What are the tasks of an educator?

"Anyone who becomes an educator has finished with their life." You keep hearing these weird phrases, but why? Educators play a central role in the care and support of children. In other words, they play a central role in raising children alongside their parents. Especially in kindergarten, they not only take care of the little ones' everyday lives, but also their personal and social development. But what exactly does this job involve? In this article, we will give you an overview of the tasks and career opportunities as an educator.

Your daily tasks as a kindergarten teacher

Everyday life as a kindergarten teacher is varied and more demanding than some people think. Here are some of the typical tasks:

• Care and support for children: You accompany children through their day and support them in learning, playing and socializing.
• Planning activities: Creative games, craft projects or excursions - as an educator, you ensure that the children have a variety of experiences.
• Observation and documentation: In order to promote the children's development, you observe them regularly and document any progress or challenges.
• Teaching independence: Children are encouraged to do things independently, such as getting dressed, eating or resolving conflicts.
• Communication with parents: You are often the interface between parents and children and provide information about progress or special features.

Would you like to know how much you can earn in this profession? Take a look at our article "How much does a nursery school teacher earn?".

In addition to the daily tasks, there are also special activities that can vary depending on the daycare center or concept:

• Integration and inclusion: Educators in inclusive daycare centers support children with special needs and ensure an inclusive environment.
• Language promotion: Especially in daycare centers with a high proportion of multilingual children, the promotion of the German language is one of the focal points.
• Project work: Some daycare centers work with specific projects, such as nature education, musical education or technical experiments.
• Hygiene and health: You make sure that the children learn how important hygiene and healthy eating are.

These tasks may vary depending on the federal state and daycare center concept. Therefore, use official sources to obtain comprehensive information.

Similar to the job of a team assistant, which often places a large focus on organization and communication, there are many overlaps in the area of responsibility

How do you become an educator?

In order to work as an educator in a kindergarten, you usually need training. However, the path can vary from state to state. Here are the typical steps:

1. School requirements: Usually an intermediate school-leaving certificate (Realschule).
2. Training to become an educator: This usually takes 2 to 5 years, depending on the federal state and training provider.
3. Internships and practical phases: During your training, you will gain a lot of practical experience in daycare centers or other childcare facilities.

Some people also switch from other professions to become an educator. If you would like to work part-time, you can find helpful tips in our article on "well-paid part-time jobs in Germany".

Career opportunities as an educator even without training

In some cases, you can work in a daycare center even without a degree. For example, it is possible to work as an assistant by supporting educators in their day-to-day work, particularly with administrative tasks. Another option is to start as a career changer. Many daycare centers offer special programs that gradually qualify you during your employment and prepare you for the profession.

Find your job as an educator with WorkerHero

Working as an educator is varied and fulfilling - an honorable profession. You accompany children on their journey and shape their future. If you are still looking for a job, WorkerHero is the perfect platform for you. We support you in your job search, even if you don't yet speak perfect German.

Whether you're new to Germany or looking for a career change, with WorkerHero you'll not only find suitable jobs, but also helpful information about the job market. Get started with us now!