New Platform Update – The Short and Long Story
Hello, it’s Cheryl here—Founder of Minding Kids. I’m writing to inform you of a SLIGHT delay to the new platform launch, share the events of the past week, and explain the difficult decisions I’ve had to make along the way. It’s been an incredibly challenging time, leaving me physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted.
A brief setback of just a few days is anticipated, and I will share an update with the new go-live date as soon as I can. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Why the Delay? Plus, IMPORTANT INFORMATION for Existing App Users:
The Short Version…
Despite months of effort and testing, my development agency has informed me—at the eleventh hour—that they cannot successfully migrate historical data from the existing Minding Kids App to the new platform. This was a critical aspect of the project brief, agreed upon to ensure a seamless experience and continuity for existing app users.
I had two choices:
- Delay the launch for several more months while seeking a new development team to tackle the data migration.
- Move forward with the new platform as planned, offering improved features but without the transfer of historical data for existing app users.
After sleepless nights and considering all options thoroughly, I’ve made the incredibly hard decision to proceed with the launch without the transfer of historical data. This wasn’t an easy choice, but I believe it’s the best way to ensure everyone can benefit from the new platform’s features without further delays.
To my Existing App Users
I fully understand how critical it is to maintain accurate records for your childcare business. This is why I have worked so hard with my developers to try and bring over your attendance, diary and log reports to the new app and why the overall build and deployment has taken so long. Despite all efforts, I am not confident of a seamless transition and in order to avoid mismatching records and confusion, I have come to the decision that starting fresh on the new platform is the safest option to manage your data.
The GOOD news is…your data will not be lost. Saved attendance records, diary entries, observations and logs will be accessible for you over the coming months on the existing platform to log in and download the records you require. Further details of how to access this will be provided.
In addition, we have been able to successfully move over child profile information so your childcare group details will be there ready for you to start on the new platform.
I hope you will appreciate my efforts in retaining your records as much as possible and understand that this decision was made with your data security and business continuity in mind.
The Long Story…
For those who may not know me well, I’d like to share a little about my journey.
I started my childminding career in 2010 after leaving my job to care for my own children. Like many of you, I juggled childcare, home life, and the overwhelming task of staying on top of paperwork and regulations. To make things easier, I used my creative background and began designing my own resources—soon, Minding Kids was born!
Since launching in 2013, I’ve poured my heart into growing this platform. And when I say “I,” I mean just me! I wear all the hats:
- Creating resources
- Designing and managing the app
- Handling social media
- Answering every single email and message
I’m also a mum, just like many of you, balancing family life with running a business.
Minding Kids is not just a business—it’s my passion and it has been possible only with the support of the ‘Minding Kids team’ – my husband, 3 daughters, our dog Marci….and most importantly you guys! – My incredibly loyal and supportive customers providing me with ideas, inspiration and the drive to move forward. My ‘Team’ means the world to me!💖
The Challenge
Upgrading Minding Kids with a new website and app has been a massive undertaking. My original freelance developer, who built the first app, did an amazing job but moved on and into a new role. Since 2018, I’ve worked with multiple development teams, each presenting new challenges.
I finally found my current agency in early 2021. Progress has been slow but steady, and I was reassured time and again that migrating existing data would be possible.
In August 2023, we attempted our first launch, only to face a flood of technical issues. The experience was devastating, taking a significant toll on both my health and my family. However, I chose to view it as an opportunity to learn, make improvements, and refine the app further with the invaluable support of an incredible group of testers.
Then, just this week—on my birthday, no less—I received an email from the developers saying they couldn’t complete the data migration. It was a crushing moment, but I’ve decided not to let it hold us back.
Moving Forward
While I’m deeply sorry to disappoint those who were counting on a seamless transition, I remain committed to supporting you in every way I can. I’ll be sharing next steps soon, but in the meantime, please know that I’m here for any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support. Minding Kids exists because of you, and I’m truly grateful to have such a loyal community.
With love and appreciation,
Cheryl 💖
