Self-test: Is the Childhood Educator HF (formerly Kindererzieher / Kindererzieherin HF) course the right course for me now?
Are you interested in training to become a Childhood Educator HF and want to know more about whether this HF course is really suitable for you?
In our self-test, you can quickly and easily find out whether working as a child educator (former designation for the course, discontinued as of August 2021) suits you and whether you are on the right path by studying at a university of applied sciences in the field of childhood education.
Note: Until August 2021, the HF course was called "dipl. Kindererzieher HF" or "dipl. Kindererzieherin HF". The course now runs under the name "dipl. Kindheitspädagoge HF" or "dipl. Kindheitspädagogin HF".
What does the day-to-day work of a childhood educator HF (formerly child educator HF) with a HF diploma look like?
Childhood educators work in facilities where children are looked after during the day or around the clock. These are, for example, daycare centers, crèches, day care centers, lunch tables, after-school care or boarding schools. In addition to the family and school, they form another form of caregiver and use the opportunities offered by the childcare facility to provide children with the best possible support.
They help the children to cope with transitional situations and offer them a safe and constant framework that guarantees their physical safety and integrity and provides them with structure and orientation. A childhood educator (formerly a child educator) creates situations in which the children are encouraged and stimulated and can have experiences appropriate to their development.
In addition to educational and supervisory tasks, specialists in the field of childhood education also take on organizational and administrative tasks and support the management of the childcare facility in their management duties.
(Note: The distribution of tasks (weighting and frequency) may vary slightly depending on the task profile/job profile and type of company).
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a Childhood Educator HF?
Great! Then you are certainly in the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
However, you have taken the first step in this self-test, which is probably one of the most important steps towards a fulfilled and satisfied professional life. People who enjoy and are motivated by their work are of particular value to companies. They identify positively with their work, which is of great importance for the company's success both internally (keyword: team building, quality of completed tasks) and externally (keyword: image building).
However, enjoying your work is also highly relevant for yourself, as it improves your quality of life.
By the way: If you are looking for further suitable training opportunities after successfully completing your HF degree, take a look at theEducational counseling offerfrom Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
If you don't like all the activities, you should look at some relevant job profiles to try and assess how basic the tasks are that you don't like. For example, if you don't want to cook and eat with the children, you might be more suited to running an hourly playgroup. Or if you would rather build a more stable relationship with the children and not just see them on an hourly basis, then working in a home or boarding school might be of interest to you.
However, if it is the basic elements of the work that you do not like, then you should find out about other training opportunities in the social field. Here are some suggestions of possible alternatives to the HF Childhood Education course:
- Trainer (BP)
- Migration specialist (BP)
- Social support (BP)
- Team leader in social and socio-medical organizations (BP)
- Activation specialist (HF)
- Adult educator (HF)
- Community animator (HF)
- Social pedagogue (HF)
- Teacher for pre-school level (FH)
- Speech Therapy Bachelor (FH)
- Psychomotor Therapy Bachelor (FH)
- Special education teacher (FH)
If you don't like these activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities and job profiles in other professional fields. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Why don't you also take a look at ourAdvisorand find your own calling.
Target group and skills: Who is the Childhood Educator HF course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The following groups of people belong to the target group for training courses to become a Childhood Educator HF (formerly Kindererzieher / Kindererzieherin HF):
- Young professionals with an apprenticeship qualification (EFZ) as a care specialist (FaBe)
- Nursery and education professionals who would like to develop their professional skills
- Career changers who would like to switch to childcare
Specialists in the field of childhood education should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Enjoy working with children/young people
- Empathy and patience
- Sociability and communication skills
- Noise resistance, physical and mental resilience
- Design and craftsmanship skills
- Imagination and good ideas
- Sense of responsibility
- Tolerance and trust
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Answer hint Yes
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements for completing the HF course in childhood education and obtaining the HF diploma.
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply directly for the HF diploma in Childhood Education HF. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you. You can also find helpful information on training and further education in the social sector in our "Social work and care" guide.Click here for the free download.
- If you do not have the necessary previous education, then look for a suitable training opportunity. Even as an adult, it is possible, for example, to obtain the Federal Certificate of Competence (EFZ) or a general qualification at upper secondary level. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to childhood education training, studies at a higher technical college
The universities of applied sciences decide independently on the admission procedure for childhood education studies.* The procedure is set out in the study regulations of the respective university of applied sciences.
