
Training paths
Childcare training
The two-year training course to become a state-certified childcare worker is aimed at people with a first school leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss). Those who successfully complete the training can also begin further training to become a state-certified educator.
Childcare workers work in daycare facilities, particularly with children over the age of three.
Educator training
The generally three-year training or further training to become a state-recognized educator is aimed at people with
- a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife) and a relevant vocational qualification, e.g. as a childcare worker or social assistant.
- Completion of the higher vocational school for social services or the technical secondary school for social services
- University entrance qualification
- Medium school-leaving certificate with entitlement to attend the upper secondary school level (only at vocational grammar schools)
Upon completion of the educator training, the entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences is acquired, in the case of graduation from a vocational grammar school the general higher education entrance qualification.
In the case of educator training, it is also possible to have skills acquired at a higher education institution credited across the board on the basis of the "ReziprAn" decree and to shorten the training by one year.
State-recognized educators work in daycare facilities with children of all ages and can also take on management tasks in the future.
Study
There are various pedagogically oriented degree courses that enable students to work in childcare facilities. Courses in "Childhood Education" prepare students in particular for working with pre-school children and for particularly demanding and managerial positions in daycare facilities. The prerequisite for admission to a course of study is an entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or a general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur). The duration and scope of the course can vary depending on the course.
Lateral entry
Do you already have a degree and are considering a reorientation? Then also visit our page on cross-entry!