Since 2019, Erzieherakademie Heilbronn has been offering innovative training programmes for prospective Early Years Educators and Early Years Assistants, working in partnership with the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and aim. As a state-recognised independent school, it combines practice-oriented learning with contemporary pedagogy on the modern Bildungscampus in the heart of Heilbronn.
There are many different approaches in education, and everyone can find their own path. That is why we place great importance on giving our students the chance to try out different methods and gain valuable experience.
Our training concept is aimed at school leavers from all educational backgrounds – from lower and intermediate secondary schools through to grammar schools and two-year vocational colleges. Working professionals who have already completed vocational training and are looking for a new direction are also very welcome.
Teaching is delivered by experienced educational professionals who themselves come from early years practice and share their knowledge, ideas and broad experience with our students.
2BFSA
With a lower secondary school leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss), you can begin training as an Early Years Assistant (German qualification: Sozialpädagogische Assistenz). The programme comprises two years of tuition with no school fees, followed by a paid, one-year practical placement. For the school-based part, you need a placement in a social-pedagogical or early years setting. After successfully completing this programme, you can progress directly to the practice-integrated training to become an Early Years Educator (PiA).
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1BKSP
With an intermediate secondary school leaving certificate (Mittlerer Schulabschluss), training to become a state-recognised Early Years Educator begins with a one-year Vocational College for Social Pedagogy (1BKSP). This year lays the foundations for the subsequent practice-integrated training (PiA). The curriculum covers topics such as pedagogy, psychology and the professional requirements of the role. Alongside their studies, trainees gain initial hands-on experience in a nursery or similar setting two days a week, excluding school holidays.
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PiA
The three-year training programme to become a state-recognised early years educator combines theory and practice in alternating blocks of two to three months. During these phases, trainees either attend classes at the academy or complete practical training in a nursery. Unlike the traditional training route, there is no additional recognition year at the end, so graduates can move straight into working life. Another advantage is that the programme includes additional qualifications which are acquired automatically along the way.
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Additional qualifications
As part of the practice-integrated training, all students acquire one of three additional qualifications in their second year of training. These are offered in cooperation with Phorms Education and aim. The following additional qualifications are available: Phorms European Early Years Educator, aim Language Educator or experimenta STEM Early Years Educator.
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