Are you interested in children and would like to gain your first experience in the educational field? A voluntary social year (FSJ) in a kindergarten could be just the thing for you! In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the FSJ, its advantages and what to expect.
What is an FSJ? The voluntary social year is an excellent opportunity to get involved in social activities after school and at the same time gain valuable experience for your future career. In kindergarten, the FSJ offers you the chance to experience the everyday life of an educational institution first hand.
The voluntary social year (FSJ) is a state-supported education and orientation program for young people between the ages of 16 and 26. It offers the opportunity to get involved in social activities after school or before university and at the same time gain valuable experience for your professional future. In kindergarten, the FSJ allows you to experience the everyday life of an educational institution first hand.
Important aspects of the FSJ:
Legal basis: The FSJ is regulated by the Youth Volunteer Services Act (JFDG), which sets out the framework conditions and rights of volunteers.
Areas of application: In addition to kindergarten, there are many other possible applications in the social sector, such as retirement homes, hospitals, facilities for people with disabilities or youth facilities.
Educational character: The FSJ is designed as an educational year. In addition to the practical work, you will take part in around 25 seminar days that serve as reflection and further training.
Support: During your voluntary social year, you will be accompanied by educational specialists who will be available to you as contact persons and support you in your personal development.
Recognition: The FSJ is recognized in many areas, e.g. as a waiting semester for certain courses of study, as a preparatory internship for training or to fulfill compulsory service (as a replacement for former community service).
Flexibility: You can complete the FSJ full-time or part-time (at least 20.5 hours per week), depending on the agreement with your placement agency.
International FSJ: There is also the possibility of completing an FSJ abroad, which offers additional intercultural experience.
Difference to the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD): The FSJ is aimed specifically at young people and has a stronger educational focus, while the BFD is open to all age groups.
Application process: You apply either directly to a placement agency or to a provider who will then place you in a suitable facility.
Certificate: After completing the voluntary social year, you will receive a certificate attesting to your commitment and the skills you have acquired. This can be very valuable for future applications.
In kindergarten, the FSJ offers you the unique opportunity to accompany the development of children,to learn about educational concepts and to discover and develop your own skills in dealing with children. You will become part of a team of specialists and can experience the profession of kindergarten teacher first hand.
Duration and general conditions:
· An FSJ usually lasts 12 months, but can be shortened or extended to 6 to 18 months.
· You work full-time, usually 38.5 to 40 hours per week.
· The holiday entitlement is at least 24 working days per year.
· You have social insurance (health, pension, accident and unemployment insurance).
Advantages of an FSJ in kindergarten:
1. Practical experience in working with children
2. Insight into the profession of educator
3. Personal and professional development
4. Opportunity for career orientation
5. Recognition as a waiting semester or preparatory internship for educational degree courses
6. Development of soft skills such as teamwork, communication and sense of responsibility
7. Education days and seminars for further training
FSJ salary and financial aspects:
During your voluntary social year, you will receive a monthly allowance, which is referred to as the FSJ salary. The amount varies depending on the federal state, provider and place of work. Here is detailed information for Bavaria, Munich and Berlin:
General rule:
The FSJ salary is generally between 300 and 450 euros per month nationwide.
It is stipulated by law that pocket money may not exceed 6% of the contribution assessment ceiling in the general pension insurance scheme (2024: maximum 441 euros).
Bavaria:
In Bavaria, the average FSJ salary is between 330 and 400 euros per month.
Many providers in Bavaria offer additional benefits in addition to pocket money, such as food allowances or travel allowances.
Munich:
In Munich, where the cost of living is higher, the FSJ salary is often at the upper end of the scale.
Some providers in Munich pay up to 420 euros pocket money per month.
Due to the high rental costs, some placement sites in Munich offer additional accommodation support or a rental subsidy.
Berlin:
In Berlin, the FSJ salary varies between 320 and 430 euros per month, depending on the provider.
Some Berlin providers offer a staggered model in which the pocket money increases over the course of the year.
In Berlin there are often additional benefits such as a discounted public transport ticket or food subsidies.
Additional financial aspects:
Meals: Many placement sites offer free meals during working hours or pay a meal allowance (approx. 50-100 euros per month).
Accommodation: Some providers provide free accommodation or grant a rental subsidy (particularly relevant in large cities such as Munich and Berlin).
Travel expenses: The costs for travel to the place of deployment are often reimbursed or a travel allowance is paid.
Work clothes: If necessary, these are usually provided by the place of work.
Seminars and training days: The costs for the compulsory training seminars are covered by the provider.
