Getting Started

Making the Most of ChildPlus

You’ve decided to make the switch to ChildPlus, but what’s the next step? This guide will provide you with an overview of what to expect during your first 30-days using ChildPlus.

Start the ball rolling

As soon as you make the choice to switch to ChildPlus, you’ll need to start several processes to make sure your agency is ready. We recommend that you:

  • Review the Order Form your Account Executive sent you to learn about the optional features that can be added to your database for an additional cost, including:
    • DRDP© Child Assessment – Utilize a single system for data management: ChildPlus with the DRDP© built-in.
    • VPN Database Access – Enjoy unrestricted backend access to your data with a secure VPN tunnel.
    • Learning Plans – Learn more about our tailored training opportunities for ChildPlus and the DRDP© child assessment. With our Premium, Standard, Starter, and Essential training plans for ChildPlus, our training options are perfectly customized for new and long-time users alike. Visit the Plans & Pricing page to learn more.
  • Review your contract with your previous Head Start software vendor to find out if any special notice is required to cancel your subscription. Some vendors require a 90-day written notice. Don’t forget, you can use ChildPlus for free until the end of your old contract.
  • Decide and let your Account Executive know if you want to import the current year’s demographic data for children, families, and staff to ChildPlus, and request a copy of your data from your previous vendor in a .csv format.
  • Send a sample data file in a .csv format so ChildPlus can review to ensure your data import can be done.
  • Work with your Account Executive to finalize your contract and choose a date when you want to receive your ChildPlus database, which is when your ChildPlus subscription officially begins.
  • Contact ChildPlus University to discuss options and schedule training or consulting, as dates fill up in advance.

After your contract is filled out and received by your Account Executive, we will make your agency’s exclusive ChildPlus database available on the subscription start date you selected.

ChildPlus Tip
Start these processes early to avoid any delay getting started.

Implementation: Get started the right way

We want to ensure your agency starts collecting and analyzing data with the best possible foundation in place. Our free online Implementation course is designed to do just this. Your agency has access to this course for 60 days and during this period, you will be viewing videos while setting up:

  • System security
  • Staff
  • Areas used to track:
    • Child and
    • Family services
  • Optional features to help tailor the software to your policies and procedures

Here’s how it works:

Step 1

Your agency will receive a blank ChildPlus database and an email is sent with access details

Step 2

A welcome email is sent with details and login information for the online
Implementation course

Step 3

Kick-off your onboarding – watch instructional videos and review the accompanying content

Step 4

Schedule an appointment with our e-learning specialist after the required lessons are completed

Step 5

Follow the course to complete the process within 60 days

Step 6

Schedule a final review of your ChildPlus setup with our e-learning specialist

ChildPlus Tip
Schedule your training sessions after you’ve begun the implementation process. Contact ChildPlus University as soon as possible to discuss options and schedule training or consulting, as dates fill up in advance.

Implementation FAQ

Why do I need to participant in the online Implementation Course?
We recommend all new ChildPlus users take advantage of the free online Implementation course to ensure that your blank ChildPlus database is configured to your exact needs before you start entering data.
How long before I can be up and running?
You can complete the setup process as slowly or quickly as you want depending on your experience with software configuration. Your agency will have access to the online course for 60 days. We recommend going through each lesson and apply what you are learning. Agency staff may need to discuss their policies and procedures before setting up certain areas in the software.
Who will help me after the 60 days are up?
After your implementation is complete, our Technical Support department will be available to help with any questions Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm ET

Ways to Contact Support 

Subscription Questions

Contact your Sales Representative with questions about your subscription, licenses, or hosting options.