What is Group Text Messaging?
Group text messaging lets you text multiple families or team members in a single conversation thread. Instead of sending the same message separately to several people, you can create one group chat and everyone stays in the loop together.
This feature works on both desktop and mobile, so you can keep conversations going whether you're at the center or on the go.
Why Use Group Text Messaging?
- Keep everyone informed: Send updates to your entire teaching team or multiple families without repeating yourself
- Faster responses: Everyone sees the conversation in real time and can reply right away
- Better collaboration: Perfect for coordinating field trips, events, or discussing a child's progress with both parents
- Mobile-friendly: Start and manage group chats from your phone while you're in the classroom or between tours
Before You Start: Requirements and Limits
To create group text chats, you'll need:
- Enrollio phone number: You must use an Enrollio number with texting enabled
- US or Canada numbers: All participants must have US or Canadian phone numbers
- Group size: You can include 2-9 people in each group chat
Important Behaviors to Know
Do Not Disturb blocks group messaging: If any family has opted out of texts (Do Not Disturb), you can't add them to a group. If someone opts out after you create the group, that entire group chat stops working. You'll need to create a new group without that person.
Groups can't be edited: Once you create a group, you can't add or remove people. If your group needs change, create a new one with the updated members.
Phone number changes: If a family changes their phone number in Enrollio after you've created the group, messages still go to their original number. You'll see an "Updated" tag next to their name. Create a new group to use their current number.
How to Create a Group Chat (Desktop)
- Click Conversations in your left sidebar
- Click the blue Create New Message button
- Choose Message Parents (to text families) or Message Teammates (to text your staff)
- Select Group Conversation
- Choose which Enrollio phone number you want to send from
- Add 2-9 people to the group
- Click Create Conversation
- Type your message and click Send
How to Create a Group Chat (Mobile)
- Open the Enrollio mobile app on your phone
- Tap Conversations at the bottom of your screen
- Tap the new message icon and choose Group Chat
- Select your Enrollio phone number
- Choose 2-9 families or teammates from your contact list
- Optionally, give the group a name (like "Room 3 Parents" or "Morning Shift Team")
- Tap Start Chat
Managing Your Group Chats
Once your group chat is active, use it just like any regular text conversation:
- Send and receive messages instantly
- Share photos (like classroom activities or event flyers)
- Attach files (like permission forms or schedules)
- See who's in the group at the top of the chat window
Click the Chat Participants icon at the top of any group chat to see everyone's name and phone number. You can search by name if you have a larger group.
[SCREENSHOT: Group chat window showing participant list at top and Chat Participants icon]Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add someone to an existing group chat?
No. Once you create a group, you can't add or remove people. If you need different members, create a new group chat with the updated list of families or staff.
Can I change which phone number I'm texting from?
No. The Enrollio phone number is locked when you create the group. To use a different number, start a new group chat.
Can I send photos and documents in group chats?
Yes! You can share images and files with the group. Images show up directly in the conversation, and documents appear as download buttons. Just keep file sizes reasonable to ensure delivery.
What happens if a family opts out of texts after I create the group?
The entire group chat stops working if anyone enables Do Not Disturb. You'll need to create a new group without that family to keep the conversation going.
Can everyone see the full message history?
Yes. All group members can see every message sent in the chat, including messages sent before they joined (if added at creation).
How do notifications work?
Everyone in the group gets a notification for each new message, just like regular text conversations. On mobile, you'll see push alerts for every message.
Can I use group chats on my phone?
Absolutely. You can create, view, and reply to group chats from the Enrollio mobile app, making it easy to stay connected even when you're not at your desk.