Further financial benefits:
Child benefit: Parents are still entitled to child benefit during the voluntary social year.
Social insurance: You are covered by social insurance during your voluntary social year (health, pension, accident and unemployment insurance).
Tax allowance: The FSJ salary is tax-free up to a certain limit.
Financial planning tips:
Check with different carriers for exact conditions, as these may vary.
When planning, take into account the cost of living at the location, especially in expensive cities like Munich.
Find out about possible additional support services, especially if you have to move for the FSJ.
Please note that the FSJ salary is intended as pocket money and is usually not sufficient for a completely independent lifestyle.
It is important to stress that the FSJ is primarily a period of education and orientation. The salary should enable you to have this valuable experience without getting into financial difficulties. The personal and professional experience you gain during the FSJ is often more valuable than the monetary aspect.
Your tasks in the FSJ Kindergarten:
· Support of educational professionals in everyday group life
· Participation in the design of games and craft activities
· Accompanying excursions and projects
· Assistance with meal preparation
· Support with nursing activities
· Documentation of children’s developmental progress
· Participation in team meetings and parents’ evenings
Requirements for an FSJ in kindergarten:
Age:
Basically, you should be at least 16 years old.
In some federal states, such as Bavaria, the age limit is 17 years.
Some providers require a minimum age of 18, especially in large cities such as Berlin or Hamburg.
There is an upper age limit of 26 years (at the start of the FSJ).
Educational requirements:
Compulsory full-time schooling must be completed (9 or 10 years of schooling depending on the federal state).
A specific school qualification is not mandatory, but many providers prefer at least a secondary school qualification.
Good written and spoken German skills are important for communicating with children, parents and colleagues.
Personal characteristics and skills:
Strong interest in working with children and their development.
Social commitment and the willingness to take on responsibility.
Empathy, patience and emotional stability.
Ability to work in a team and strong communication skills.
Creativity and joy in playing and crafting.
Physical and mental resilience.
Reliability and punctuality.
Extended police clearance certificate:
This is a legal requirement for everyone who works with children.
The extended certificate of good conduct must be applied for at the local registration authority.
It must not be older than three months at the start of employment.
The costs are usually borne by the provider or the place of deployment.
Health requirements:
A health certificate or certificate of health fitness may be required.
Current vaccinations, especially against measles, are often a prerequisite (since 2020 Measles Protection Act).
A certain level of physical fitness is an advantage, as work in a kindergarten can also be physically demanding.
Legal requirements:
The same requirements apply to EU citizens as to German citizens.
Non-EU citizens require a valid residence permit and work permit.
Additional qualifications (not mandatory, but advantageous):
First aid course, ideally with a focus on children.
Experience in child and youth work (e.g. babysitting, youth group leadership).
Class B driving license may be useful in some establishments.
Personal preparation:
Willingness for self-reflection and personal development.
Openness to new experiences and willingness to learn.
Ability to deal with criticism constructively.
Awareness of responsibility when dealing with children.
Obligation to participate in educational opportunities:
Willingness to attend the prescribed seminar days (usually 25 days per year).
Openness to continuous training during the voluntary social year.
Data protection and confidentiality:
Willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement.
Sensitivity in handling personal data of children and families.
How to apply for an FSJ in kindergarten:
1. Get information from organizations such as the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, Caritas or the German Red Cross
2. Choose a location near you
3. Send your application documents to the provider or the placement site
4. Prepare for a personal interview
Tips for asuccessful application :
· Start your search early, ideally 6-12 months before your desired start date
· In your motivation letter, highlight your interest in working with children
· Mention relevant experience (e.g. babysitting, youth groups)
· Show your willingness to take responsibility and work in a team
After the FSJ: A voluntary social year in kindergarten can open many doors for you:
· Better chances of getting a training position as an educator
· Easier access to educational courses
· Possible shortening of training time in social professions
· Valuable references for future applications
A voluntary social year in a kindergarten not only offers you the opportunity to get involved socially, but also to gain valuable insights into the world of education. With the FSJ salary, the experience you gain and the skills you acquire, you lay a solid foundation for your professional future. Take advantage of this opportunity and start your adventure in a kindergarten!
Find your perfect voluntary social year in kindergarten with our help!
Are you excited about the idea of doing an FSJ in a kindergarten, but don't know exactly where to start? Don't worry, we're here for you! As an experienced recruitment agency specializing in the educational sector, we're happy to support you in your search for the perfect FSJ position.
We look forward to accompanying you on your path to the voluntary social year and giving you the best possible start in the world of education. Register now and take the first step towards an exciting future!
Your Kita-Job Team
Vladislava Ivanova
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