FAQ

 For schools

  • 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!

 For Schools Looking for Substitutes

  • With our process the school works with the substitute teacher(s) to determine the agreed upon hourly wage and compensates them directly via an agreed upon process.

    For schools located in CA generally CA schools add them to their payroll and compensate the substitute(s) 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.

    Ofcourse the decision is ultimately up to each school to determine what’s best for them and should consult their appropriate HR and/or legal rep.

  • All of our substitutes (like all educators on the platform) are required to provide a resume.

    We strongly encourage our substitutes in CA to upload the following list of documents but we can not require them :

    • 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.

 For Educators

  • 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.

    Be sure to set your availability if you’re looking for on call/substitute opportunities!

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

  • You can find any role that is available in the ECE world! Part-time, full-time, short-term, long-term, on call, etc.

    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 provides the connection opportunity.

  • You’ll be payed directly by the school you work with.

  • 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.

Additional question, want to talk shop?

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