Englisch 
Deutsch Who benefits from the Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education – Leadership and Management?
The distance learning programme is aimed at experienced educators, curative education nurses, as well as educational professionals with completed training who wish to specifically qualify for leadership and management tasks in day-care centres, crèches, or other early childhood education institutions. It primarily addresses professionals who are aiming for the next career step in the fields of leadership, organisation, personnel and quality management and want to scientifically underpin their practical experience.
What formal requirements must you meet?
For enrolment, the following admission requirements must be proven:
- Completed vocational training as a state-recognised educator or curative education nurse or an equivalent pedagogical initial qualification (e.g. curative educator, social pedagogue, social worker, primary school teacher)
- At least 12 months of relevant professional experience in education, pedagogy or social pedagogy (for example recognition year, voluntary service, internships or employment in educational institutions)
A school-leaving certificate qualifying for university entrance (Abitur) or a university of applied sciences entrance qualification is not required. Access is practice-oriented – the selection criteria exclusively consider professional qualifications and experience; there is no numerus clausus (NC).
Personally, you should be willing to take on leadership responsibilities, interested in management tasks and organisation, and open to scientific work in your professional field. Additionally beneficial are communicative skills, self-motivation for independent study, team spirit, willingness to reflect and resilience in part-time studies. Ideally, you have basic knowledge in using digital learning platforms and a high degree of self-organisation in order to manage the workload of around 20–25 hours per week alongside your professional activity.
What topics are the focus of the Early Childhood Education – Leadership and Management degree programme?
In the distance learning programme „Early Childhood Education – Leadership and Management in Early Childhood Education“ you learn how to manage and professionally steer educational institutions for children. You deepen your skills in the following subject areas:
- Pedagogical Fundamentals & Developmental Processes: Analysis and promotion of educational and learning processes in young children, including designing offerings for different age groups and sensitivity to diversity, values and inclusion.
- Observation and Diagnostics: Systematic observation, documentation and pedagogical diagnostics to support children individually as well as the development and implementation of support concepts based on the educational curricula of the federal states.
- Leadership, Management & Organisation: Development and implementation of guiding principles, concepts and quality management for nurseries, day care centres and after-school care facilities. This includes basics of business administration, personnel management, controlling and public relations.
- Professional Conduct, Law & Cooperation: Competences in communication, team leadership, conflict resolution, legal fundamentals of social, educational and labour law as well as cooperation with parents, sponsors and specialist agencies.
- Scientific Work: Methodological competence for sound analysis, reflection and solution development for pedagogical and organisational issues.
The curriculum combines scientific foundation with practical orientation and specifically prepares you for responsible positions in the management of early childhood institutions. A 100-day practical phase – also possible at your own workplace – ensures application relevance and promotes the implementation of what you have learned in everyday professional life.
How does the distance learning programme Early Childhood Education – Leadership and Management proceed?
The degree programme spans five semesters and is designed for part-time study alongside work. You should plan about 20 to 25 hours per week for working on the study content. The start of the programme is normally possible in April and October, an individual lateral entry during the semester is also possible after assessment.
- The teaching content is delivered via the online campus with digital study booklets, e-learning elements and live online seminars. Alternatively, you can attend face-to-face seminars at selected study centres.
- In each semester, interactive seminars take place on 12 to 14 occasions – online or at the study centre.
- During the course, you complete a mandatory practical phase (100 days), which can be done alongside your current job or in early childhood education institutions. Up to 25 days can be credited for prior achievements.
- All examination tasks – written or oral – can be completed flexibly and independently of location.
- For a small fee, the study period can be extended by up to four semesters free of charge.
Upon successful completion, you receive both the academic degree „Bachelor of Arts“ and the protected title „State-recognised Early Childhood Educator (female)“ or „Early Childhood Educator (male)“.
In which fields do career and advancement opportunities arise after the degree?
With the Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education – Leadership and Management you qualify for managerial and coordinating positions in all areas of early childhood education and care. Typical fields of activity for graduates include:
- Leadership and management of child day care facilities (nursery, kindergarten, after-school care, family centre)
- Specialist advice and quality development at independent or public providers
- Pedagogical leadership in all-day care and family centres as well as projects for early education
- Coordinating tasks in educational administrations, specialist agencies, associations or continuing education institutions
- Project management and collaboration in (supra-)regional educational concepts, e.g. family education or integration work
Due to state recognition, additional pathways open up for you in the public sector and in training of specialists. After completing your Bachelor’s degree, you can also pursue further Master’s degree programmes in Social Management, Psychosocial Counselling, Vocational Pedagogy or Leadership & Management and thus develop professionally or in leadership roles.
What fees and financing options should be expected for the distance learning programme?
The tuition fees start at 137 € per month (with 60 monthly instalments), alternatively the following payment models are available:
- 157 € monthly over 48 instalments
- 217 € monthly over 30 instalments
Additionally, a one-time examination fee of 795 € applies. All study materials, use of the online campus and support services are included. You can test free of charge for four weeks and extend your studies by up to four semesters free of charge if you need more time.
- There are discounts on the total fee for immediate payers.
- Combinable discount campaigns such as Early Bird or Study Buddy discount allow a further reduction of costs by up to 30 € per month (not valid for immediate payer model).
- Financing through study and education loans, scholarships or sponsorship by the employer is possible.
- Within the framework of part-time study, you can generally deduct the costs as work-related expenses for tax purposes.
A general entitlement to BAföG exists only for full-time study and if it is a first degree. Access to the e-library, an MS Office licence as well as personal support and numerous services are included in the price.
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