---
title: "Payroll"
id: "5332"
type: "page"
slug: "payroll"
published_at: "2023-09-15T18:45:08+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-06-10T22:08:19+00:00"
url: "https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/payroll/"
markdown_url: "https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/payroll.md"
excerpt: "Common payroll tasks that slow you down Running a childcare center involves dozens of daily tasks: Inefficiencies can add up quickly, whether you’re working manually or juggling multiple tools. If these challenges sound familiar, explore the common pain points below..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
---

# #1 childcare payroll software

## Automate payroll with ease

## Automate payroll with ease

Paying your staff is easier than ever with brightwheel’s childcare payroll software.

## See why brightwheel is the childcare software of choice

![brightwheel reviews](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/social-proof-stars.webp "brightwheel reviews")4.9 | 150,000+ reviews - ![Apple Store](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/apple-2.png)
- ![Google Play](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/google-play-2.svg)
- ![Capterra](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/capterra-2.svg)

- ![G2 Leader](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/g2-leader.webp)
- ![Cloud 100](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/cloud-100.webp)
- ![Capterra Best](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/themes/_brightwheel/img/cap.webp)

## Experience the best payroll in early education

Brightwheel’s childcare payroll software helps childcare programs and preschools pay staff quickly, file taxes accurately, and stay compliant — all in one easy-to-use platform designed for the unique needs of the childcare industry.

Brightwheel’s childcare payroll software helps childcare programs and preschools pay staff quickly, file taxes accurately, and stay compliant — all in one easy-to-use platform designed for the unique needs of the childcare industry.

![Easily track time & run payroll](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/clock.svg "Easily track time & run payroll")### Easily track time and run payroll

Work faster and reduce errors with time tracking auto-synced with payroll.

![Automate taxes and filing](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/invoice-green.svg "Automate taxes and filing")### Automate taxes and filing

Federal, local, and state payroll taxes are automatically calculated and filed for you.

![All-in-one childcare platform](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/toy.svg "All-in-one childcare platform")### All-in-one childcare platform

Save time managing payroll, billing, messaging, admissions, & more—all with brightwheel.

![Best-in-class service](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/check.svg "Best-in-class service")### Best-in-class service

24/7 onboarding and expert support. No long-term contract or hidden fees.

![Easily track time & run payroll](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/clock.svg "Easily track time & run payroll")### Easily track time and run payroll

Work faster and reduce errors with time tracking auto-synced with payroll.

![Automate taxes and filing](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/invoice-green.svg "Automate taxes and filing")### Automate taxes and filing

Federal, local, and state payroll taxes are automatically calculated and filed for you.

![All-in-one childcare platform](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/toy.svg "All-in-one childcare platform")### All-in-one childcare platform

Save time managing payroll, billing, messaging, admissions, & more—all with brightwheel.

![Best-in-class service](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/check.svg "Best-in-class service")### Best-in-class service

24/7 onboarding and expert support. No long-term contract or hidden fees.

## Explore these key features of childcare payroll software

### Your full-service payroll provider

- Connect to Gusto’s secure payroll platform right from the brightwheel app
- Easily track upcoming & past payrolls
- Automatically sync staff hours with payroll
- Enable your staff to access pay stubs & tax forms online, anytime

![Adriana W, Administrator at Steps to Success Inc.](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Mask-group-150x150.png)“I highly recommend brightwheel’s payroll solution. It is so easy to use. The connection between brightwheel and Gusto makes payroll so much faster because it syncs seamlessly!”  
  
 Adriana W, Administrator at Steps to Success Inc.   
 Leola, PA

### Easy, flexible payroll services

- See upcoming and past payrolls in brightwheel — all in one place
- Send regular and overtime staff hours to Gusto for payroll processing
- Easily edit a pending payroll and run off-cycle payroll

### Time tracking software designed for early educators

- Simplify your workflow: review, edit, and approve timecards in one place
- Automate clocking out when teachers forget
- Easily run a timecard summary report to view staff hours worked in a given time
- Track paid and unpaid time off to ensure shifts are covered and ratios remain compliant

### Make payroll easier for you and your staff

- Set up direct deposit and automatically notify your team when they’re paid
- Enable staff to access paystubs, W2s, and tax information online
- Support staff with a wide range of employee payroll, benefits, and HR options

![Payroll illustration](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/payroll-banner-2-columns.png "Payroll illustration")![Payroll illustration](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/payroll-banner-2-columns.png "Payroll illustration")

### We are committed to building the best payroll experience in the early education industry.

The #1 payroll software, Gusto, is now in brightwheel! Streamline payroll, time tracking, and staff management with brightwheel’s all-in-one app.

