GoKid Connect for Schools | FAQ for School Administrators
The Basics
What is GoKid Connect?
GoKid Connect is a school carpooling software that enables school to organize carpools within their school community. Here’s how:
When school administrators launch Gokid Connect via their school admin portal, parents can:
- Use the it to locate nearby school parents with kids in similar grades who are also interested in carpooling.
- Organize carpools with ease and confidence
- Take advantage of software’s safety features, mapping, messaging, real-time tracking and automated invitations.
Watch a video on how it works.
Can parents sign up on the App to connect with a school?
Only when a school or district works with Gokid Connect will they be able to find other families that have children in the same class or that live near by on the “find family” screen.
How does a school get started with GoKid?
- Sign the school or district license agreement.
- Prepare data for transfer either by preparing a CSV file or connecting with your SIS system.
- GoKid Connect team checks for quality and uploads data.
- Set a launch date to send invitations to families, with an opt-out option available.
- Receive communication and marketing templates to inform parents about the new service.
- Track results in your Admin Portal, with support from our customer success team.
Which types of schools is GoKid Connect suitable for?
GoKid Connect is ideal for public schools, private schools, and charter schools.
Many private schools do not provide buses and want to provide parents an affordable
transportation alternative. For public and charter schools, we often help supplement their
existing bus routes.
What is the cost of GoKid Connect?
The cost of the program is structured as an annual Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) fee, based on the number and size of school, starting at $ 2999 for a petite school including customer support.
- Petite School (<200 students) Annual fee $ 1,999.00
- Small School (200-500 students): Annual fee of $3,999.
- Medium School (500-900 students): Annual fee of $5,999.
- Large School (900-1400 students): Annual fee of $7,999.
- Extra Large School (over 1400 students): Annual fee of $9,999.
There is also an annual technology and customer support fee of $1,000 -2000 depending on the size of the school. Here’s what goes into our pricing.
For school districts and multiple year contraction, we offer significant discounts Contact us at schools@gokid.mobi for a personalized quote.
Do parents pay?
No. Typically, our school customers will pay the license fees and the service is offered free of charge to all families affiliated with the school. Additionally, families gain complimentary access to GoKid Connect’ss Premium features,including:
- Live tracking of vehicles
- Customized notifications
- Ability to view the history of their carpool
How quickly can we get us started?
GoKid Connect can take be between 1-3 weeks to implement, based on a few key factors:
- School’s Approval Processes: The time it takes for the school to review and approve the program.
- Contract Signing: The speed at which the contract can be finalized and signed.
- Availability of Data: The promptness in providing the necessary data set for setting up the program.
In some instances, we have successfully set up a school with GoKid within just 2-3 days. For school districts the timeframe can be longer depending on their budgeting cycles. The overall speed of implementation largely depends on the efficiency of these preparatory steps.
Getting Started
What data is needed?
To effectively use GoKid Connect and facilitate a school carpooling arrangements, we are asking for the following information either via a file share or an integration with student information system.
Parent/Guardian Information: At least one parent or guardian’s first and last name.
Home address: To place families on the map
Email address: For sending invitation email
Student Information: The associated student’s first and last name and their grade level.
Student ID + parent or family ID: not mandatory but recommended
Mobile Phone #: Not mandatory but recommended. Parents can add these later.
Sample CSV file info needed
What if parents do not want to be part of the Gokid Connect?
GoKid Connect operates on an Opt Out system, meaning it was designed for schools and districts to upload all the families and then allow those who don’t want to participate to opt out from the system after receiving the welcome email.
For families who initially join but later choose to leave, it isimportant to specify any changes in data handling once they opt-out. Additionally, including instructions on completely removing their data from the system (if they choose) would enhance transparency.
Can we use an opt-in system?
We strongly advise against using an opt-in system for the following reasons as Families might miss the opt-in emails and it requires additional school admin work to regularly update the system.
For a more streamlined and efficient implementation, we usea double-opt out approach and incorporate an option for parents to join the program during the school’s registration process for the upcoming year.
Adding a selection box or a similar feature to the registration form allows parents to easily indicate their interest in participating in the carpool program.
How do we import family data from our Student Information System?
This process is designed to be straightforward:
- We currently have a Blackbaud integration to make data upload. We might integrate withother SIS systems tostreamline the data import process in the future.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
How do you protect family data with the map view?
We prioritize privacy while maintaining useful functionality for families and schools with:
Limited Display on Map: The general location where families live is shown on the map, but without personal details like addresses, emails, or phone numbers and with limited ability to zoom in to see specific locations
Customizable Map Density: Schools can set the maximum number of families displayed to each parent user, up to 50, to limit visibility to each user’s neighborhood.
