We will explain to you exactly where you have to submit your documents in order to then be able to work as an educator in German daycare centers.
It's no secret that there is a shortage of staff in German daycare centers. The situation is getting worse every year. Many trained educators leave their profession because they see no other prospects. Employers are resorting to alternative methods to find staff, including hiring recruitment agencies to attract suitable specialists in a timely manner. However, the challenge arises that educators who have completed their training or studies abroad need recognition in order to be able to practice their profession as educators in Germany. In some federal states such as Bavaria, there are facilitations that speed up the filling of vacancies. However, in other federal states this is more difficult.
Many educational professionals who come from abroad or live in Germany are wondering where exactly they have to start in order to have their qualifications recognized so that they can practice their profession in kindergarten, daycare or after-school care .
For us as an agency, the profession of "childhood educator", "educator", "childcare worker" and "curative educator" is of enormous social importance. It represents not only a job title, but also a true calling. We have therefore summarized the most important things here, what and where every educator must do in order to have their qualifications recognized in Germany, for all those who are important to us.
Certificate assessment for foreign university qualifications via the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) in Bonn
What is a certificate evaluation?
A certificate evaluation is an official document from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) that describes a foreign university qualification and its possible professional and academic uses be certified.
A certificate evaluation from the ZAB is intended to make it easier for you to access the German job market with a foreign university qualification. It is a comparative classification, but not a recognition.
How long does the procedure take?
It usually takes three to four months if you have submitted your documents correctly and completely from the start. However, this is rarely the case as something is usually missing or not prepared properly. It can then take several months until you receive the notification.
When and why do I need a certificate evaluation via ZAB?
The certificate evaluation states the level of the German educational qualification with which your foreign qualification is comparable, and also provides information about options for continuing your studies, about the legal basis for degree management and about the procedures for professional recognition."
The decision from the ZAB itself does not constitute recognition of your qualification. In this decision you will receive information about which job title you can apply for recognition for. You can check with the relevant authority whether you need recognition and, if necessary, apply for it. Or we would be happy to help you find the fastest way to your dream job as an educator without wasting valuable time.
In order to answer the question of when and why you need a certificate evaluation by the ZAB, we first need to know where you want to work, what exactly you have studied and where you obtained your degree. In certain situations, you can avoid the long wait for the certificate to be evaluated and shorten the recognition process. It's best to let us decide this individually.
Professional suitability as a specialist or supplementary worker through ZBFS in Bavaria
Where and when do I need the qualification assessment from ZBFS?
Here is the official information from Websiteof the ZBFS:
A distinction must be made between state recognition and institution-specific recognition of professional suitability as a specialist or supplementary worker in a Bavarian daycare facility.
The respective youth welfare office usually checks whether an applicant has the necessary professional qualifications to work as a specialist or supplementary worker in a specific daycare center in accordance with Section 16 Paragraph 6 of the Children's Education Ordinance (AVBayKiBiG).The youth welfare office should follow the entries in the so-called Kita-Berufeliste of the Bavarian State youth welfare office.
On Application can be submitted to the Bavarian State Youth Office A non-binding assessment of the professional or study qualification can be made.
This assessment provides information about whether an applicant can work as a specialist or supplementary worker in a daycare center for one, several or all care areas (nursery, kindergarten, after-school care, integrative groups) or not.
More specifically, this assessment provides information about what (educator or childcare worker) you are allowed to work in and in which area (kindergarten, crèche or after-school care). Thanks to our many years of experience as a personnel agency, we have our own database with various combinations of degrees and the corresponding professional qualifications. We are always happy when someone has already received the evaluation from the ZBFS, but we also check individually based on their personal situation whether someone needs this evaluation or not, as the process these days often takes more than six months.
What is the right path to state recognition as an educator?
First you have to decide on a state or location where you would like to practice the profession. It is best if you start collecting the necessary documents before you enter Germany. You can find a list of the required documents on the Website of the respective responsible authority.
You can also apply for recognition from your home country if you have someone in Germany who can send and receive your documents. However, please note that once the notice is received, you will need to make a decision as to whether you want to complete the process. You may be required to take an additional exam or complete an adaptation course at a daycare center. The processing time until receipt of the decision can also be over six months. It is therefore advisable to use the time to learn and improve the German language, as without the necessary knowledge you cannot receive state recognition as an educator.
We would be happy to advise you on how you should proceed to apply for state recognition. Simply write us an email to info@kita-job.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram, and send Send us a message.
What does state recognition as an educator give me? Am I making more money?
State recognition opens all doors for you and gives you access to daycare centers throughout Germany. It makes the recruitment process easier and speeds up the filling of vacant positions in the daycare centers. State-recognized educators are in high demand and usually have priority over applicants with foreign qualifications. You don't necessarily get a raise just because of recognition. However, if your employer is concerned that you will leave if you don't get a raise, you may be offered better compensation for this reason. However, the possibility of an additional bonus depends on the current staffing situation in the facility.
With state recognition you also have the opportunity to strive for and fill a position as a daycare center manager.
We will be happy to tell you how best to proceed to receive recognition and what you can do once you have received recognition.
Don't miss out on any advantages and benefit from every situation by clarifying with us whether you might be with the right employer and whether you could have better working conditions and entry opportunities at another position.
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