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.

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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
• Hochschulzugangsberechtigung
• Medium school-leaving certificate with authorization to attend the Gymnasiale Oberstufe (only at vocational grammar schools)

The upper school supervisory authority may, for a limited period until the 2030/31 school year, approve deviations from the admission requirements in accordance with Section 28 (1) for an applicant in the subject area of social pedagogy upon application for borderline cases. The requirements are

• a first school-leaving certificate, successful completion of relevant vocational training and proof of at least three years of relevant full-time professional activity or
• a first school-leaving certificate, successful completion of non-relevant vocational training and proof of five years of relevant full-time professional activity.

In addition, a statement from the head of the technical college is required, which provides an assessment of the applicant's professional aptitude for the course. The entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences cannot be acquired."

The entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences is acquired upon completion of the educator training course; in the case of graduation from a vocational grammar school, the general higher education entrance qualification is acquired.

In the educator training course, it is also possible to have skills acquired at a university of applied sciences credited on a flat-rate basis on the basis of the "ReziprAn" decree and to shorten the training course 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.

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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 degree course.

Do you already have a degree and are considering a reorientation? Then also visit our page on cross-entry!