Generalized Location Indicators: Schools have the option to display a circle indicating the number of families in an area, instead of a pin indicating individual residences by selecting
“Radius View” in the admin portal settings.
Who will help parents if they have trouble getting started?
Once families join our program, they become valued GoKid customers, and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support. Our FAQ and support site address the most commonly asked questions, and we’ve created a series of informative onboarding emails, walkthrough videos, and personalized assistance via email. Our goal is to ensure every family enjoys a smooth, supportive experience.
For our school customers we also offer email support on weekdays and aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours, operating in EST/PST timezones. Parents can email support@gokid.mobi/
Program Usage
Can GoKid Connect be used for after-school activities and events?
Yes, GoKid Connect can be used to organize carpools for any school-related event, including after-school activities, sports practices, and field trips. Best way for parents ot find other families with similar activities is to leave a note in their profile that’s visible for other parents.
Is GoKid Connect compliant with student privacy regulations like FERPA?
Yes, GoKid Connect is designed with student privacy in mind and complies with all applicable privacy laws, including FERPA.2324 You may want to consult with legal counsel to verify compliance with specific regulations.
How do families join Gokid Connect?
Step 1: GoKidsends out an email invitation to parents witha personalized link connecting the parent to the school.
Step 2:Parents press “get started”
Step 3: Parents are prompted to review their information, accept, terms and conditions, and set a password
Can families communicate before inviting others to carpool?
Yes, families can chat before setting up a carpool.
(1) Chat feature: On the Find Familes screen, parents can search for, select, and send chat messages directly to parents who live close by to see if they are interested in carpooling.
(2) Carpool Notes: Families can add a note to their profile indicating the type of carpool they are interested in. This helps in setting clear expectations right from the start.
Can families post their carpool routes so others can join?
Families cannot publicly post their carpool routes for others to join due to safety considerations. To maintain privacy and security, carpool routes and schedules are only visible to existing members of that specific carpool to which families were invited. However, to find a good match, parents can describe their ideal routes or routines in their profile notes or in the messaging board.
Does this work for same-day planning or emergencies?
GoKid Connect is primarily designed for organizing carpool arrangements in advance rather than for immediate, same-day needs. As the system operates on an invitation-only basis for sharing schedules, it’s not ideally suited for urgent or last-minute carpool requests. For a carpool to be formed or joined, families must be directly invited. There are two ways to arrange for an emergency carpool:
- Once families start carpooling in an organized way, the carpool network becomes a safety net for the members in case of last minute changes. This could be a prompt to check with existing carpool partners if they are able to drive.
- Parents can send messages to a couple of parents using the MAP view indicating that they need last-minute carpool arrangements.
Product Comparison
What’s the difference between the Gokid mobile app and the GoKid Connect school carpool program?
The GoKid mobile app and GoKid Connect work together, each offering distinct features to facilitate efficient carpooling.
Where do I go to learn more?
You can visit https://gokid.mobi to learn more about GoKid. If you need assistance or answers to a specific question, please visit the Help section on https://gokid.mobi or email support@gokid.mobi.
Safety / Data Security
Who is responsible if something goes wrong during a carpool?
Families who carpool using GoKid Connect are required (on sign up) to accept our terms of use which state that they are responsible for the outcome of all interactions that take place on GoKid. It is the family’s responsibility todecide who to carpool with. Neither the school nor GoKid Connect is matching up families directly or saying who should carpool with whom. Read more on our Blog Post “What’s the Legal Liability for Carpooling?”
How do you protect the family data?
GoKid Connect takes data protection and privacy seriously, ensuring the safety and confidentiality of family information. Here are the key measures in place:
No Selling of Personal Data: GoKid Connect firmly commits to never selling the personal data of your families. This policy is a cornerstone of their approach to privacy.
No Advertising to Students: The platform is free from advertisements targeted at students, upholding a safe and focused environment.
Service-Related Communications Only: All messages sent by GoKid Connect are specifically about the service itself. There are no targeted advertisements, ensuring that communications remain relevant and non-intrusive.
Transparent Data Practices: GoKid Connect maintains transparency about the data it collects from users. Upon registration, users are informed about the nature of data being collected and how it will be used. This is communicated through a clear privacy policy, and users are required to consent to these terms of data use.
These practices demonstrate GoKid Connect’s commitment to respecting user privacy and using data responsibly, solely for the purpose of improving and delivering their services.
Who is liable if something goes wrong?
User Agreement and Terms of Use: Upon signing up for GoKid Connect, families are required to agree to the platform’s terms of use. These terms explicitly state that users are responsible for the outcomes of all interactions and arrangements made through GoKid Connect. This means that the responsibility for choosing carpool partners and managing the carpooling arrangements rests entirely with the individual families.
