Behind the Scenes: How Upkid Verifies Substitute Teachers

Written By

Upkid Team

When it comes to caring for children, safety is non-negotiable. That's why at Upkid, we've developed a comprehensive verification process for every substitute teacher on our platform. Here's a look at how we ensure centers receive only qualified, trustworthy educators:

Background Screening

Every Upkid substitute undergoes a thorough background check that includes:

  • National criminal database search
  • Sex offender registry check
  • County-level criminal record search
  • Identity verification
  • Address history verification

We repeat these checks regularly to ensure ongoing compliance.

Credential Verification

We personally verify each substitute's:

  • Education credentials
  • Early childhood certifications
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • State-specific licensing requirements

Our system tracks certification expiration dates and prompts teachers to update credentials before they lapse.

Professional References

We contact professional references to confirm work history and performance in child care settings. This helps us understand each substitute's strengths and appropriate placement opportunities.

Training Requirements

All Upkid substitutes complete our foundational training modules covering:

  • Child development basics
  • Classroom management
  • Emergency procedures
  • Professional conduct
  • Center integration best practices

Ongoing Quality Assurance

Our verification process doesn't end after onboarding. We maintain quality through:

  • Center feedback after each assignment
  • Regular skill assessments
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Performance reviews

The Upkid Difference

This rigorous process means child care centers can trust Upkid substitutes to provide high-quality care from day one. Centers save countless administrative hours while gaining peace of mind. One center director shared: "The level of vetting Upkid does exceeds what we could do internally. It's transformed how we approach staffing."

By maintaining these high standards, we're helping create a more professional, respected substitute teaching workforce for the early childhood education field.