> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lightpost.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lightpost.app/add-on-features/child-check-in.md). # Child Check-in Check children in and out, manage guardians and pickup authorization, page parents, and print labels from staff tools or a parent self-service station. {% hint style="info" %} **Recently upgraded!** Child Check-in now includes reusable child and guardian profiles, pickup authorization, text-message paging, and parent self-service Check-in Stations. See [**What's New**](/add-on-features/child-check-in/child-check-in-whats-new.md) for everything that changed. {% endhint %} With the new Child Check-in feature, you'll be able to: * Set up a computer or mobile device in your nursery or check-in area. * Check-in members, visitors or register **new visitors**. * Check children in and out in **less than a second** via **QR code scanning**. * Let parents check their own children in or out from a registered **Check-in Station** without signing in to Lightpost. * Print out child and parent **labels** via a label printer, with information about **allergies** or **special needs**. * Track guardians and clearly identify who is **authorized for pickup**. * Page parents or guardians when their child needs them.
## Mobile App Child Check-in is available in the current Lightpost mobile app in two different modes: * **Staff Check-in Tools** give authorized teachers and administrators access to current visits, child details, guardians, paging, incidents, and printing. * **Self-service Check-in Stations** provide a focused parent workflow on a shared tablet without requiring a member or staff sign-in. {% hint style="info" %} Your account must have the **Child Check-in** add-on activated. Staff members also need the **Child Check-in > Enter Kiosk Mode** role permission before **Child Check-In** appears in the mobile app's Admin menu. {% endhint %} ### Staff Check-in Tools Open the Lightpost mobile app menu and select **Child Check-In** under Admin. The mobile dashboard provides: * **Checked In and Recent lists** with child-name search, check-in times, checkout times, and allergy indicators. * **New Check-in** flows for a returning child, an existing child from the member directory, or a new visitor. Lightpost suggests matching records to help prevent duplicates. * **QR code scanning** to check a child in, begin checkout for a child who is already checked in, or open the child's profile. * **Child and guardian profiles**, including contact information, relationship, primary-guardian status, SMS paging consent, and pickup authorization. * **Allergies and special needs** that staff can review and update during an active visit. * **Guardian paging** from the check-in details. Eligible guardians can receive the standard child check-in page by text; linked members can also receive a mobile notification when mobile-app paging is enabled for the account. * **Notes and incidents** recorded in the visit's activity history. * **Pickup-aware checkout** that records who picked up the child. Lightpost warns staff before an unauthorized pickup override and records the override on the visit. * **Label printing** for the child's wear label, parent pickup tag, or reusable fast check-in card. Profile-management actions such as creating and maintaining child and guardian records may require additional Groups role permissions. ### Staff Check-in Settings Open **Child Check-In > Settings** on each mobile device to configure that device's behavior: * Select the label printer used by the device. * Choose whether scanning should immediately perform the suggested action or show check-in and checkout options first. * Choose whether successful check-ins automatically print the child label, parent pickup tag, both labels, or nothing. These preferences are stored separately on each staff device, so each device can have its own printer and workflow. ### What Parents See When a child is connected to a guardian's Lightpost member account, the guardian can see a **My Children** card on the mobile app Home screen while a child is checked in or was recently checked out. It shows each connected child's current status, when the child was checked in, and who completed the check-in. ## Parent Self-service Check-in Stations A Check-in Station turns a shared tablet into a simple, always-ready parent check-in screen. Parents can scan a current Lightpost fast check-in or pickup code, enter a phone number or username, register a new family when allowed, check children in or out, and print the labels you make available. The station stays connected to your account without exposing the staff dashboard or requiring anyone to sign in. Administrators can register and manage each station separately, including its lookup methods, checkout policy, printer, label options, custom instructions, and privacy timeout. See [Self-service Check-in Stations](/add-on-features/child-check-in/child-check-in-stations.md) for setup and operation instructions. ## Printer Recommendation When using the check-in website, printer compatibility is with the DYMO LabelWriter 550 Series Label Printer. See [Lightpost Print](/other-features/lightpost-print.md) for setup instructions and the differences between Local Printing and Internet Printing. When using the mobile app, printer compatibility is with the Brother QL-820NWB. On iPhone and iPad, an AirPrint printer can be selected and remembered for that device. Android uses the device's system print dialog. A compatible registered Lightpost Print printer can also be selected for Internet Printing. Self-service stations can use only printers registered to the same Lightpost account.