Palm Harbor Montessori Academy, located in Tampa, Florida, serves children across early childhood and elementary programs. Like many schools, they faced a recurring challenge: securing high-quality substitutes—especially on short notice. Before Tandem, they worked with traditional staffing agencies like Child Care Careers. While some subs met expectations, the lack of reliability and day-of availability left gaps they couldn’t afford.
“Most of their subs were good, but it was very hard to get subs on short notice.”
– Taren Ponce, Director
Palm Harbor partnered with Tandem to improve both the quality and consistency of substitute coverage. Since then, they’ve booked 52 shifts with 14 different vetted workers, and while the broader challenge of short-notice staffing remains, the center has found a better rhythm—especially with workers they can count on.
The ability to rebook preferred workers has been a game-changer. Tandem’s platform makes it easy to request specific substitutes again and again, helping centers like Palm Harbor create continuity for students and build relationships with trusted staff.
“Having the ability to have a preferred worker list to request the same subs has been really helpful.”
Those recurring relationships sometimes turn into something more. Palm Harbor met Kristal Satchel through Tandem—and quickly saw her potential. She became such an asset to the team that they hired her permanently.
“Krystal is amazing! We enjoy having her work here so much that we have hired her.”
Other standout Tandem workers include:
Faye, who “showed initiative and engaged with the students,” earning praise for her kind and gentle approach.
Kanya, described as “a very good substitute” who the team would gladly invite back.
Laura, who “did a fabulous job,” demonstrating clear experience, professionalism, and initiative.
At Tandem, we believe that long-term connections are the best possible outcome—so we make it easy for centers to move forward with permanent hiring when it makes sense. Our platform is intentionally designed to offer that flexibility without barriers. Whether a school needs temporary help or a path to their next great hire, Tandem supports both.
While Palm Harbor Montessori continues to navigate the ongoing challenges of substitute availability, their partnership with Tandem has delivered clear wins—trusted workers, easier booking, and a new permanent team member who’s already making a difference.