New training as a kindergarten specialist – salzburg.ORF.at
TRAINING
A new course is intended to make it easier for long-time assistants in kindergartens to become specialists. In this way, people without a high school diploma should also be offered a career opportunity. The state of Salzburg wants to expand the course in order to attract more specialists.
Previously, elementary education training was only possible through a higher school – formerly known as BAKIP, today BAFEP – or through a college. While the Matura is a prerequisite for the college, it does not have to be imitated for the new “Course for Early Childhood Specialists”.
“It’s possible to switch here without having to graduate from high school. The only thing we require is that you already have experience in an institution. This course for additional pedagogical staff and the training for childminders are the only entry requirements for the new course,” says Sebastian Wirnsberger from the Salzburg Center for Kindergarten Education.
“Specialists for toddler groups under the age of three”
“With the training you can take on more responsibility in your job and also earn more,” emphasizes Wirnsberger. “Anyone who successfully completes this course is entitled to work as a group leader in a small group, i.e. with children under the age of three. And in the meantime we have also been able to achieve a salary scheme that is slightly below the salary of a BAFEP graduate, but significantly higher than that for additional staff.
In 2022, 15 people started the course. The state wants to expand the program – 25 places per year are planned in the future.