Family Discretion in Carpooling Choices: Families have the autonomy to decide whom they want to carpool with. GoKid Connect provides a platform to facilitate connections and coordination, but it does not involve itself in the actual decision-making process of forming carpools. This allows families to make informed and comfortable choices about their carpool partners.
No Direct Matching by GoKid or Schools: Neither GoKid Connect nor the participating schools are involved in directly matching families for carpools or recommending specific carpool groups. The platform’s role is to provide a means for families to connect and organize carpools themselves, without any direct intervention or pairing from GoKid Connect or the school. This approach helps to delineate the responsibilities and ensures that families retain control over their carpooling arrangements.
Emphasis on Personal Responsibility: The terms of use underscore the importance of personal responsibility in the use of GoKid Connect. Families are encouraged to exercise due diligence and make carpooling decisions based on their own criteria and comfort levels.
Some schools have opted to send out a disclaimer to families prior to launching the service.
What info do you collect/need about each family?
To effectively use GoKid Connect and facilitate a school carpooling arrangements, certain information about each family is required:
Parent/Guardian Information: At least one parent or guardian’s first and last name. Home address: This is used to place families on the map and/ or on a family list within the system.
Email address: Essential for sending access information and enabling communication with other families.
Contact Details: At least ONE phone number of one of the parent or guardians. The purpose is to send notifications related to carpooling.
Student Information: The associated student’s first and last name and their grade leve. This is used for filtering purposes to help organize and streamline the carpooling process.
This information is collected to ensure a smooth and efficient carpooling experience, allowing for accurate mapping, effective communication, and appropriate pairing of families for carpooling purposes. The privacy and security of this data are prioritized, with sensitive information like phone numbers, addresses and emails kept confidential except within designated carpool groups.
Will you advertise to our families or students?
No. GoKid does not advertise to families or students. Communication with registered families is limited to essential onboarding emails and updates about the app. Additionally, the information collected is used to provide customer support when requested by families.
Importantly, GoKid maintains a strict policy against using or sharing the data and contact information of families for third-party advertisements. The focus remains solely on providing service-related information and support, ensuring privacy and relevance in all communications.
How does GoKid Connect help schools communicate carpool liability and responsibility to families?
GoKid Connect provides a comprehensive communication guide for schools after they partner with us. This guide includes sample language for sharing information with families about carpooling, liability, and the importance of personal responsibility. It also outlines the GoKid Terms of Use, emphasizing that families are responsible for choosing their carpool partners and managing carpool arrangements.
Schools can use this guide to ensure families clearly understand the nature of GoKid Connect’s role in facilitating connections, which does not involve matching or endorsing specific carpools. This communication helps reassure families while reinforcing safety and privacy standards
within the GoKid community.
How do parents ensure the safety of their children when carpooling?
GoKid Connect provides a secure platform for families to connect and coordinate carpools within their school community, but the choice of carpool partners is up to each family.
Parents are encouraged to communicate with potential carpool partners through the GoKid chat feature to discuss driving expectations, safety standards, and logistics that align with their own requirements.
Schools may also set guidelines or recommend safety practices for families using the GoKid
platform.
Do you provide background checks?
GoKid Connect does not conduct background checks directly. However, if a school requires background checks for families participating in the carpool program, we are able to support this need in two ways: by either working with the school’s existing background check provider or by partnering with a background check service selected specifically for this purpose. Any costs associated with background checks will be the responsibility of the school, ensuring a seamless process tailored to the school’s safety requirements.
Do you ensure the insurance and drivers licenses are up to date?
GoKid does not verify drivers’ licenses or insurance directly. If a school requires this as part of their carpooling guidelines, we can work with the school to facilitate a process using their existing verification methods or by partnering with a third-party service for documentation checks. Any associated costs for license and insurance verification would be managed by the school, allowing them to set safety standards in alignment with their policies.
Measuring Success
How do you measure success?
Success with GoKid Connect is measured through various metrics available on the school’s Admin Dashboard, such as the number of registered families, the total carpools created, and engagement rates among families.
Beyond these metrics, success can also mean that a school was able to attract a new family that might have struggled to attend without carpool options, demonstrating GoKid Connect’’s value as an alternative to traditional busing. Even with a modest number of active families using the platform, a successful implementation supports community building, convenience, and reduced reliance on school transportation options, creating a positive impact for the school and its families.
What does a successful school carpool launch look like?
Success with GoKid is measured through various metrics available on the school’s Admin Dashboard, such as the number of registered families, the total carpools created, and engagement rates among families. Beyond these metrics, success can also mean that a school was able to attract a new family that might have struggled to attend without carpool options, demonstrating GoKid’s value as an alternative to traditional busing. Even with a modest number of active families using the platform, a successful implementation supports community building, convenience, and reduced reliance on school transportation options, creating a positive impact for the school and its families.
