Question 1

What is the payout schedule for Upkid?

Accepted Answer

Payouts are scheduled for 3 business days after your timecard is approved. You will receive a message that the center has paid your shift. Funds will be in your account within 3-5 business days after that. If your card is locked we will not be able to make the deposit. Please make sure that your card is not locked. *Business days do not include holidays or weekends.

Question 2

How can I see when I am receiving a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Download the stripe app, it will tell you when the deposit is processing and it's estimated arrival date.

Question 3

I need pay stubs, where can I find those?

Accepted Answer

You can view pay stubs by going to the profile tab (bottom right corner of the app). Then click on job history and in the top right corner there will be a download button for all pay stubs.

Question 4

Why does Stripe ask for extra verification?

Accepted Answer

Stripe needs extra verification for tax purposes. Upkid teachers are considered 1099 contractors so each February teachers will receive a 1099 via email and at their home address so they can accurately do their taxes.

Question 5

Are taxes withheld?

Accepted Answer

No, taxes are not withheld as Upkid teachers are considered 1099 contractors so they receive their full pay. Upkid teachers will receive a 1099 form if they make over $600 in a calendar year. Tax forms are emailed to the email on file with stripe and will come from express@stripe.com. Please consult a tax professional about how much to put aside for taxes.

Question 6

What is the journey of an Upkid sub?

Accepted Answer

When you join our team, you're joining a community of amazing teachers and centers who are making an impact in their local communities! Onboarding at Upkid is pretty simple and we help you through it one step at a time. From applying for a fingerprint clearance card to setting up and understanding the app - we can even help you apply for your first shift. We got your back!

Question 7

I don't understand all the words Upkid uses on the app, can you help?

Accepted Answer

Application In Review: You have applied to the shift and your teacher profile has been sent to the center. Timecard In Review: You have submitted your timecard and the center has a full business day after to approve. Paid Break: Do not clock out for your break. Unpaid Break: Please clock out when you leave for your break and clock back in when you return. Paid: The center has approved your timecard and has paid in the app. Your payment is processed to deposit. Please wait 3 business days after your app says paid. Payment Processing: Please reach out to the Upkid team if your shift indicates this. There was a problem with the center's payment. Upkid needs to resolve.

Question 8

What does "Application in Review" mean?

Accepted Answer

If you have applied to a shift and it says "application in review", your application has been sent to the school, but they have not yet approved you to work.

Question 9

What does "Background Check Submitted" mean?

Accepted Answer

Your background check has been submitted and is under review by the right governing agency. **Be sure to click "SUBMIT APPLICATION" at the bottom of your background check application. If you do not, the status will show as "Pending"

Question 10

How do I submit a background check?

Accepted Answer

Georgia (GA): On the checklist #3 is state requirements. The top item is Background check> Click on the Start Background Check Application> This will take you to the application on DECALs website. Information is not stored in the Upkid app. Put in our provider number: SUPP-58718 and leave all the other boxes blank then hit the blue search button. hit the green word SELECT so DECAL knows you are working with us. Then fill out the application and at the bottom hit the big blue authorize button. The next screen should say in a green banner that your background check application has been submitted and give you an application number. If your app says pending but you haven't received a text from Upkid within 2 business days saying "your background check has been submitted" please try to submit a background check again. When you submit an application correctly, you will get an email from DECAL saying you have submitted an application and will list our provider number (SUPP-58718) in the subject line. If there is another provider number in that line, you did not submit an application for Upkid and Upkid will not see the application. Arizona (AZ): The state requires that you have a valid fingerprint clearance card. If you already have a valid fingerprint clearance card you can put your card number in the app so that we can validate it. If you do not have a fingerprint clearance card you can follow the steps in the Upkid app. Under onboarding> step #5 is state requirements >click the blue button that says "I don't currently have one" >You will then follow the link to the AZ department of public safety website: https://psp.azdps.gov/ > log in to your account or create a new one > choose fingerprint clearance card > select apply for a new clearance card - then answer the questions > select Non-IVP clearance card >enter the following information in Employment information: Upkid, (877) 317-7740, 3450 N Triumph Blvd suite 102, Lehi UT 84043 >Finish the application by selecting "submit and pay by credit card". Utah (UT): On the checklist #3 is state requirements. Please click the link that will open up the UT childcare website and fill out the document. Your information is not stored in the Upkid app from this application. Please make sure to start typing in Upkid and select Upkid from the drop down menu. Only submit 1 background check. Please do not fill this out if you have an active background check ID number with childcare licensing. You can check if you do by calling childcare licensing at 801-273-2812.

Question 11

How do I get fingerprints done?

