Does it cost me anything to use Tandem?

No. Tandem is free for educators. You'll never pay us to find work, apply to a job, or get paid.

What is Tandem, exactly?

Tandem connects early childhood educators to the centers in their community. You can pick up substitute shifts, apply to permanent openings, or do both. One profile, and you choose how you use it.

What's the difference between substitute shifts and Tandem Recruit?

Substitute shifts are day-to-day work you pick up on your own schedule at centers near you. Tandem Recruit is our job board for permanent openings, where you apply to full-time and part-time roles the same way you'd apply to any job, just with a profile you've already built. Same account, two different ways to work.

Yes, and plenty of educators do. Some sub while they look for the right full-time role. Some hold a permanent job and pick up extra shifts. One thing to keep in mind: centers posting on Recruit are hiring for the long term. If you apply to one of their roles, be ready to commit to it.

Do I need to be certified or compliant already?

No. Educators come to us from all over. Some are just starting out, and plenty have been in the field for years and simply need a faster way to get working again. Either way, we tell you exactly what your state requires and walk you through it. Once your documentation is submitted and verified, you're ready to go.

How long does it take to start working?

It depends on your state and what you already have on file. Applying to permanent roles on Recruit takes minutes. Getting cleared to work substitute shifts takes longer, since state requirements like background checks, trainings, and a medical form have to be completed and verified first. If you already hold your credentials, that goes quickly.

What states is Tandem in?

Substitute shifts are available in Florida, Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Recruit postings depend on where centers are hiring. See our locations page for a map of where we work.

Who decides whether I get the shift or the job?

For substitute shifts, Tandem reviews and confirms your request. You don't need to contact the center. For permanent roles on Recruit, the center reviews your application and reaches out directly.

Am I a Tandem employee?

No. When you work substitute shifts, you're working independently and taxes are not withheld from your pay. If you're hired permanently through Recruit, you're an employee of that center, not of Tandem.

What if I don't have reliable transportation?

We know that's one of the biggest barriers in this field, and we offer ride support for substitute shifts in some markets. Check the app for what's available near you.

Why does my profile matter so much?

Because it does more than describe you. Your credentials and verified experience determine which shifts you qualify for and what you get paid for them. Adding a certification can open up better-paying work. On Recruit, the same profile is what centers see when you apply.

What if I have a question that isn't here?

Our Help Center covers substitute work in detail, from requesting shifts to getting paid. You can also reach our support team through the app.

Find Work in Early Childhood | Tandem for Educators

9:41signal_cellular_altwifibattery_full

TANDEMnow

New shift near you

Assistant Teacher at Bright Futures, tomorrow 7:00am–3:00pm

Good morning, Maya

Shifts near you

This weekInfantPre-K

TUE6

Assistant Teacher

Bright Futures · 0.8 mi

$18/hr

WED7

Lead Teacher

Little Oaks · 2.1 mi

$21/hr

THU8

Floater

Sunshine Kids · 3.4 mi

$17/hr

FRI9

Assistant Teacher

Maple Tree ELC · 4.0 mi

$18/hr

school

0.8 mi away

Bright Futures Academy

Assistant Teacher

calendar_todayTomorrow, Tue Oct 6

schedule7:00am–3:00pm · 8 hrs

child_careToddler room, ages 1–2

Your rate$18/hr

boltRequest Shift

check

You're confirmed

Bright Futures is expecting you tomorrow at 7:00am.

event_availableAdded to your calendar

directionsDirections & check-in detailschevron_right

verified_userCredentials shared with center

Earnings

Paid daily

Deposited today

$0.00

payments

Bright Futures Academy

Tue · 8 hrs

$144.00

payments

Little Oaks Learning

Mon · 6 hrs

$102.00

verified_user

Background check

Verified

location_on

Matched to you

Pre-K & Toddler certified

attach_money

+$144.00

Paid same day

Find work in early childhood. Your way.

Shifts near you

Assistant Teacher

You're confirmed

Paid daily

Two paths, one professional home.

Become a substitute

Find a permanent role

Join a community, not just a marketplace.

One profile, permanently yours

Credentials made clear

Real centers in your community

Support and resources by our ECE community

Your resources

Local programs, ready to connect.

Wherever you are, there's a path for you.

Retirees & students subbing part-time

Long-time educators, ready for a change

Employed educators, staying ready

Getting started is easy.

Sign up

Choose your path

Build your profile

Start making an impact

Explore open opportunities

near you.

Substitute

Lead Teacher

Floater

Assistant Teacher

Substitute

Lead Teacher

Common questions

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