3 Hidden Costs of ChildPlus: Why Paying More Doesn’t Mean Getting More

When selecting a platform to manage Head Start data, cost is a crucial factor—but so is value. ChildPlus comes with a high price tag, yet lacks essential features that modern Head Start programs need, such as digital in-kind tracking, multi-lingual family communication, and an affordable training model.

On top of that, ChildPlus expensive training costs ranging from $7,500 to $30,000, adding yet another hidden cost to an already overpriced system.

Three Major Hidden Costs of Using ChildPlus that Head Start Programs Should be Aware of:

1: A Complicated, Disjointed System Leads to Inefficiency

ChildPlus forces users to navigate between a desktop-based system and an online platform, making it difficult to access critical information quickly. This fragmented approach slows down workflows, increases training time, and creates inefficiencies for staff trying to manage family data and generate reports.

GoEngage is a single, web-based platform—no switching between systems, no outdated desktop applications. Everything is accessible in one place, anytime and anywhere.

💬 “With ChildPlus, our team wasted so much time switching between systems just to complete simple tasks. GoEngage gave us a seamless, web-based experience that made our work so much easier.” – Head Start Director

2: No Built-In Digital In-Kind Tracking Creates Extra Work

Accurate in-kind tracking is a federal requirement for Head Start programs, but ChildPlus doesn’t offer a built-in digital solution. This forces programs to rely on manual tracking, paper forms, and external spreadsheets, increasing administrative workload, stacks and stacks of paperwork, and the risk of errors.

GoEngage eliminates this burden with an integrated digital in-kind tracking system that simplifies the process, making it easy to log, review, and report contributions. Programs using GoEngage have seen a 40% reduction in time spent on in-kind documentation.

💬 “Tracking in-kind with ChildPlus was a nightmare—we had to use separate systems just to stay compliant. With GoEngage, it’s all built-in and effortless.” – CFO

3: Overpriced and Unsustainable Training Costs

ChildPlus isn’t just expensive upfront—it also comes with training fees ranging from $7,500 to $30,000, placing a significant financial burden on programs. With frequent staff turnover, these excessive costs make it nearly impossible to keep teams properly trained without straining budgets.

By contrast, GoEngage offers an intuitive platform that requires minimal training, along with cost-effective onboarding and support. Our user-friendly design ensures that teams can start using the platform quickly without costly, time-consuming training sessions.

💬 “We were shocked by the training costs for ChildPlus—it was completely unsustainable. GoEngage made onboarding easy, and we didn’t have to spend thousands just to learn how to use it.” – Head Start Director

Know the True Cost of Your Head Start Data Management System

While ChildPlus may be a recognizable name, its higher cost does not mean better value. The inefficiencies caused by a fragmented system, lack of digital in-kind tracking, expensive training costs, and no multi-lingual communication all add up—both in staff time and missed opportunities to engage families effectively.

GoEngage provides an easier, more efficient, and cost-effective solution tailored to the needs of Head Start programs.

📅 See the difference for yourself—schedule a demo today and discover how GoEngage can transform your program.

👉 Request a Demo