Why should I select RosterElf for my childcare centre's rostering needs?

RosterElf is designed specifically to handle the unique challenges of childcare rostering, like managing staff-to-child ratios, handling last-minute changes, and ensuring compliance with the Children's Services Award [MA000120]. It offers real-time scheduling, automated award interpretation, and mobile apps to keep your team informed and engaged, making it easier to maintain smooth operations and happy kids.

How does RosterElf help manage labour costs in a childcare centre?

RosterElf helps you track and optimise labour costs in real-time by visualising roster expenses, setting break rules, and providing live updates on wage costs. This ensures you stay within your budget while maintaining the proper staff-to-child ratios needed for quality care.

Can RosterElf accommodate the specific staffing needs of different rooms or age groups in my centre?

Yes, RosterElf's smart rostering system considers staff qualifications, availability, and specific skills, ensuring the right mix of staff for each room or age group. This means you can always meet regulatory requirements and provide high-quality care across your entire centre.

How does the app help in handling last-minute staffing changes?

The app instantly notifies your staff of any roster updates or open shifts, allowing them to respond quickly. You can also use it to find suitable replacements using the Perfect Match algorithm, ensuring seamless coverage without disrupting operations.

Can my childcare staff manage their shifts using the RosterElf app?

Absolutely! Your team can use the RosterElf app to view their shifts, apply for leave, swap shifts, and set their availability. The app also keeps everyone updated with instant notifications about any roster changes or open shifts, helping to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Is the RosterElf app easy to use for my staff who might not be tech-savvy?

Yes, the RosterElf app is user-friendly and designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for all staff members to navigate and use. From clocking in and out to managing shifts and leave requests, everything is just a few taps away.

What kind of support does RosterElf offer for my childcare centre?

RosterElf provides comprehensive support, including help with initial setup, training for your team, and ongoing assistance to ensure you’re making the most of the software. Our support team is always ready to help with any queries you might have.

Can I get help adjusting rosters or managing last-minute changes?

Yes, RosterElf's support team is available to guide you through adjusting rosters and handling unexpected changes. Plus, our platform’s intuitive design makes it easy to manage these adjustments yourself quickly and efficiently.

Are there resources to help train my staff on how to use RosterElf?

Absolutely! RosterElf offers various training resources, including tutorials, guides, and videos, to help your team get up to speed with the software. We also provide personalised training sessions to ensure everyone is comfortable using the app.

Does RosterElf handle award compliance for my childcare centre staff?

Yes, RosterElf automatically calculates pay rates in compliance with the Children's Services Award [MA000120], including overtime, penalty rates, and leave loading. This feature ensures your payroll is always accurate and fair.

Can I integrate RosterElf with my current payroll software?

Definitely! RosterElf seamlessly integrates with popular payroll systems like Xero and MYOB, making payroll processing simple and reducing the chances of human error.

How does RosterElf handle multiple locations or large teams?

RosterElf is flexible and scalable, suitable for both single-site centres and those with multiple locations. You can manage large teams effortlessly, ensuring each site has the right staff mix to maintain high-quality care.

How does RosterElf improve compliance with legal and regulatory requirements?

RosterElf ensures compliance by automating the collection and storage of legal forms and certifications. The platform verifies that all necessary information is completed, helping businesses stay compliant with regulations.

What tools does RosterElf provide for real-time rostering in child-care centres?

RosterElf offers real-time rostering tools that help you manage staff-to-child ratios, resolve scheduling conflicts, and update rosters instantly via the cloud platform or mobile apps, ensuring seamless daily operations.

How can RosterElf help with employee communication?

RosterElf keeps your team informed with SMS and email notifications for roster changes, open shifts, and urgent updates. The app also allows employees to manage their own availability and leave, enhancing overall communication and engagement.

Is there a tool to track staff attendance and manage clock-ins?

Yes, RosterElf includes a digital time and attendance system where staff can clock in and out using a tablet kiosk or their smartphones. This feature ensures accurate time tracking and simplifies payroll processing.

CHILD CARE WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

Childcare staff rostering, payroll & HR software

Running a childcare centre means balancing compliance, staff-to-child ratios, and award rules—while keeping admin simple and costs under control. RosterElf brings rostering, payroll, time & attendance, and HR together in one platform.

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4.8 stars, 1570 ratings

Best-rated rostering software on Xero and Google.

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Designed for centres, built for compliance

Why childcare providers choose RosterElf

Running a childcare centre means balancing compliance, staff-to-child ratios, and award rules—while keeping admin simple and costs under control. RosterElf brings rostering, payroll, time & attendance, and HR together in one platform. From automated award compliance to digital certification tracking, childcare providers save time, reduce risk, and keep their focus where it belongs: supporting children and families.

Ratios and rosters in sync

Employee rostering for childcare centres

Smarter rosters, safer care

Predictive scheduling with compliance built in

Childcare requires more than filling shifts—it demands compliance with strict staff-to-child ratios.

