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.

School-Age Teacher Substitute Jobs in Child Care

How It Works

How Tandem works for School-Age Teacher substitutes

Three simple steps to get started.

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Step 1

Get compliant, without the hassle.

Complete your state's requirements for working in child care. We walk you through every step of onboarding.

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Step 2

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

Try out different centers, set your own schedule and age groups.

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Step 3

Get paid the day you work.

Access your earnings same-day through TandemPay.

School-Age Teacher

ECE Professional

verified_user

Background check ready

Centers need School-Age Teachers who bring consistency

Tandem matches you with centers looking for exactly this.

School-age programs run before and after the school day, plus full days in the summer. Most states require close to 1 caregiver to 25 children for school-age children, so even one missing teacher can shut a room down for the day. Programs everywhere consistently need vetted substitutes they can trust with this age group.

What working with this age group looks like:

Supervising homework time, snacks, and enrichment activities before and after school

Managing a wider age range (5 to 12) with more independence and less hands-on care

Full-day shifts during summer and school breaks, often including outings and field trips

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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

School-Age Teacher Substitute Shifts

How Tandem works for School-Age Teacher 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 School-Age Teachers who bring consistency

What working with this age group looks like:

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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