Accepted Answer

Georgia (GA): We will text you once your background check is submitted to DECAL, approving that you are working for Upkid. Once you receive that text, you will receive a follow up email from Fieldprint with your Fingerprint code and the ability to schedule your fingerprints. If you go to schedule and it says your CRC application is not ready, we have not submitted that background check to DECAL yet. Utah (UT): Please click on the fingerprint form in the app. This is located in step #3 state requirements. Click on fingerprint form and you will be able to download and email to yourself to print. Be sure you sign the bottom and bring with you to your fingerprinting appointment. Upkid pays for these prints if you go to any YUP fingerprinting location. Otherwise, you will be asked to pay for them. These can take up to 10 business days to process with childcare licensing. Arizona (AZ): After you have paid for your fingerprint clearance card on the AZPDS website, they will send you a message in the AZPDS portal with instructions on how to schedule your fingerprinting appointment. They use FIELDPRINT for fingerprinting.

Question 12

Why might a center ask for my social and date of birth when I first arrive or prior to my arrival? (Georgia only)

Accepted Answer

Georgia (GA): Centers might need this information to port your background check into their system. They need your background check on file in order to be state compliant.

Question 13

Why is my background check not portable anymore? (Georgia only)

Accepted Answer

Georgia (GA): Your background checks are only portable to new centers for 1 year from your clearance date. Please make sure you check the clearance date on your DECAL letter. You should have received this in your email. Although your background check is valid for 5 years, it is only portable for 1. Keep this in mind when applying to work at new centers. *If you need to turn in a new background check for Upkid, please do so by visiting this site: https://www.decalkoala.com/CBCApplication Our provider number is SUPP-58718 and leave all other fields blank. Click search, then click the green select button when Upkid pops up. Fill out the entire form and click the blue authorize button at the bottom. Then contact us letting you know your 1 year is up and you need a new background check application approved.

Question 14

I already have a background check with the state, how do I port?

Accepted Answer

Georgia (GA): We can get your background check ported in multiple ways: You can send us your social security number and your date of birth OR you can port it by going to this website: https://www.decalkoala.com/CBCApplication > Put in our provider number SUPP-58718 (leave all other fields blank) then search > It will pull up our Upkid information. Click the green word "select" on the left side > Put in your social security number and birthday and click "Check Portability" > If your background check is portable it does not send us a notification letting us know you ported it. Please email us at contact@joinupkid.com and let us know you submitted the portability request. >Then we can go in and finish porting it over and add it to your account. Arizona (AZ): Go onto the Upkid app. Click the person icon in the bottom right corner. Then click onboarding. Click #5 state requirements. Then click on background check. Then click the blue button that says I already have one. Then there will be a space for you to enter your fingerprint clearance card number. Then text us or send us an email at contact@joinupkid.com and let us know that you completed that. We will go in and make sure your card is valid. Then we will get your account updated. Utah (UT): Please send us your background check ID number. If you do not know your ID# call Utah Child Care Licensing at: (801) 273-2812 They can tell you your ID number. Then email it to us at: contact@joinupkid.com DO NOT fill out a new background check application

Question 15

I received my background check clearance in my email, why isn't it updated in the app?

Accepted Answer

Updating your account information is a manual process and it will be updated at our earliest convenience. *Georgia (GA) teachers: we need a comprehensive satisfactory determination letter for you to start working with Upkid. A national determination letter does not fulfill this requirement.

Question 16

What do I wear to a shift?

Accepted Answer

Upkid substitutes are expected to dress in a way that is clean, comfortable, and appropriate for working with young children. Clothing should be neat, free of holes or offensive content, and allow for easy movement throughout the day. Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are recommended for safety. Personal hygiene should be maintained, and while tattoos and piercings are welcome, they should not be distracting or inappropriate for a school setting. When in doubt, choose professional and practical attire that reflects a positive presence in the classroom.

Question 17

Cell phone usage

Accepted Answer

Upkid teachers are not allowed to use their cell phones at any time while clocked into their shift. We ask that teachers have their cell phones in a purse or backpack and not on them so as to not distract from the care of children. When a teacher is on their phone, the state does not count them as a teacher, lowering the child to teacher ratio in the classroom. If you are clocked out and on break, cell phone usage is allowed. Please refrain from taking pictures or videos of any child within a classroom or child care center and do not under any circumstances post a child online.

Question 18

I just started and I am not getting shifts, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

There are a couple of things you can do to get your first shift. Check your birthday, is it correct? If you are not seeing a lot of shifts, your birthday year may be wrong indicating you are under 18 years old. Check your teacher profile. Does it list your experience in childcare and showcase why you should be hired for a shift? If not, add it! Centers want to know that you have experience in centers and will feel comfortable for the shift. Do you have a profile picture on your teacher profile? If not, add one that shows you smiling! Try to apply to shifts the morning of! Often, centers won't know they need a sub until the morning of when their teachers call out or their classrooms do not have enough teachers for their child to teacher ratio. This is a great way to find work and build a relationship with centers!

