Choosing the right employer is an important decision for educators that involves many aspects. A private kindergarten offers an interesting alternative to public institutions, but what are the advantages and disadvantages?
This article examines the various aspects of private kindergartens from the perspective of educators and provides valuable decision-making assistance.
The essentials in brief:
Advantages:
Individual support and smaller groups: Better support through smaller groups.
Salary and benefits: Above-average pay and benefits compared to public institutions.
Modern equipment and innovative concepts: access to new teaching methods and materials.
Career and training opportunities: Opportunities for professional development.
Flexibility and co-determination: influence on educational concepts and working hours.
Disadvantages:
Testimonials:
Positive experiences: Individual support, modern concepts, opportunities to participate in the design process.
Challenges: High pressure and workload, but doable with the right strategies.
Decision support:
What to look for: Financial stability of the provider, working conditions, training opportunities.
Tips for applications: Prepare well, ask specific questions, communicate your expectations clearly.
Overview of private kindergartens
Private Kindergarten - Definition
Private kindergartens are educational institutions that are not financed and run by the state, but by private providers, organizations or individuals. They are often characterized by specific educational concepts and greater flexibility in the organization of everyday kindergarten life.
Differences to public kindergartens
While public kindergartens are financed through state funds and are subject to certain regulations, private kindergartens have more freedom in implementing their concepts. This can be noticeable in various areas such as group size, equipment and educational offerings.
The difference between private and public kindergartens as employers can be observed in several aspects, including funding, working conditions, salaries, pedagogical approaches and general work culture.
Here are the main differences:
Financing and sponsorship
Public kindergarten : Mainly financed through state funds. It is usually run by municipal, city or state authorities.
Private kindergarten : Is financed through private funds. It can be run by individuals, companies, churches or non-profit organizations.
Salaries and financial incentives
Public kindergarten : Salaries are often standardized and based on collective agreements, such as the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD). There are often regulated opportunities for advancement and additional social benefits.
Private Kindergarten : Salaries may vary as they are not always covered by collective agreements. Some private institutions pay above average to attract qualified staff, while others may pay less.
Working conditions and safety
Public kindergarten : Usually offer secure jobs with permanent contracts and clear rules regarding working hours, vacation and maternity protection.
Private kindergarten : Working conditions can vary greatly. Some private institutions offer flexible working hours and innovative educational concepts, while others may be less stable and secure.
Pedagogical approaches and flexibility
Public kindergarten : Often have to comply with state educational plans and standards. The educational approach can therefore be less flexible and more regulated.
Private kindergarten : Can have more freedom in designing their educational concept. This often allows for more innovative and specialized approaches, e.g. Montessori, Waldorf or bilingual education.
Further training and continuing education opportunities
Public kindergarten : Often offer standardized continuing education programs that are supported by the public sector.
Private kindergarten : May have different training options depending on the resources and priorities of the institution.
Work culture and collegiality
Public kindergarten : The work culture can be more formal, with clear hierarchies and structures. Teamwork is characterized by fixed processes and regulations.
Private Kindergarten : The work culture can vary; some may have a family-like and flexible atmosphere, others may have a strict and results-oriented culture.
Advantages of private kindergartens as employers
Individual care and smaller groups: A private kindergarten often has smaller groups, which allows for more individual care of the children. This can make the daily work of the educators easier and give them more time for each child.
Modern equipment and innovative concepts: Many private institutions place great value on modern educational approaches and innovative teaching methods. This gives educators the opportunity to work with new materials and concepts, which makes their work more varied and exciting.
Career and further training opportunities: Private kindergartens often offer a wide range of opportunities for professional development. Educators can take part in further training and courses that open up new perspectives and opportunities for advancement.
Flexibility and co-determination: In private kindergartens, educators often have more influence on the design of the educational concept and the organization of everyday kindergarten life. This co-determination can increase job satisfaction and contribute to a better working atmosphere.
Disadvantages of private kindergartens as employers
Higher demands and expectations: The pressure from parents and providers can be higher in private kindergartens. Educators often have to meet high expectations and constantly develop themselves in order to meet the demands.
Workload and working hours: Overtime and a high level of responsibility can put a strain on everyday work. In some private institutions, educators may have to work more than in public kindergartens.
Job security: Dependence on the economic situation and demand for childcare places can affect job security in private kindergartens. Educators should find out about the financial stability of the provider.
In summary, the choice between a private and a public kindergarten as an employer depends largely on individual preferences and priorities. Public kindergartens offer more security and standardized conditions, while private kindergartens can often offer more flexibility and innovative pedagogical approaches.
Testimonials from educators
Educators who work in private kindergartens often have different opinions and experiences, which can be both positive and negative.
Some teachers report positive experiences in private kindergartens. They value the individual care, the modern educational concepts and the opportunity to actively participate in shaping the day-to-day life of the kindergarten, as well as the above-average remuneration.
Other educators point to challenges such as high pressure and workload. Nevertheless, many of them find ways to deal with these problems and manage their work successfully.
"Private kindergartens are better equipped than public facilities, which makes the working environment more pleasant. In some cases, private kindergartens offer higher salaries and better social benefits."
"Parents in private kindergartens are more involved and supportive."
"In some private institutions, management can be very tight and bureaucratic, which can limit pedagogical freedom. Despite smaller groups, the workload can be high, especially when high standards need to be maintained."
"Private kindergartens may be less financially stable than public ones, which can affect job security."
Decision support and recommendations
What should educators actually pay attention to?
When choosing an employer, educators should consider the financial stability of the provider, working conditions and opportunities for professional development. Talking to current employees can also provide valuable insight.
Tips for the application and the interview
Educators should prepare well for the interview and ask specific questions about the working conditions and the educational concepts. Their own expectations and wishes should also be clearly communicated.
Private kindergartens offer educators many advantages, such as individual care, modern educational concepts and opportunities for participation. However, there are also disadvantages, such as higher requirements, possible differences in salary and social benefits and less job security. Careful consideration and thorough research are therefore important in order to make the right decision.
The Kita-Job team will be happy to help you choose and make the right decision. Thanks to our insider information and expertise, you get an objective partner who can give you professional advice on every aspect. Send us an email or just give us a call and we will discuss your career opportunities individually.
Your Kita-Job Team
Vladislava Ivanova
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