As a rule, the following admission requirements must be met in order to be able to begin training or studying at a college of higher education to become a Childhood Educator HF (formerly Kindererzieher / Kindererzieherin HF):
- Federal certificate of competence (EFZ) as a care specialist (FaBe) or at least an equivalent qualification
Or
- Completion of basic vocational training (EFZ) in another field, high school diploma, vocational baccalaureate, federally recognized technical secondary school certificate or other at least equivalent qualification and at least 400 hours of practical experience in the field of childhood education. (For people with a purely academic background: at least 800 hours)
And
- Passed the admission procedure/suitability assessment of the respective education provider. (The structure and procedure of the process or clarification varies from school to school)
Also for part-time training models:
At least 50% employment in the field of childhood education during the training.
Notes:
- Recognition of previous educational achievements / acquired skillsPersons who already have a relevant federal certificate (BP) or relevant federal diploma (HFP) reduce the duration of the course. A list of the relevant qualifications can be found in theFramework curriculumto the course.
- Persons with aHF diploma in the social sector, can obtain the HF diploma in the field of childhood education more easily. Detailed information can be obtained from the schools or the sponsors of the course, the Swiss Platform for Training in the Social Sector (SPAS) and the Swiss umbrella organization for the social world of work (SAVOIRSOCIAL)
* The courses offered by the universities of applied sciences (HF) are based on framework curricula developed jointly by education providers and industry associations and approved by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). If the PET colleges adhere to existing framework curricula in the detailed design of their courses, their PET courses are federally recognized and lead to a protected title.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
Before you contact the school of your choice: Take a look at the next steps in this self-test and check whether the HF Childhood Educator course (formerly Childhood Educator HF) is right for you in terms of course content, costs/financing, duration/lesson hours and examination procedure/completion. These are also important points on the way to the HF diploma or the answer to the question: Does the course suit me?
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant qualification (EFZ, federal certificate, federal diploma, HF diploma), please contact the sponsoring body: theSwiss platform for training in the social sector (SPAS)and theSwiss umbrella organization for the social world of work (SAVOIRSOCIAL)
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for Childhood Educators HF (formerly Kindererzieher / Kindererzieherin HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the social sector / care, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
- If you do not have the necessary basic vocational training, then look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to obtain a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourAdvisor"The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you are not sure whether you have a relevant qualification (EFZ, federal certificate, federal diploma, HF diploma), please contact the sponsoring body: theSwiss platform for training in the social sector (SPAS)and theSwiss umbrella organization for the social world of work (SAVOIRSOCIAL)
- If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for Childhood Educators HF (formerly Kindererzieher / Kindererzieherin HF), clarify your chances directly with the school of your choice.
- If you have too little or no (relevant) professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If someone in your private or professional environment is already working in the social sector / care, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Subject matter and content of the training
As a matter of principle, the colleges of higher education offering training as a childhood educator HF (formerly child educator HF) follow the guidelines of the "Childhood Education HF" framework curriculum when compiling the course content. The Swiss Platform for Training in the Social Sector (SPAS) and the Swiss Umbrella Organization for the Social Work Sector (SAVOIRSOCIAL) are the sponsors of the framework curriculum. They are responsible for the creation of the framework curriculum and its periodic review in terms of topicality and quality.
Nevertheless, the HFs have a certain amount of leeway in the design of their study programs in the field of childhood education. Which course content is ultimately covered and how it is structured (e.g. breadth and depth) can therefore vary from HF to HF.
As a rule, the following topics are covered and skills are taught:
- Plan and implement pedagogical actions(including recording and analyzing the child's living environment, perceiving and analyzing the child's educational and developmental process, developing and refining the educational concept, stimulating the child's educational processes, entering into and maintaining educational partnerships)
- Accompanying and supporting children in everyday life(e.g. building and shaping the relationship with the individual child, designing the rooms and spatial environment for the child in a development-promoting, safe and needs-oriented way, observing children in everyday life and adapting educational activities accordingly)
- Developing your own professional identity(including dealing with challenging and changing situations, perception and reflection of one's own professional role)
- Process evaluation and process documentation(including analysis and documentation of pedagogical actions and processes)
- Working in a professional environment(e.g. teamwork, cooperation with other specialists and specialist agencies, building and maintaining a network)
- Participation in organizational development(including assumption of management tasks and management responsibility, quality development and quality assurance, development and management of projects)
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this HF course, take a look at other training and further education courses. You may find a course that suits you better. The following could be suitable alternatives, for example:
- Trainer (BP)
- Migration specialist (BP)
- Social support (BP)
- Team leader in social and socio-medical organizations (BP)
- Activation specialist (HF)
- Adult educator (HF)
- Community animator (HF)
- Social pedagogue (HF)
- Teacher for pre-school level (FH)
- Speech Therapy Bachelor (FH)
- Psychomotor Therapy Bachelor (FH)
- Special education teacher (FH)
Obviously, the typical subject areas of Childhood Educators HF (formerly Childhood Educators HF) are not your thing. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs are determined independently by the respective higher vocational colleges. In addition to the provider, the level of costs also depends on the training model and other services (e.g. supervision). In general, the following costs must be expected for the HF degree program in Childhood Education HF (formerly Childhood Educator HF):
- Tuition feesbetween CHF 9,400 and CHF 14,500 for students resident in the training canton*. The costs for the examinations and diploma thesis are generally included in the course fees.
