What does subbing through Tandem actually look like?

You browse open shifts at centers near you, request the ones that fit, and get confirmed through the app. No set schedule, no minimum. You work the days you want to work.

Does it cost me anything?

No. Tandem is free for substitutes. You don't pay to sign up, to get booked, or to get paid.

What do I need to get started?

That depends on your state. Every state sets its own requirements for who can work in a licensed center, and they usually include a background check, a set of trainings, First Aid and CPR, a medical form, and verified employment history. We tell you exactly what yours requires and give you a checklist to work through.

I've been in the field for years. Do I still have to do all of this?

A lot of our substitutes are experienced educators who already hold most of what's required. If you do, this moves quickly. Upload your documentation, we verify it, and you're cleared. The checklist only shows you what you're actually missing.

How long does it take to get cleared?

It varies by state and by how much you already have. Documents are typically verified within one to two business days. The longest steps are usually the ones outside our hands, like background check processing time, scheduling a CPR class or completing state trainings, so the sooner you start those, the sooner you can work.

Do you help with the compliance steps or do I do it alone?

We help. We can help you book your medical appointment with a clinician over video, book a fingerprint appointment, point you to CPR classes that meet the requirements, and verify your employment history for you. You'll always see what's left, with instructions for how to complete the outstanding steps.

How do I know which shifts I'm qualified for?

When you view a shift, we'll let you know whether you're qualified or if you're missing qualifications. If you hold the requirements that you're missing, you should upload them in the app so you can open more shift opportunity. You are welcome to apply for shifts you don't qualify for, as centers may decide to approve your application, even though you are not completely qualified.

How is my pay rate set?

Centers post jobs with varying pay rates and pay scales. We will let you know where you fall on their pay scale before you apply for the shift. More credentials and experience means access to higher-paying shifts, which is why it's worth uploading your degree or certifications even when they aren't required by Tandem.

How and when do I get paid?

You're paid after each shift through TandemPay, which comes with a debit card and the option to transfer to your own bank account.

Am I a Tandem employee?

No. Substitutes work independently, and taxes are not withheld from your pay. You're responsible for setting aside what you owe, and we'll send you a 1099 at the end of the year.

Do I have to commit to a certain number of shifts?

No. There's no minimum and no schedule you have to hold to. Request what works for you.

What happens if something comes up and I can't work a shift?

Cancel in the app as early as you can. Centers plan their day around who's coming, so late cancellations and no-shows affect your ability to get booked going forward.

Can I keep going back to the same center?

Yes, and it's encouraged. Centers request specific substitutes back, and those relationships get priority when shifts open up. Consistency is better for the kids and better for you. After 120 hours of work at a specific center, you have the option to move to their payroll if they're hiring.

What if I don't have reliable transportation?

We offer ride support for shifts in some markets. Check the app to see what's available near you.

Florida, Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. See our locations page for the map.

I have a more specific question.

Our Help Center covers substitute work in depth. You can also reach support through the app.

Floater Substitute Jobs in Child Care

Floater

ECE Professional

verified_user

Background check ready

Centers need Floaters who show up ready

Tandem matches you with centers looking for exactly this.

Floaters move between classrooms and age groups as ratios shift through the day, so centers look for candidates comfortable in any room. Requirements vary by center and state, but every role starts with a background screening.

What this role looks like day to day:

Moves between classrooms and age groups as ratios shift throughout the day

Needs comfort adapting to different routines, from infant feeding schedules to preschool circle time

Centers rely on floaters to cover breaks and gaps without pulling a lead from another room

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TandemPay

Your earnings

Available now

$342.50

TransferCard

Recent shifts

payments

Sunny Days

Today · Instant

+$128.00

payments

Little Sprouts

Yesterday

+$120.00

credit_card

Tandem debit cardSpend your earnings right away

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My requirements

Compliance file

3 of 4 done

fingerprint

Background check

Cleared

Done

school

State trainings

All courses complete

Done

medical_services

First Aid & CPR

Verified · Renews 2027

Done

event_available

Medical form

Video visit · Thu, 10:00am

Booked

View my checklist

Join educators working with Tandem.

“What I like the most about Tandem is the flexibility. It's perfect for me being a single mom and full time student. Tandem offers that flexibility for me to earn extra cash, plus I get to enjoy doing what I love which is working in child care.”

Diamond

Cleveland, OH · Substitute educator

FAQ

Floater Substitute Shifts

How Tandem works for Floater substitutes

Get compliant, without the hassle.

Work as much or as little as you'd like.

Get paid the day you work.

ECE Professional

Centers need Floaters who show up ready

What this role looks like day to day:

Your earnings

Get paid the day you work.

We help you complete the paperwork.

Compliance file

Join educators working with Tandem.

Browse Substitute Shifts for Other Roles & Age Groups

Common questions about being a Tandem Substitute

Your next shift is waiting.

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