Your center decides which sign-in/out method(s) to offer parents/guardians and authorized pickups. As center staff, it's important to understand the parent/guardian and authorized pickup experience so you can assist as needed. This article explains how parents/guardians and authorized pickups will use a QR Code to sign their child or children in and out, and what you can do to support them.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code is a unique barcode that, when scanned, can trigger different actions. Your center’s QR code allows Procare to track which parent/guardian is signing their child in or out and at what time.
If your center has enabled the QR code sign-in, the code can be displayed in several ways:
on a computer monitor at a designated station or area
on a poster or printed copy located near the center’s sign-in/out area
at a dedicated parent/guardian sign-in/out kiosk
How Do I Use the QR Code?
There are two options for parents/guardians to scan the QR code.
Use the Procare child care mobile app and QR code to sign in/out.
Scan the QR code with the camera on their mobile phone to sign in/out.
KinderSystem Texas Requirements
In September 2026, the state of Texas adopted new requirements for collecting and submitting child attendance records for subsidized child care. Check with your center to verify they use this process, then click on the KinderSystem Texas tab below for state-specific instructions.
The parent/guardian opens the Procare child care mobile app.
They tap Sign-In/Out
in the right corner.They select Scan QR Code.
They locate the QR code to scan, and hold the phone so the camera can read it.
They select the child or children from the available list.
The center may have questions before the parents/guardians can continue.
They tap Submit.
The center may require a signature.
They tap Done.
A confirmation message appears.
Procare Child Care Mobile App Permission
If you are using the app for the first time, Procare will need access to your photos on your mobile phone.
The parent/guardian opens the Procare child care mobile app.
They tap Sign-In/Out
in the right corner.They select Scan QR Code.
They locate the QR code to scan, and use the phone camera to read it.
The parent/guardian selects the child or children from the available list.
They tap Sign-in/out.
The center may have questions before the parents/guardians can continue.
The parent/guardian must sign their name.
The parent/guardian must add their photo. This must be taken at the time of the sign-in/out with the cell phone’s camera.
They tap Use Photo.
If the photo needs to be retaken, they tap Retake.
They tap the back arrow to return to the signature window. They tap X to return to the child selection window.
A map preview with a pin shows the location. They tap Sign-in/out to complete the sign-in/out process.
A confirmation message appears.
Location Capture Problems?
If the location looks incorrect, tap Try Again to update the pin. The pin cannot be dragged or manually adjusted.
Error Messages
Location is turned off - permission denied or no access
The location is required to complete the sign-in/out. The center staff will need to assist the parent/guardian.
We couldn’t get your location - unavailable or timeout
A location is required to complete this sign-in/out. Tap Try Again.
The device couldn't lock onto a GPS signal in time to complete the process — this is a common issue indoors or in areas with weak signal strength. Moving closer to a window or door can help.
Tapping Try Again is the only way to proceed; this step cannot be skipped.
If the issue persists, the center staff will need to assist.
Use the QR Code Without the Procare Child Care Mobile App
Note
This is the recommended option for anyone you have designated as an Authorized Pickup. The Authorized Pickup(s) must have their PIN.
The parent/guardian opens the camera on their mobile device.
They locate the QR code to scan and hold their phone so the camera can read it. In our example, we are scanning a monitor’s QR code.
They tap the URL.
They enter the 4-digit PIN to continue. If they do not know your PIN, see the Forgot Your PIN? note below.
Did the Parent/Guardian or Authorized Pickup Forget the Pin?
If they are a parent/guardian the Sign-In Pin is located on their Dashboard below their Bill Amount/Current Balance. To access, log in to https://schools.procareconnect.com > log in > go to the Dashboard > locate your Sign-In PIN.
Are they an Authorized Pickup? The parent/guardian is responsible for sending them the PIN.
Note to Center Staff
Confirm your policy and procedure regarding providing PINs to parents/guardians or authorized pickups.
PIN location:
Parent/guardian - My School > Students > Select student > locate Parent/Guardian section > locate Sign In PINAuthorized Pickup - My School > Students > Select student > locate Additional Authorized Pickup section > locate Sign In PIN
Add staff pin web location for app
They tap to select your child or children from the available list.
They tap the Sign-In/Sign Out button.
The center may have questions before they can continue.
They tap Submit.
The center may require a signature.
They tap Done.
A confirmation message appears.
The parent/guardian opens the camera on their mobile device.
They locate the QR code to scan and hold their phone so the camera can read it. In our example, we are scanning a monitor’s QR code.
They tap the URL.
They enter your 4-digit PIN to continue. If they do not know their PIN, see the Forgot Your PIN? note below.
Did the Parent/Guardian or Authorized Pickup Forget the Pin?
If they are a parent/guardian the Sign-In Pin is located on their Dashboard below their Bill Amount/Current Balance. To access, log in to https://schools.procareconnect.com > log in > go to the Dashboard > locate your Sign-In PIN.
Are they an Authorized Pickup? The parent/guardian is responsible for sending them the PIN.
Note to Center Staff
Confirm your policy and procedure regarding providing PINs to parents/guardians or authorized pickups.
PIN location:
Parent/guardian - My School > Students > Select student > locate Parent/Guardian section > locate Sign In PINAuthorized Pickup - My School > Students > Select student > locate Additional Authorized Pickup section > locate Sign In PIN
They tap to select their child or children from the available list.
They tap the Sign-In/Sign Out button.
They add their photo.
They add their location.
The center may have questions before they can continue.
They tap Submit.
They sign their name.
They tap Done.
A confirmation message appears.