Stories from the Field: Tandem Workers Share Their ‘Why’

At Tandem, we know our workers are the heart of early childhood education. You show up with patience, passion, and professionalism — often juggling so much more behind the scenes. At the end of 2024, we asked every Tandem worker who worked that year to share their experience with us — their “why.” Why do you do this work? Why do you choose Tandem to do it? Why is it impactful to you and those around you?

What we heard was powerful. Across hundreds of responses, several themes came through loud and clear — and we’re proud to share them here, in your words.

🌱 1. You Want to Make a Lasting Impact on Children’s Lives

For many of you, this work isn’t just a job — it’s a calling, a purpose. You show up each day not only to keep centers operational but to create safe, consistent, and loving environments for children. Whether you’re with a center for one day or several weeks, the impact you leave matters — and it stays with the kids long after your shift ends.

“A couple of students from a site I work at have recently began drawing pictures of me. I haven’t been in the classroom for a while and forgot what it feels like to genuinely build trust and create connection and safety for children and for them to be excited to see you each day.”
— Tandem Worker, Chicago

“This little girl walked up to me and gave me the biggest hug in the world. She says I’m so happy that you came to my school. You’re the best teacher ever.”
— Tandem Worker, Cleveland

“One of the children was actually looking forward to seeing me everyday. He was even sad one day that he had to leave me and go home and he always asked for a hug. Seeing the impact I made in such a short period of time was so heart warming.”
— Tandem Worker, Chicago

You bring warmth, patience, and professionalism to every classroom you step into — and it shows.

🕓 2. Flexibility Keeps You in the Field

One of the biggest barriers to retention in early childhood education is burnout. Rigid schedules and low wages can push even the most passionate educators out of the field. But with Tandem, you shared how flexibility gives you room to breathe — and more importantly, room to stay. Whether you’re balancing work with family, school, or personal health, having control over your schedule means you’re able to keep doing what you love.

I can go on holiday, vacation, and take time off to spend time with loved ones, and not have to worry about taking too much time off.
— Tandem Worker, Columbus

I had a baby in January and found tandem by my 6 weeks. I was able to pick up small shifts to support my family and still stay home during the most important times with my new baby.
— Tandem Worker, Jacksonville

Having that balance meant everything to me. I was able to prioritize meaningful moments with loved ones while still staying organized and productive in my work. Tandem didn’t just improve my professional workflow — it helped me create space for what matters most in my personal life.
— Tandem Worker, Orlando

This kind of flexibility is more than a perk — it’s a pathway to longevity in the field.

🎓 3. You’re Building Toward Something Bigger

Tandem is a stepping stone for many of you — a way to grow your skills, build confidence, and explore new teaching environments while working toward longer-term goals. Some of you are pursuing degrees or credentials. Others are using the experience to discover which age groups or center environments best align with your strengths. Either way, you’re investing in your growth — and we’re here to support that journey.

Tandem was a fast track job for me to refresh, regain, and also build further my confidence, endurance, and knowledge for best practices, methods, and approaches to working with Early Childhood aged children.
— Tandem Worker, Orlando

By working in different settings, with different age groups and demographics, it has reminded me to see & identify common threads that run through the practice of childcare & early education, no matter the setting. Many needs of children in our care are universal, even as each child also is unique & requires a different approach.
— Tandem Worker, Tampa

It allowed me to put all my training and experiences over the years to use. Now I’m working on my CDA and will be opening my own childcare program
— Tandem Worker, Jacksonville

We believe professional development should be accessible, ongoing, and integrated into everyday work — and many of you are proving how powerful that can be.

💬 4. You Feel Valued, Not Just Hired

Tandem was designed to put people first — because when child care professionals feel seen, respected, and supported, everyone thrives. And you told us that feeling valued isn’t just coming from Tandem — it’s coming from the centers that request you back and the children who light up when you walk into the room. Whether it’s quick support from our team, the simplicity of keeping your credentials up to date, or the joy of building real relationships at centers, that recognition fuels your purpose — and keeps you coming back.

I learned many new skills going to different centers. Most importantly I learned that I’m valued anywhere I go. Just by working hard and doing my best.
— Tandem Worker, Jacksonville

A positive memory I have from working at every center this year is the fact that I have gotten positive feedback. What a blessing to know that I am a difference maker!
— Tandem Worker, Chicago

All of my memories with Tandem have been incredible, I have been able to help service the entire city, with quality childcare. I always feel appreciated, and I like that I received several reviews, from centers, allowing me to see that I’m a good teacher and very appreciated.
— Tandem Worker, Columbus

You’re not just covering shifts — you’re part of a community that values you. And we’re committed to making sure you feel that every step of the way.

🙌 5. You’re Creating a Career That Works for You

Child care work doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Many of you told us you’re building a career that fits your life — with flexibility, stability, and meaningful relationships with centers that rebook you again and again. It may not look like a traditional path, but it’s working — and it’s opening new doors.

It have helped me grow professionally in a way where i am not so burnt out, i have free will, and it allows me to see what other centers are like to help me grow better for when i want to open my own center.
— Tandem Worker, Tampa

The flexibility for me means peace of mind. It helps foster mental health. I appreciate it because when life throws curveball or unpredictable things happen such as being laid off from your job it’s nice to know that Tandem is always there to provide opportunities for me to find part-time sources of income!
— Tandem Worker, Cincinnati

The biggest thing I appreciate overall is that I have been able to make my own schedule. This has been so important to my family as I have been able to match my kindergartener’s school schedule easily and to easily keep doctor’s appointments since I am pregnant and also to take time off to visit family. It’s been so convenient and empowering!
— Tandem Worker, Tampa

With tools like flexibility and fast pay, you’re building something real — on your own terms.

Your “Why” Is Our “Why”

The care, resilience, and heart behind every one of your responses reminds us why Tandem exists: to help passionate, skilled educators stay in this field, sustainably and confidently.

We’re so grateful for the work you do, and we’re proud to be on this journey with you.