Minute Menu

[daycaremom1]

Does anyone use this program. I just called them to get some info and he said it cost 70.00 per year, but they do have a free version that is online. Does anyone use this? I don't need to get paid automatically, so I think I might go for the free version. Any imputs? Thanks! ::

[Little People]

I would like to know more about free version too. I have see other provider post about this program. I look foward to the responses on this too.

[KEG123]

I have no idea, maybe call and ask for the url?

[Blackcat31]

I downloaded my free version directly from my food program web-site. I use provider's choice...it is free to providers using that program and is the link is right on their home page. Do you use a food program...I'd check with them if they have free downloadable software.

[CKSher]

I used to use the the Calander Keeper and track everything by hand. Then a couple of years ago I replaced my home computer with a laptop and subscribed to Minute Menu and there is no going back for me!
I do everything on Minute menu (attendance, logging in my receipts, my fire drill dates, and all of the tax forms. Then at the end of the year I just print out all the tax forms and give them to my account. I print out the totals I received from each parent for their taxes (used to have to add it all up by hand) and I am done. I also have one parent who I have to keep track of her daily attendance and total hrs each month for her subsidy so I just log in their attendance each day and print out the itemized page for the child at the end of the month. I love it!
I don't use the automatic payment feature though. That is more than I want to get into right now, so I can't tell you much about that feature.

[CKSher]

Forgot to mention that I pay the monthly fee, but I usually renew early so it cost me around $55 - 65 bucks a month (which is tax deductable since it is a business expense).

[daycaremom1]

Forgot to mention that I pay the monthly fee, but I usually renew early so it cost me around $55 - 65 bucks a month (which is tax deductable since it is a business expense).

now see, when I called they said 70.00 per year. So, I am confused on the amount?

[daycaremom1]

and I just went to the website and it says 1 year 69.95 with a free 30 day trial. I can't find the free one.

[CKSher]

I think I may have payed the full amount the 1st year (can't remember). After that a few months before my year expired they sent me an offer to renew early for a discount, not sure if they were just trying to keep clients at the time or if it is something that they will keep offering every year. My year will not expire for a while as I did not sign up until half way through the year. I think you get the 30 day trial when you sign up and if you don't like it you can cancel before your trial period is up, but I am not sure? I am on the state Food program and a couple of years ago MM sent me a message that we could use all of the features for 30 days for free so, that was when I tested it out.

I have never heard of the free version online, so I am not sure about that one? Do you already use MM for your state food program?

[Blackcat31]

If you use Provider's Choice for your food program, here is the link for the free software download......I downloaded it several years ago and have been using it ever since....FOR FREE!!

http://www.providerschoice.com/pages/resources/kidssoftware.asp

Another food program we have in our area is Child Care Choices and they too offer it free to their members...here's their link;

http://www.childcarechoices.net/FoodProgram/MenuPlanning/MinuteMenuKids.aspx

I would call your food program or visit their website....I found info at both of the above by using the search area of their home pages....

[Little People]

Blackcat, I am not licensed but I care for 4 children (this is what I am allowed) and I have been looking for something to keep all my records. Do you think this would be a good program for me? Right now I am doing everything on several different papers and I hate it .

[daycaremom1]

Black cat, thanks for putting those up. I am in the process of becoming group daycare provider NYS. I have done daycare inlicensed for 11 years. I was looking for something that was easier to put the info in, and it does it for you, instead of a bunch of papers floating around!

[Blackcat31]

Blackcat, I am not licensed but I care for 4 children (this is what I am allowed) and I have been looking for something to keep all my records. Do you think this would be a good program for me? Right now I am doing everything on several different papers and I hate it .

They offer a free demo...check it out! I think it would work well for anyone licensed or not...it has been wonderful to sort out expenses and taxes. I still have an accountant do my taxes because both DH and I are self employed but because MMK puts all my stuff in nice organized area my tax lady loves me....my taxes are less than $100 to have done so I definietly recommend checking out the free demo I think it is the Provider's Choice one where I saw the free demo available

[Little People]

They offer a free demo...check it out! I think it would work well for anyone licensed or not...it has been wonderful to sort out expenses and taxes. I still have an accountant do my taxes because both DH and I are self employed but because MMK puts all my stuff in nice organized area my tax lady loves me....my taxes are less than $100 to have done so I definietly recommend checking out the free demo I think it is the Provider's Choice one where I saw the free demo available

Thank you, I will do the free trial!

[misol]

Minute Menu Kids

I am a user of MMK and I absolutely love it. I did a couple of free trials for other daycare management programs and ultimately decided on MMK. After testing other programs, MMK could use some improvements/updating but compared to what I was doing before (tracking everything by hand or on spreadsheets) it's a lifesaver. I currently have 3 full-timers and 2 drop-ins so for smaller home daycares (like 1-10 kids) MMK it's probably exactly what you need. If I had a larger home daycare, group home, or center I would have probably chosen a different program.

The only free version of MMK that I am aware of is the 30-day trial-once that expires you have to pay for the full version. You can get MMK for free from many of the food program sponsors however, this is NOT the full version. You will have to pay for an upgrade if you want the full version.
One benefit that MMK has over all of the other daycare management software programs is that it is currently the only one that allows you to submit food program claims online. When I first started on the food program I was filling out the bubble sheets and then mailing them in so this feature alone makes it worth every penny for me!