- ![Unlimited payroll runs at no extra charge](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/check-icon.svg) #### Unlimited payroll runs at no extra charge
- ![State tax registration in all 50 states](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/check-icon.svg) #### State tax registration in all 50 states
- ![Local, state, and federal payroll tax filings](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/check-icon.svg) #### Local, state, and federal payroll tax filings
- ![Automatic tax calculations](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/check-icon.svg) #### Automatic tax calculations
- ![Time tracking synced with payroll](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/check-icon.svg) #### Time tracking synced with payroll
- ![Direct deposits](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/check-icon.svg) #### Direct deposits
- ![Time Off and PTO tracking](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/check-icon.svg) #### NEW: Time Off and PTO tracking

## Why brightwheel’s childcare payroll software is the best choice for your program

Running a childcare program comes with unique challenges—and payroll shouldn’t be one of them. Brightwheel’s childcare payroll software is built for early education providers, offering tools and features designed to simplify your operations and save you time.

Tailored for childcare needs  
 •Track split shifts, substitute staff, and varying pay rates common in childcare settings.  
 •Automatically handle complex tax filings and compliance rules specific to early childhood businesses.  
 •Manage payroll for part-time, full-time, and seasonal staff with ease.

Seamless ease of use  
 •Intuitive, modern interface requires minimal training.  
 •Guided workflows make payroll processing simple—even for non-payroll experts.  
 •Enjoy peace of mind knowing calculations and filings are accurate and compliant.

All-in-one integration  
 Connect payroll seamlessly with brightwheel’s full suite of tools:  
 •Communication: Keep staff informed about schedule changes or payroll updates.  
 •Billing: Sync staff hours and costs with tuition management and financial reporting.  
 •Daily reports: Ensure consistency between payroll records and classroom activities.  
 •Attendance: Auto-import attendance data for precise payroll calculations.

With brightwheel’s childcare payroll software, you’ll spend less time on administrative work and more time focusing on what matters most.

## brightwheel has more ways to support your childcare program

![Billing & payments](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/automatic-billing-payments.svg "Billing & payments")### Billing & payments

Send automated invoices, accept online payments, and get paid on time. 90% of preschools report that more families pay on time with brightwheel.

[Learn more](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/features/billing/)

![Center management](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/center-management.svg "Center management")### Center management

Simplify administrative tasks with brightwheel’s all-in-one app & save up to 20 hours per month. Stay compliant with digital check-ins, health checks, and room ratio tracking.

[Learn more](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/center-management/)

![Communication](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/communication-purple.svg "Communication")### Communication

Build quality connections with families and staff. 95% of administrators & staff report brightwheel improves communication with families.

[Learn more](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/communication/)

## Seamlessly switch to brightwheel from other childcare management software

### Easy onboarding trainings

Get access to guided training through brightwheel Academy, a comprehensive learning tool to help you, your staff, and families master using brightwheel.

### Speedy support team

Brightwheel has the industry’s largest support team and will ensure that you get quick answers through live chat whenever you need them (response times are less than 1 minute!). Brightwheel’s support team plays a pivotal role in enabling new users to maximize every feature of the software.

### Roster and rate card upload tool

Switching to brightwheel is easy when you upload your student rosters. The brightwheel team will import your roster and tuition rates into your brightwheel account so you have all of the information you need from day one.

### One simple, transparent price

You won’t pay more as you use more features on brightwheel. Your price is based on enrollment capacity and you get access to all features on the platform.

### [Brightwheel vs. Procare](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/compare-brightwheel-vs-procare/)

Switch to brightwheel, the leading childcare management software with tools for billing, payroll, communication, and admissions—all in one easy-to-use platform.

## Common payroll tasks that slow you down

Running a childcare center involves dozens of daily tasks: Inefficiencies can add up quickly, whether you’re working manually or juggling multiple tools. If these challenges sound familiar, explore the common pain points below to see how they impact your day-to-day—and how the right software can help you save time, stay organized, and focus more on your staff and families.

- [Logging into Multiple Systems to Manage Payroll](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/childcare-centers/logging-into-multiple-systems-to-manage-payroll-large-centers/)
- [Manually Scheduling Staff Around Payroll](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/childcare-centers/manually-scheduling-staff-around-payroll-large-centers/)
- [Manually Updating Payroll Across Systems](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/childcare-centers/manually-updating-payroll-across-systems-large-centers/)
- [Manually Updating Staff Timecards Across Systems](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/childcare-centers/manually-updating-staff-timecards-across-systems-large-centers/)
- [Printing Payroll Instead of Using a Digital System](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/childcare-centers/printing-payroll-instead-of-using-a-digital-system-large-centers/)

- [Tracking Payroll Manually Instead of in One System](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/childcare-centers/tracking-payroll-manually-instead-of-in-one-system-large-centers/)
- [Tracking Staff Hours and Timecards Manually Instead of an All-In-One System](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/multisite-centers/tracking-staff-hours-and-timecards-manually-instead-of-an-all-in-one-system/)
- [Writing Payroll on Paper and Later Entering It Digitally](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/in-home-child-care/writing-payroll-on-paper-and-later-entering-it-digitally/)
- [Entering Payroll Manually Into a System](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/childcare-centers/entering-payroll-manually/)
- [Manually Calculating Staff Hours and Timecards](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/in-home-child-care/manually-calculating-staff-hours-and-timecards/)

## Frequently asked questions about childcare payroll software

Have questions about childcare payroll software? Find quick answers below to help you understand how brightwheel simplifies payroll for childcare centers and preschools.

