and presentations to collaborating on a spreadsheet. With 15 gb of free storage, use Google Drive to complete all of your school’s professional tasks and have it all stored safely in the cloud.

Mailchimp

The more you communicate with current and prospective families the better. We recommend Mailchimp, a simple email marketing tool that allows you to send automated email blasts to groups of people--parents, prospective families, or even to your staff. Mailchimp is also a great way to get a classroom or schoolwide newsletter to your families.

Agnitus

If you’re lucky enough to have technology in your classrooms, this award-winning app is for you. Agnitus is an immersive preschool curriculum covering a bevy of topics including math, reading, and writing. Kids build basic skills, working their way through a series of books, activities, and interactive games. Report cards track their progress and the reporting tools give you valuable learning insights.