Upkid

Upkid operates a marketplace and mobile app that connects early childhood education programs — daycares, preschools, after-school programs, care centers and licensed family programs — with teachers seeking full-time or flexible substitute work. Childcare providers create a free account, post open shifts with their requirements, review applications from local teachers and select a substitute; teachers clock in and out through the app and are paid through Upkid, which the company says removes W-2 and related paperwork for the center.

On the teacher side, Upkid positions itself as a route into flexible childcare work with no prior experience required, offering an onboarding and verification process that qualifies candidates to substitute at childcare programs and pay issued shortly after shifts are worked. Teachers on the platform are interviewed, background checked and trained, and Upkid states they meet state licensing requirements; the company also maintains records of paperwork, trainings and hours/days worked on behalf of providers. Beyond substitute coverage, Upkid supports permanent hiring for roles such as lead teachers, and providers can reserve coverage up to about three months in advance.

Business model

Two-sided staffing marketplace: childcare programs sign up free and post shifts, teachers apply and work them, and payment for shifts is processed through the Upkid platform, with Upkid acting as the employer-of-record-style intermediary handling paperwork and time tracking.

Providers pay for completed shifts through Upkid rather than directly employing the substitute; account creation and posting are described as free.

Traction

The Android app has surpassed 10,000 downloads and was updated as of June 2026. A customer testimonial from the owner of A to Z Building Blocks describes ongoing use of Upkid for temporary staffing.

Latest developments

An app update noted an improved teacher onboarding experience (listing updated June 2026).