How to Set Up WhatsApp for Your Childcare Center

Connect WhatsApp to Enrollio to communicate with families directly through their preferred messaging app. You can either set up a new WhatsApp Business number or connect your existing WhatsApp Business App.

Method 1: Connect a New WhatsApp Business Number

This method is best if you're starting fresh with WhatsApp or want to use a dedicated number for your childcare center.

Step 1: Get an Enrollio Phone Number

First, purchase an Enrollio phone number. You can forward calls from this number to your main childcare center line.

[SCREENSHOT: Settings > Phone Numbers page showing how to purchase a new Enrollio phone number]

Step 2: Start WhatsApp Setup

1. Go to Settings > WhatsApp
2. Click Set Up a New WhatsApp Number

[SCREENSHOT: Settings > WhatsApp page with "Set Up a New WhatsApp Number" button highlighted]

Step 3: Connect Facebook

Click Continue with your Facebook account to proceed. You'll need a Facebook account to set up WhatsApp Business.

[SCREENSHOT: WhatsApp setup screen showing Facebook login option]

Step 4: Begin Setup

Click Get Started to begin connecting WhatsApp to Enrollio.

Step 5: Enter Your Center Information

Fill in your childcare center's business details and click Next.

[SCREENSHOT: Business information form with fields for center name, address, etc.]

Step 6: Create WhatsApp Business Account

Select Create WhatsApp Business Account and click Next to continue.

Step 7: Save Your Settings

Click Save to apply your settings, then click Finish. Your WhatsApp Business Account is now connected to Enrollio!

Verify Your Phone Number

Now you need to verify the phone number you'll use for WhatsApp messages.

Step 8: Add Your Number

Click Add Phone Number to begin verification.

[SCREENSHOT: Phone number verification screen]

Step 9: Choose Verification Method

Select how you want to receive your verification code:

• Text Message: You'll receive a 6-digit code via SMS. Check your Conversations tab in Enrollio to see the code.
• Phone Call: You'll receive an automated call with the verification code on your forwarded number.

Step 10: Enter Verification Code

Enter the 6-digit code you received to verify your number.

[SCREENSHOT: OTP entry screen showing 6-digit code field]

Step 11: Verification Complete!

Your WhatsApp Business number is now verified and ready to message families.

Method 2: Connect Your Existing WhatsApp Business App

If you're already using WhatsApp Business App for your center, you can connect it to Enrollio while keeping full access to the app.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

• A Facebook page for your childcare center
• The latest version of WhatsApp Business App on your phone
• An active WhatsApp Business account

Link WhatsApp to Your Facebook Page

1. Open WhatsApp Business App on your phone
2. Tap More options (Android) or Settings (iPhone)
3. Tap Business tools > Facebook & Instagram
4. Tap Facebook > Continue
5. Log in to your Facebook account
6. Select the Facebook Page for your childcare center
7. Tap Connect WhatsApp

You'll now see a WhatsApp button on your Facebook page, and your linked page will appear in the WhatsApp Business App.

[SCREENSHOT: WhatsApp Business App showing linked Facebook page]

Connect to Enrollio

Step 1: Start Signup Process

1. Go to Settings > WhatsApp in Enrollio
2. Click Signup with Facebook

[SCREENSHOT: Settings > WhatsApp page showing "Signup with Facebook" option]

Step 2: Begin Connection

Click Get Started to link your WhatsApp Business account with Enrollio.

Step 3: Enter Business Information

Fill in your childcare center's information as prompted.

Step 4: Select Connection Type

Choose Connect your existing WhatsApp Business App to maintain access to both the app and Enrollio.

[SCREENSHOT: Onboarding type selection screen with "Connect existing WhatsApp Business App" highlighted]

Step 5: Share Your Account

You'll share your WhatsApp Business account with Enrollio. Don't worry — you keep full access to your WhatsApp Business App and can continue using it normally.

Step 6: Add Phone Number

Enter the WhatsApp number you want to connect to Enrollio.

Step 7: Verify Details

Review your WhatsApp Business Account details to make sure everything is correct.

Step 8: Import Contacts and Chat History

You can import your contacts and up to six months of chat history from WhatsApp Business App into Enrollio.

[SCREENSHOT: Contact and chat history import screen]

Unsupported Locations

WhatsApp Business doesn't currently support phone numbers from these countries:

• Nigeria
• South Africa

If your childcare center operates in these locations, you'll need to explore alternative messaging options in Enrollio.

Next Steps

Once WhatsApp is connected, you can:

• Message families directly from Enrollio
• Set up automated WhatsApp messages for tours and enrollments
• Create WhatsApp message templates for common responses
• View all WhatsApp conversations in your Conversations tab

Ready to create your first WhatsApp template? Check out our guide on creating WhatsApp message templates.