RosterElf’s rostering tools use Perfect Match AI to align staff availability, skills, and ratios automatically.

Managers build costed rosters in minutes, ensuring the right educators are in the right rooms—without overstaffing or risking compliance breaches.

Accurate records, less admin

Time and attendance for childcare staff

Digital timesheets made easy

From check-in to payroll automatically

Managing staff hours in childcare is critical for both compliance and payroll.

RosterElf’s time and attendance enables staff to clock in via tablet or mobile, with photo verification for accuracy. Attendance flows directly into payroll-ready timesheets, eliminating manual entry and ensuring accurate wage payments every time.

Faster hiring, better compliance

Employee onboarding for childcare

Contracts and policies in one place

Paper-free onboarding for educators

High staff turnover in childcare makes fast, compliant onboarding essential.

RosterElf’s employee onboarding digitises contracts, induction policies, and forms, ensuring educators are fully set up before their first shift.

New hires integrate smoothly, and managers save valuable time.

Keep rosters balanced with ease

Leave management for childcare centres

No clashes, no confusion

Approvals that update rosters instantly

In childcare, unexpected leave can disrupt ratio requirements.

RosterElf’s leave management streamlines requests and approvals, with leave syncing directly to the roster.

Managers see availability in real time, preventing double bookings and ensuring ratios stay compliant. Staff enjoy transparency and faster responses.

Access anywhere, anytime

Mobile apps for childcare teams

Staff engagement on mobile

Rosters and updates in every pocket

Educators and assistants need simple access to their shifts.

With RosterElf’s mobile app, staff view rosters, receive updates, swap shifts, and request leave from their phone.

Push notifications reduce no-shows and miscommunication, improving team engagement and keeping care consistent.

Professional, secure communication

Employee chat for childcare staff

Keep everyone aligned

Shift-based messaging for centres

Childcare teams rely on clear, professional communication.

RosterElf’s chat feature gives managers and educators a secure channel for shift-related updates.

Whether confirming ratios, filling shifts, or sharing quick reminders, communication stays streamlined and linked to the roster—without relying on messy group chats.

Compliance without the paperwork

Certificates & permits for childcare staff

Always audit ready

Track checks and training automatically

Working With Children Checks, first-aid, and mandatory training can’t be allowed to lapse.

RosterElf’s certificates & permits feature centralises all staff credentials, with expiry reminders sent before deadlines.

Managers stay accreditation-ready, reduce risk, and ensure every educator on shift is fully qualified.

What others say

Reviews from our customers

Read what our clients have to say about us

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“Sean was an amazing help, very patient and thorough.”

Monica Van De Laak

“This app has completely transformed the way I manage my business. Sean’s guidance in tailoring it to my needs was exceptional - his knowledge, calmness and support made all the difference. If you’re struggling with rostering or scheduling, I can’t recommend Roster Elf highly enough. I went from almost closing my doors to feeling inspired about growth and expansion. Deeply grateful.”

Zalia Joi

“I had a great experience using this software for about 2 years, it really revolutionized our business and eliminated a lot of unnecessary work! The most impressive thing about Rosterelf was how quickly the team made improvements to their software”

Ethan Sanders

“Features are excellent, useful and make things easier!”

Raniel Baracao

WHY US

We get childcare rostering

Childcare centres face staffing challenges like managing ratios, availability, and award compliance. RosterElf simplifies this with real-time scheduling, automated awards, and mobile apps to keep your team engaged.

Shift coverage

Ensure adequate staff-to-child ratios at all times.

Availability conflicts

Resolve clashes and keep schedules seamless.

Labour costs

Manage shifts to align with budget constraints.

Award compliance

Automate award interpretation for seamless payroll.

Last minute changes

Notify employees instantly of roster updates.

Leave requests

Track and approve leave requests via mobile apps.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Questions? We have the answers

RosterElf is designed specifically to handle the unique challenges of childcare rostering, like managing staff-to-child ratios, handling last-minute changes, and ensuring compliance with the Children's Services Award [MA000120]. It offers real-time scheduling, automated award interpretation, and mobile apps to keep your team informed and engaged, making it easier to maintain smooth operations and happy kids.
RosterElf helps you track and optimise labour costs in real-time by visualising roster expenses, setting break rules, and providing live updates on wage costs. This ensures you stay within your budget while maintaining the proper staff-to-child ratios needed for quality care.
Yes, RosterElf's smart rostering system considers staff qualifications, availability, and specific skills, ensuring the right mix of staff for each room or age group. This means you can always meet regulatory requirements and provide high-quality care across your entire centre.
The app instantly notifies your staff of any roster updates or open shifts, allowing them to respond quickly. You can also use it to find suitable replacements using the Perfect Match algorithm, ensuring seamless coverage without disrupting operations.

Start your free 15 day RosterElf trial today

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4.8 stars by 1570 users

100+ countries

30,000+ users