Tandem Connects to Ohio’s Child Care Workforce System

Before an early childhood professional can work in a licensed child care setting, state requirements must be completed, documented, and maintained. Clear access to accurate records helps professionals and employers manage those responsibilities.

On October 15, 2026, Tandem began using a direct system connection with the Ohio Professional Registry, which is administered by the Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA). The connection is intended to support accurate and consistent use of registry information within Tandem’s process.

Supporting Tandem’s substitute staffing process

Tandem helps prospective substitutes complete steps associated with Ohio Department of Children and Youth requirements and connects them with licensed child care providers seeking staffing support. Tandem’s service may be used for same-day absences, staff vacancies, and planned leave.

Child care professionals must meet applicable state requirements, including ongoing training and maintaining current credentials and qualifications. Tandem’s new system connection is part of the process for helping substitutes understand and maintain those requirements.

A more direct flow of information

Tandem’s platform now connects directly with the Ohio Professional Registry. This can reduce duplicative administrative steps within Tandem’s process and support more consistent information.

For professionals using Tandem, the connection may simplify how registry information is incorporated into Tandem’s qualification process. Tandem still determines how it uses the information and ensures that its services comply with applicable requirements.

Using statewide infrastructure

Tandem supports all parts of the same educator’s journey; OCCRRA maintains the statewide workforce infrastructure, and Tandem helps educators navigate requirements then connect with work opportunities. The goal is to help educators get ready, stay ready, and spend more time serving children in their classrooms. 

Tandem’s 4,000 substitutes have completed more than 135,000 shifts at almost 1,000 child care programs in Ohio through its platform. As Tandem’s use of the Ohio Professional Registry has grown, a direct connection provides a more practical way for Tandem to access and use registry information.

OCCRRA routinely works to protect the integrity of the Ohio Professional Registry and to support child care professionals using the system. By formally connecting to the registry, Tandem’s platform demonstrates how OCCRRA and Tandem work together in support of child care professionals.

What the connection means

The completed connection gives Tandem a more direct way to incorporate Ohio Professional Registry information into its operations. Tandem celebrates this technical milestone as an important innovation.