### What is childcare payroll software?

Childcare payroll software is a specialized tool designed to help childcare centers and preschools manage staff wages, track hours, calculate taxes, and stay compliant with employment regulations, all tailored to the unique needs of the early education industry.

### How do I get access to payroll?

To get access to payroll, start here: [https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/payroll/#payroll-form-cta](#payroll-form-cta)

**Note: Payroll in brightwheel is not yet available for some programs, including multi-sites. [Fill out this form](https://forms.gle/aJAvsDrKAPwvKjCA6)
 to be the first to know when it’s available.**

If you’re new to brightwheel, you’ll get a personalized demo and quote of brightwheel first. If you already use brightwheel, you’ll be directed to learn more about our payroll offering.

### What if I already use another payroll provider?

If you currently use Gusto for payroll, submit a request to connect your brightwheel and Gusto accounts here: [https://schools.brightwhedev.wpengine.com/staff/payroll](https://schools.brightwhedev.wpengine.com/staff/payroll)

If you use a different payroll provider or are just getting started with payroll, learn more about brightwheel’s payroll solution by starting here: [https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/payroll/#payroll-form-cta](#payroll-form-cta)

### How much does it cost to get payroll?

Payroll pricing varies to best meet your needs. Visit [gusto.com/product/pricing](http://gusto.com/product/pricing)
 to learn more about Gusto’s flexible pricing plans with no hidden fees.

### How can childcare payroll software help my childcare business?

Childcare payroll software eliminates time-consuming manual tasks like calculating staff hours on spreadsheets, figuring out taxes by hand, preparing paper checks, and tracking different pay rates for part-time or substitute staff. Instead, it automates payroll calculations, handles tax filings, reduces errors, and saves you hours each pay period—giving you more time to focus on your program and the children you serve.

### How is brightwheel payroll different from other payroll software?

Unlike generic payroll systems, brightwheel payroll is built specifically for childcare providers and integrates seamlessly with brightwheel’s other tools like communication, billing, daily reports, and attendance, giving you a single platform to manage your entire program efficiently.

### Are payroll taxes calculated automatically?

Yes. All local, state, and federal payroll taxes are automatically calculated, filed, and paid. W-2s and 1099s are automatically issued and sent to your employees and contractors as well.

### How many times can I run payroll per month?

Every plan comes with unlimited payroll runs. You’ll never be charged extra for things like off-cycle payrolls.

### Can I track changes made to timecards?

Yes, administrators can view all edits made to timecards for transparency and accountability. This includes details on who created the timecard, who made the updates, when they were made, and what changes occurred.

### Can I manage staff time off in brightwheel?

Brightwheel offers tracking for both paid and unpaid time off for all staff members. Time off is automatically reflected in schedules for both administrators and staff, removing the need for manual tracking. Staff can view their total time off hours (both paid and unpaid) directly from the mobile app, and you can easily access upcoming and past time off events, including summaries of time off by type and by staff member.

### Who should I contact if I need payroll support?

If you have a question about something happening inside brightwheel’s childcare app, please [Contact Support.](https://help.brightwhedev.wpengine.com/en/articles/2305587-how-to-contact-support)

For any payroll related activities happening inside Gusto’s payroll app, please reach out to Gusto’s Support team at [gusto.com/about/contact](https://gusto.com/about/contact)
.

## Review the latest ECE resources about childcare payroll and time tracking

- Business
- Blog post

### Tips for Choosing the Best Payroll Management Software

Payroll management software does the heavy lifting for paying your employees. Learn how to choose the right one for your childcare business.

[Read Now](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/blog/payroll-management-software)

- Business
- Blog post

### A Guide to Payroll Reports for Your Childcare Program

Learn how payroll reports can help your childcare program save time, stay compliant, and make smarter financial decisions.

[Read Now](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/blog/payroll-reports)

- Business
- Blog post

### Employee Time Tracking Software: Top Tools and Features for Businesses in 2026

Explore what employee time tracking software is, its key benefits, must-have features, and the top tools to help childcare businesses boost efficiency in 2026.

[Read Now](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/blog/employee-time-tracking-software)

### Tour the easiest all-in-one childcare and preschool app