Why You Should Not Set Up the Parents Accounts

KidCheck utilizes a unique design with parent created and maintained accounts, which provides many benefits for both organizations and parents. Click here for information on the benefits.  It’s tempting to set up the parent accounts for check-in yourself.  After all, if you just do it you’ll know it’s done, it’s correct and it’s easier for both you and them - Right? Well, actually… no.  Aside from creating a great deal of unnecessary work for yourself, you may end up creating a less positive parent experience and have future data accuracy issues. 

Here are a few reasons not to create accounts for parents:

• When you set up an account, an email is automatically generated to the parent.  They can be frustrated or confused when they get a “welcome email” when they didn’t know about or sign up for KidCheck and may call you for an explanation.  They’ll wonder what it is and why they are associated, and may not appreciate assumptions being made about their family situations.
• Increased liability. We never advise that organizations enter in guardian, medical or other sensitive information on behalf of a parent without written consent.
• Some parents won’t be motivated to create a login account if you do it for them. Without a login, account administrators (you!) are the only people who can update and make changes. This creates more work for you and reduced parent satisfaction. 
  • You’d be responsible for maintaining the account and keeping information current, including allergy/medical alerts and authorized/non authorized guardians.
  • That’s a big responsibility and time sink.
  • They miss the opportunity to learn about what KidCheck is and how it works so they are less informed possibly resulting in more questions and increased time at the first few check-ins

Suggestions to help encourage parents to set up their accounts can ....  Spend your time and energy on other priorities – it will make things easier for both you and your parents in the long run.  Trust us… and all the phone calls we’ve received from organizations just like yours wishing they hadn’t tried to do the accounts themselves!  Any insight or experiences you have to share on the subject?