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The child care workforce is talking — and at Tandem, we’re listening.
With more than 5,000 teachers having completed shifts through our platform, we’ve built not only a staffing solution, but a system that allows us to understand what the workforce needs to thrive. In an industry where staffing challenges are constant, listening has become one of the most valuable tools we have.
Across early childhood education, staffing shortages continue to make daily operations unpredictable. But behind every unfilled shift is a person — someone balancing work, family, financial pressures, and a deep desire to make a difference in children’s lives.
When we started Tandem, we set out to make the logistics of staffing easier. But as we’ve grown, we’ve learned something bigger: technology alone won’t fix the workforce crisis — understanding people will.
By hearing directly from thousands of teachers, we’re identifying patterns, motivators, and pain points that go far beyond scheduling.
Teachers are clear: flexibility is the difference between staying in the field and leaving it. Many love their work but need more control over when and where they teach to balance personal and family needs.
Tandem’s on-demand model gives teachers that flexibility while helping centers maintain ratios — a balance that supports everyone.
When teachers are paid daily, they feel their work is respected. For many, this isn’t just about convenience — it’s about financial stability and recognition. Quick, reliable pay signals that their time and talent matter.
Through our conversations and surveys, we’ve heard a common theme: teachers want to walk into classrooms feeling ready, not rushed. Training and clear communication from centers make a huge difference. Our partnership with Show and Tell Me More and new in-app PD modules were born directly from this feedback.
Teachers want more direct, human communication — updates, feedback, and a sense of connection to the centers where they work. Even short check-ins after a shift help them feel valued and included.
Despite challenges, nearly every teacher we talk to says the same thing: “I’m here because I love the kids.” The passion for early childhood education hasn’t faded — it just needs better systems of support to sustain it.
Listening is only the first step. The real impact comes from what we do with what we learn.
At Tandem, these insights shape everything from how we match teachers with centers to how we design compliance processes, professional development tools, and communication systems. Each improvement is driven by what we hear from the people doing the work.
We believe that the future of staffing depends on listening as much as leading. The teachers in our network aren’t just part of the system — they’re helping us rebuild it into something stronger, more sustainable, and more human.
The child care staffing crisis won’t be solved by one company or one tool — but we can make progress by learning from those closest to it.
By listening to 5,000+ teachers (and counting), we’re gaining a clearer picture of what it takes to keep this workforce motivated, respected, and supported. And we’ll keep sharing those insights — because the more the field understands what teachers really need, the closer we get to lasting change.
Like Cliff Notes, but for child care:
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