Question 19

I can't attend a shift anymore, what do I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are not able to attend a shift, please go to the homepage (home icon), select the correct date of the shift on the calendar, select the shift, scroll down and click the red cancel button. Your reliability score will drop any time you cancel a shift. Please make sure you are canceling a shift before the shift starts. When you cancel a shift, it opens the shift to other teachers to pick up so the center is not left without a sub. If you do not cancel a shift in the app, it is considered a no show and per policy, will be removed from the app.

Question 20

Reliability score

Accepted Answer

All Upkid teachers have a reliability score. When you first start on Upkid, you might see a dash mark instead, but once you complete your first shift it will start as a 10/10! If you cancel, the score will go down. But as you complete shifts you score goes back up. Lots of Upkid teachers reliability scores ebb and flow, it's normal!

Question 21

I'm going to be late to a shift due to traffic or other circumstances, what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Please communicate with the center! Let them know your ETA and what the circumstances are. If you are going to be more than 45 minutes late, please cancel the shift in the app. Please try to cancel before the shift starts so another sub can pick up the shift and the center is not left without a teacher.

Question 22

Late cancellation policy

Accepted Answer

Upkid subs are allowed 1 late cancellation per month. A late cancellation is deemed as canceling your shift within 12 hours of the start of the shift. Canceling late makes it harder for a center to find a replacement and can leave centers without a sub. Centers that partner with Upkid depend on our subs to fulfill their child to teacher ratios in the classroom and can be put in a hard situation from late cancellations.

Question 23

Why might an Upkid teacher be suspended from the platform?

Accepted Answer

Our late cancelation policy states that teachers are allowed 1 late cancelation (within 12 hours of the start of a shift) once a month. This is to encourage teachers to cancel with as much notice as possible so a center can find a replacement teacher to cover your shift. If a teacher has 2 or more late cancelations in a month, there is a suspension placed on their account which does not allow a teacher to pick up Upkid shifts. If you are sick, we highly suggest canceling the next few days to allow yourself to recover. Once you are feeling better, feel free to apply for more shifts! We do not want our teachers attending shifts while sick.

Question 24

Why might an Upkid teacher be removed from the platform?

Accepted Answer

An Upkid teacher can be removed due to too many late cancellations or because a teacher did not show up for a shift. Upkid is made aware of a no show if a teacher does not have a timecard for a shift or if a center contacts us about it. An Upkid teacher can be removed due to Upkids team discretion.

Question 25

I have a verification form I need filled out to verify employment

Accepted Answer

Upkid teachers are 1099 contractors. As such, you can verify that you work with Upkid by printing out paystubs from the app (profile icon - job history - top right corner icon). You may also put Upkid's contact information down for verification to contact@joinupkid.com or (877) 317-7740. We do not give offer letters.

Question 26

Ratings and feedback

Accepted Answer

Upkid teachers will receive ratings and written feedback from centers. Please take any feedback as a way to be a better teacher and try to be better every day! If there is a rating you do not agree with, you can contact us at contact@joinupkid.com and we will investigate. The rating will not always be removed, but we can be made aware of the situation. Centers can only see your overall star rating on your teacher profile, not the written feedback.

Question 27

What state requirements are needed?

Accepted Answer

Georgia (GA): Within 90 days of being hired with Upkid All teachers must obtain: CPR and First aid certification, 10 hr health and safety orientation training certificate. The health and safety training can be found for free at prosolutionstraining.com. CPR and first aid is often best done through the American Red Cross. Once the certifications are obtained, please upload under step #3 state requirements in the app. Utah (UT): All teachers must go through training from child care licensing. This training is found on our app and you can stop and go as you please! Arizona (AZ): Before being able to start applying for shifts all teachers must: Verify that you have had a negative TB test within the last 12 months, Verify you have certain immunizations, Upload your H.S. Transcript or college transcripts to the Upkid app.

Question 28

Where can I complete my CPR and First Aid certifications?

Accepted Answer

You can complete your CPR and First Aid certifications through a number of companies. We recommend Red-Cross, but if you have questions about if a program is acceptable, please contact us at contact@joinupkid.com.

Question 29

How do I contact the Upkid support team?

Accepted Answer

The best way to contact Upkid is via email at contact@joinupkid.com. Or feel free to text us at (877) 317-7740. If you call the Upkid team and cannot reach us, please leave a voicemail. Please remember that text or email is the best way to reach us. Please also remember we operate 9AM-5PM MST Monday through Friday. We do not work holidays or weekends.

Question 30

Can I be reimbursed for the cost of my background check?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You can be reimbursed for the cost of your background check after completing your first shift with Upkid. Please send reimbursement requests to our support line.

Question 31

What are "Journeys" in the app?

Accepted Answer

Journeys in the Upkid app are additional training to help you level-up your teaching expertise. By completing these journeys, you can earn badges and stand out to schools who view your profile.

Question 32

What is an intro call?

Accepted Answer

An intro call is a short phone call where we tell you about Upkid and see if working as a substitute teacher on our platform is the right fit for you.

Apply to Substitute Teacher Lead

Substitute Teacher Lead

Frequently asked questions