- Additional costsSome providers charge extra costs for registration/enrolment, student ID, pre-courses (optional), teaching materials, course materials, examination/diploma thesis and examination retakes. For further details, please contact the provider of your choice directly.
* Courses at universities of applied sciences are financially supported by the cantons. Students from outside the canton pay higher tuition fees. The following conditions apply in order to receive cantonal funding:
- at least two years of residence in the canton
- The course is listed on the EDK (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education) list of eligible courses (you will find the link to the list in the answer texts).
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 9,400 - CHF 14,500 for the course and exam?
- Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount upfront, check with the school of your choice to see if they offer a special discount if you pay in full upfront. There are also schools that offer a lower price if you register for the course early.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- If you need help with budget planning or budget preparation, you will receivehereFurther information.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
- Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
- Information and help on budget planning and budget preparation can be foundhere.
- Aboutthis linkto access the EDK list of HF courses eligible for funding.
Duration of study, training models, number of teaching hours, teaching format and learning effort
- Duration of study:The HF degree course in Childhood Education (formerly Childhood Educator HF) has a modular structure and lasts 4 - 8 semesters, depending on the training model offered (e.g. full-time with integrated internships or part-time) and previous education.
- Training models:The course is offered on a part-time or full-time basis. In the part-time model (so-called dual course of study), a relevant professional activity is pursued in addition to the school-based educational components in a minimum 50% workload. The full-time model comprises school-based and practical vocational training, with the latter being completed in the form of one or more supervised internships.
- Number of lessons:With a relevant EFZ, the course comprises 3600 learning hours. For courses without a relevant EFZ, the number of learning hours generally increases to at least 5400 learning hours; please contact the school of your choice. Professional activity during part-time training is counted towards the training period with a maximum of 720 learning hours with a relevant EFZ and a maximum of 1080 learning hours without a relevant EFZ. Contact studies (face-to-face teaching, practical analysis, supervision, group work, etc.), self-study, supervised practice and the final qualification procedure (QV) also count as learning hours. How these learning hours are divided up in terms of time is defined in the framework curriculum.
- Teaching format:Many schools now offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning).
- Learning effort:You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week for the part-time model.
* As already mentioned in step 3, the learning hours are reduced for persons with a relevant EFZ, federal certificate, federal diploma or HF diploma.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than six semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
In the degree course to become a qualified childhood educator HF (formerly child educator HF), learning progress and performance are assessed periodically. In addition, there is at least one so-called "doctorate", which covers the achievements in both the academic and practical areas of education.
The HF program in Childhood Education concludes with a final qualification procedure, which includes the following parts:
- Practical qualificationThis part of the examination takes place in a situation relevant to the professional activity.
- Practice-oriented project work or diploma thesis: Candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and networked thinking. The topic for the thesis is approved by the school. It is often written at the end of the course. Here too, the time frame is determined by the respective HF in its study regulations.
- Examination interview:In an interview with the experts, candidates present their work (e.g. project work, dissertation, analysis, etc.) in accordance with the requirements of the training provider. They are required to be able to justify and reflect on their professional activities from a professional and political perspective and to be able to make connections to other situations.
The details of implementation are regulated by the respective HF in its study regulations.
Diploma and title
Graduates of the course receive an HF diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected professional title "Dipl. Kindheitspädagogin HF / dipl. Kindheitspädagoge HF".
In French: "Éducatrice de l'enfance diplômée ES / Éducateur de lènfance diplômé ES"
In Italian: "Educatrice dell'infanzia dipl. SSS / Educatore dell'infanzia dipl. SSS"
In English (recommended, but not a protected title!): "Child Development Worker, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the higher technical college for the HF diploma?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
- If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
- Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
- Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the course leading to the Federal Diploma in Childhood Education HF (formerly Childhood Educator HF) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Childhood educator HF (formerly child educator HF) is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
That's a half-hearted result: working as a Childhood Educator HF (formerly Kindererzieher / Kindererzieherin HF) doesn't seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training in the field of childhood education at a university of applied sciences is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools: