Introducing the GoEngage “I’m Here” App
A clearer way for families to check children in and out
Over the past year, we’ve heard a common question from programs and families:
“What’s the difference between the Parent App and the Parent Portal?”
To make this clearer, we’ve officially renamed the GoEngage Parent App to the GoEngage “I’m Here” App.
The new name reflects exactly what the app is designed to do — make attendance check-ins quick and simple for families.
While the GoEngage Parent Portal offers a wide range of tools—including Daily Journals, parent-child activities, digital paperwork, QR code attendance scanning, and 1:1 messaging—the GoEngage “I’m Here” App is intentionally designed to do one thing extremely well:
Allow families to quickly check their children in and out of the program.
Why We Made the Change
Programs told us that the names Parent App and Parent Portal sometimes caused confusion for families.
When both tools sounded similar, it wasn’t always clear which one should be used for:
Checking children in or out
Completing forms
Viewing Daily Journal and other communication
Communicating with staff
Renaming the app to GoEngage “I’m Here” makes its purpose instantly recognizable.
When families open the app, the message is simple:
“My child is here.”
What the GoEngage “I’m Here” App Is For
The GoEngage “I’m Here” App is designed specifically for attendance check-in and check-out.
Families can:
Check children in and out of the program
Confirm arrival and departure
Support accurate attendance tracking
Help programs maintain compliant attendance records
Because the app focuses on one simple purpose, the process stays fast and easy for families.
What the Parent Portal Is For
The GoEngage Parent Portal continues to provide the full family engagement experience.
Through the Parent Portal, families can:
Complete applications and forms
Communicate with program staff
Receive child updates via Daily Journal
Participate in family engagement activities
In short:
Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
GoEngage I’m Here App | Attendance Check-In / Check-Out |
GoEngage Parent Portal | Paperwork, Communication, Family Engagement |
See How the GoEngage “I’m Here” App Works
To see how quick and easy attendance check-ins are for families, watch this short overview:
Available Now in the App Stores
The GoEngage “I’m Here” App was released this weekend in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Programs and families who previously downloaded the GoEngage Parent App will see the updated name automatically.
There is no change to how attendance works — only the name has been updated to make its purpose clearer.
Designed to Make Life Easier for Families
At GoEngage, we are always looking for ways to make our tools simpler, clearer, and easier to use for programs and families.
Sometimes small changes — like clarifying the name of an app — can make a big difference in helping families confidently use the right tools.
Already Using GoEngage?
If your program would like help introducing the GoEngage “I’m Here” App to families or staff, we’re happy to help.
You can:
Contact the GoEngage support team
Access resources in the GoEngage Help Center
Note: Only GoEngage users can access the Help Center.
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By
Stacy Lewis
Stacy Lewis: Senior Director of Business Development at Cleverex Systems
Stacy Lewis is the Senior Director of Business Development at Cleverex Systems, the creator of GoEngage. A trusted leader in the Head Start software space since 2001, Stacy brings over 24 years of experience, including key roles at ChildPlus, KinderSystems (COPA and California subsidy products), and Learning Genie, before joining GoEngage.
Throughout her career, Stacy has helped countless agencies optimize operations, enhance family engagement, and achieve compliance with federal and state standards. Her extensive industry knowledge and commitment to innovation continue to drive transformative solutions that empower Head Start programs to better serve children and families.
