INCA Education around the world
Germany : Initial Teacher Training
7.1.1 Control
7.1.2 Types of training courses and institutions
7.1.2.1 Admissions
7.1.3 Trainers
7.1.4 Curriculum for initial teacher training
7.1.5 Qualifications and standards
7.1.5.1 Qualifications and entitlement to teach 7.1.5.2 Probationary periods
7.1.5.2 Probationary periods
7.1.6 Post-qualification induction periods
Please note that the initial teacher training sections of the website were originally funded by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). They have not been updated since March 2009 and the information provided in them may have been superseded.
7.1 First phase, pre-compulsory education, ages 3-6 [see 3.2.1]
Teaching staff in the German pre-school sector do not have the training and status of teachers, and are mainly state-recognised youth or childcare workers (Erzieher).79
7.1.1 Control
Training of teaching staff for all types of pre-school establishments is regulated by Land legislation.79
7.1.2 Types of training courses and institutions
Teaching staff in the German pre-school sector do not have the training and status of teachers in other sectors. Pre-school teaching staff are trained at Fachschulen for youth and community work, which are upper secondary level institutions. Training lasts two to three years, comprising classes at the Fachschule on a full-time basis and vocational practice at youth and community work establishments.79 See section 7.1.2.1. in addition.
Some pre-school staff (especially those in senior positions) have a degree from a Fachhochschule and are known as Sozialpädagogen. This training comprises either:
- A six-semester course of study at a higher education institution and one year of practical training, or
- An eight-semester course of study with two integrated semesters of work experience (Praxissemester).79
Auxiliary staff, especially nursery assistants (Kinderpflegerinnen), are employed in the pre-school sector alongside qualified youth or childcare workers (Erzieher) and graduate youth and community workers (Sozialpädagogen). In most Länder these staff attend a two-year training course at Berufsfachschulen (full-time vocational schools).79
7.1.2.1 Admissions
The entry requirement for training is a mittlerer Schulabschluss (certificate usually awarded on successful completion of Year 10 of compulsory education, aged around 16) plus, either a relevant vocational training qualification which took at least two years to acquire, or two years' experience in a relevant occupation. Consequently, the complete training period for childcare workers is four to five years.79
7.1.3 Trainers
Those responsible for training pre-school staff are usually expected to be qualified vocational school teachers who have specialised in, for example, youth and community work or in nursing. The extent to which practising pre-school staff are involved in pre-service training varies from Land to Land.79
7.1.4 Curriculum for initial teacher training
NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT PRESENT.
7.1.5 Qualifications and standards
7.1.5.1 Qualifications and entitlement
Pre-school staff are appointed by the relevant maintaining bodies (local authorities, church organisations and non-public bodies) as salaried employees. A wide range of further training options is also available to qualified youth or childcare workers (Erzieher) and graduate youth and community workers (Sozialpädagogen) to enable them to extend their professional skills, to master new demands in their occupations, to obtain further qualifications, and to specialise in new areas.79
See section 7.1.2 in addition.
7.1.5.2 Probationary periods
NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT PRESENT.
7.1.6 Post-qualification induction periods
NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT PRESENT.
