FAQ

You’ll find substitute, part-time, and full-time teachers, as well as enrichment specialists (such as foreign language, yoga, art, dance, gymnastics etc.) and speech pathologists.  

We are proud to offer the right balance between educators and schools - so no one is left waiting. 

All educators complete a profile with experience and education. Their information is reviewed before they appear in search results, so schools can browse with confidence.

Absolutely! You’re connected with candidates from the start and can reach out directly to coordinate next steps.

Nope! You only pay a flat monthly membership. No buyout fees, no transaction charges, no fine print. Just one clear rate, period.

As quickly as you can pick up the phone! You can contact educators directly through the platform. Plus, teachers can see your school profile, apply to your openings, and even message you first. You might have someone in the classroom faster than expected!

With our process the school works with the substitute teacher(s) to determine the agreed upon hourly wage, adds them to their payroll, and pays the substitute via their usual payment cycle/process.

Like you, we believe in being collaborative, supportive members of the ECE community. We also believe in easy, affordable, constructive ways for teachers and schools to find each other. Adding the substitute(s) to payroll does this. This process also allows schools to find and hire teachers without any additional buy out costs or hiring restrictions, and ensures the teachers aren't subject to the pitfalls of being contractors. Not to mention it protects the school from the requirements of California Assembly Bill 5.

All of our substitutes are required to have the following completed prior to being visible on the platform:

• Livescan fingerprint clearance confirmed with Licensing and System ID number

• ECE units (completed and/or enrolled) with copy of transcripts and/or teaching permits

• COVID vaccination record

• Immunization records:

  • Pertussis

  • Measles

  • TB test results

• Health Screening Report (LIC503)

• Mandated Reporter Training Certificate

• Pesticide Training Certificate

• Workplace Harassment Prevention Training Certificate

Absolutely. Ratio isn’t just for last-minute help- you can also schedule future coverage. Many schools reach out in advance to arrange vacations, leaves, or staff training days.

Yes! The platform shows real-time availability. Many educators are open for same-day coverage and can be contacted directly to ensure coverage in just a matter of minutes!

Yes! You are welcome to book a substitute for any number of days, weeks, and months that is necessary and agreed upon by you and the substitute. 

Yes! You can save your favorite educators and rehire them quickly next time - ensuring consistency and saving time.

When you have access to reliable, flexible coverage, your teachers feel more supported. They can take necessary time off - whether planned or unexpected - without the stress of leaving their team understaffed.

Coming back to Ratio allows you to:

• Book the same sub again (via your “favorites” list)

• Contact them for future availability

• Explore new profiles if they’re unavailable

• Post open roles and manage responses

• We manage their availability for you!

It becomes your one-stop place for all sub needs - planned or urgent.

Yes! Many schools do this and have found this process beneficial for a number of reasons including it allows for the paperwork and onboarding to be processed ahead of time.

Simply create your free profile and begin searching for the schools you want to work with. Save your favorite schools, apply to the positions you desire, and even contact the schools directly if you’d like. Once you’re set up schools can view your profile as well.

Yes! Ratio is completely free for educators. You’ll never be charged to join, apply to jobs, or communicate with schools.

You can find part-time, full-time, short-term, and long-term roles as:

• Lead teachers

• Assistant teachers

• Substitute teachers

• Enrichment educators (language, music, dance, yoga, art, …)

• Speech pathologists

You decide what works for your schedule and experience.

Once your profile is complete, schools can reach out to you - or you can apply directly to posted job openings.

The school hires you. Ratio simply connects you with schools looking for educators. You negotiate hours, compensation, and details directly with them.

You’ll be payed directly by the school you work with, according to your agreement with them.

No! You’re always in control. You decide when, where, and how often you work. Feel free to decline any offer that doesn’t align with your goals or schedule.

Absolutely. Many educators on Ratio work at multiple schools throughout the week. The platform is designed to support our flexibility.

Yes, to ensure we meet the needs of the preschool community and their preschoolers, we prefer candidates with some experience in early childhood education. That may include experience in preschool classrooms, family childcare, tutoring, nannying, etc.

Yes! Many schools use Ratio to find long-term substitutes and even hire for permanent roles if it’s a good fit for the community.

Life happens. If you need to cancel, let the school know as early as possible and update your profile.