How We Vet Our Educators: The SOS Recruitment Process

When it comes to early childhood education, and childcare recruitment, we know that your educators can make all the difference. At Save Our Service (SOS), our bread and butter is connecting childcare centres with educators who are not only qualified, but have a genuine passion in what they do.

So, how do we ensure every educator we send your way is someone you can rely on? It all comes down to our recruitment and onboarding process.

Let’s take you behind the scenes.

Step 1: Pre-Screening each applicant

Before anything else, we get to know the educator through an interview. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s our chance to find out what drives them, where they shine, and how they handle real-world situations in a childcare setting.

We ask about their experience, availability, knowledge of frameworks like EYLF and NQF/NQS, and child protection practices. We even walk through scenarios to get a feel for their judgment and approach.

By the time we hang up, we have a pretty good sense of whether they’re a great fit for our centres, and yours.

Step 2: Reference Checks

Every educator we work with must provide two references: one professional, one personal. We don’t just collect names, we follow up with detailed questions about their reliability, work ethic, and how they interact with children and teams.

This step helps us make sure we’re recommending educators who don’t just look good on paper, but genuinely perform on the job.

Step 3: Paperwork? We’ve Got It Covered

We know how important compliance is in this industry. That’s why we collect and track every essential document, including:

  • Working With Children Check and Visa Check
  • Verifying authenticity of qualifications
  • Identification checks
  • Signed contracts, code of conduct and job descriptions

Our automated system keeps track of expiry dates, so we’re always on top of compliance, and you don’t need to worry about chasing expired documents.

Step 4: A Proper Induction

Before their first shift, every educator attends a thorough induction. It covers everything from how to use the SOS app, to attendance and cancellation policies, to what’s expected in terms of professionalism.

We also walk through key safety and child protection protocols, like reportable conduct, grievance procedures, and active supervision. This means your centre doesn’t have to start from scratch every time a new educator walks through the door, they’re already across the essentials.

We Don’t Disappear After the First Shift

Our job doesn’t stop once an educator is placed. We check in regularly, collect feedback from your team, offer support when needed, and regular coaching and professional development opportunities. We also keep an eye on compliance and make sure qualifications stay up to date.

It’s all part of building long-term, trusted relationships, with both educators and the centres we support.

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, it’s about trust. When you book an SOS educator, you know you’re getting someone who is vetted, trained, and supported every step of the way.

We do the heavy lifting, so you can focus on what matters most: creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for the children in your care.

Looking for an educator you can count on? Get in touch with our team today, we’d love to help.