Working in a Preschool: Career, Salary, and Training as a Preschool Teacher
Are you looking for a career that’s meaningful, offers responsibility, and provides job security? Then training program to become a preschool teacher is exactly the right choice for you. At a time when early childhood educators are more important than ever, this path offers you not only emotional fulfillment but also a solid professional foundation. Today, we’ll show you how to find your start your career in preschool , what financial opportunities await you, and why the year 2026 holds special significance for your career.
Why Working with Children Is More Important Today Than Ever Before
Everyday life at a daycare center is much more than just playing. As an early childhood educator, you support children during the most important developmental phase of a person’s life. You nurture talents, provide a sense of security, and serve as a key attachment figure. The shortage of qualified professionals means your expertise is in extremely high demand on the job market. Many municipalities and private providers now offer attractive benefits to attract motivated staff to the early childhood education training .
The demands of the profession have increased. Today, the focus is on early childhood education and individualized support. If you’re interested in training program to become a kindergarten teacher , you’re choosing a job that’s recession-proof. There’s a shortage of tens of thousands of qualified professionals across Germany, which significantly strengthens your bargaining position when looking for a job and negotiating your salary.
Modern Job Titles: What Do We Call Early Childhood Educators Today?
Language evolves, and with it, the profession’s self-image. While people used to often refer to “kindergarten teachers,” today they use professional terms such as educational specialist or early childhood educator. These titles underscore the educational mission you fulfill every day. You are an educational guide, a conflict resolver, and a trusted confidant all in one.
Career Paths: A Detailed Look at Early Childhood Education Training
There isn’t just one way to work in a preschool. Depending on your personal situation, you can choose from different models. The traditional early childhood education program takes place at a technical college for social pedagogy. It combines theoretical coursework at school with practical training blocks at the preschool. The program usually concludes with what’s known as the certification year, during which you’re already fully integrated into the day-to-day routine of the preschool.
An increasingly popular alternative is the PiA training (practice-integrated training). Here, you’re employed by a provider from the very beginning and earn money starting in your first year of training. This makes this path particularly appealing for people changing careers. If you complete your training as a kindergarten teacher through the PiA model, you’ll skip the first few school years—which are often unpaid—in the traditional program.
Requirements for Starting Your Career
Before you get started, you should check whether you meet the necessary requirements. Generally, you’ll need a middle school diploma and to have completed an initial vocational training program (e.g., as a social services assistant) or a high school diploma. In addition to the formal criteria, soft skills are particularly important. Patience, empathy, and the ability to handle stress are essential in this job. You’ll work closely with parents and need to keep a cool head even in stressful situations.
Our tip:
Take advantage of internships early on! A two-week trial internship will quickly show you whether the fast-paced environment of a daycare center is a good fit for you and which provider best aligns with your values.
Financial Considerations: How Much Do You Really Earn?
A common misconception is that pay in the social services sector is low. But the reality will be different in 2026. As a result of the latest collective bargaining negotiations in the public sector (TVöD SuE), salaries have risen noticeably. Your early childhood educator’s salary depends heavily on your experience and pay grade. You’ll typically start in pay grade S 8a.
The question “How much does a preschool teacher earn after taxes?” also has a positive answer. Someone just starting out in the public sector can expect a gross salary of about 3,400 to 3,600 euros. After taxes and social security contributions are deducted, this leaves a fair income, which is supplemented by special payments such as a Christmas bonus or performance-based pay. Those who pursue further training—for example, to become a preschool director—can reach significantly higher salary levels.
Cost of Training to Become a Preschool Teacher
One important point is the tuition costs. State-run vocational schools generally do not charge tuition. Private schools, however, may charge fees. If you choose the traditional program, you will often have to cover your living expenses yourself, unless you are eligible for BAföG. For the PiA training program , on the other hand, you are paid from day one, which significantly lowers the financial barrier.
Did you know?
Starting in 2026, new legal regulations regarding staffing ratios for childcare workers will take effect. For you, this means more time per child and less stress in your day-to-day work thanks to better staffing levels in the groups.
TVöD SuE 2026 Pay Scale for Early Childhood Educators
The following table provides an overview of current salary ranges in the public sector. Please note that private organizations (e.g., church-affiliated institutions or parent-led initiatives) often use their own pay scales, which are usually based on these.
| Entgeltgruppe (S-Tabelle) | Stufe 1 (Einstieg) | Stufe 3 (nach ca. 3 J.) | Stufe 6 (Endstufe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S 8a (Erzieher/in) | ca. 3.450 € | ca. 4.100 € | ca. 5.200 € |
| S 9 (Koord. Erzieher) | ca. 3.550 € | ca. 4.250 € | ca. 5.600 € |
| S 13 (Kitaleitung klein) | ca. 4.100 € | ca. 4.900 € | ca. 6.400 € |
Changing Careers and Working Without Formal Training
Want to get started right away, but don’t have any teaching credentials yet? A job at a preschool is also available as a as an untrained assistant in a preschool . Many centers are desperately seeking support for housekeeping duties or as assistants in the groups. This can be an ideal first step toward a make the switch to a career in early childhood education later on.
As an assistant, you’ll perform support tasks. However, you’re generally not allowed to lead groups on your own. Many federal states now offer accelerated programs to help assistants earn their certification as early childhood educators while working. This way, you can start earning money while you’re still training as a kindergarten teacher .
The Benefits of a Career as an Early Childhood Educator
- Job Security: Skilled workers are in demand everywhere, and the demand is steadily rising.
- Meaningful Work: You’ll help shape the next generation and see progress every day.
- A Wide Range of Professional Development Opportunities: From forest education to language development, there are many paths open to you.
- Attractive compensation: Thanks to the TVöD SuE 2026 collective bargaining agreement, the salary is competitive and stable.
- Flexible Work Schedules: Many daycare centers offer modern part-time options to help maintain a good work-life balance.
The 5-Step Path to Becoming an Early Childhood Educator
Orientierung & Praktikum: Sammle erste Erfahrungen in einer Einrichtung deiner Wahl.
Wahl des Modells: Entscheide dich zwischen klassischer Schulform oder PiA-Modell.
Bewerbung: Reiche deine Unterlagen bei Fachschulen oder direkt bei Kita-Trägern ein.
Theoretische & praktische Ausbildung: Absolviere die Lernmodule und Praxisphasen.
Staatliche Anerkennung: Beende dein Anerkennungsjahr und starte voll in den Beruf.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Future in Education
In summary, it can be said that the training to become a kindergarten teacher is more attractive today than ever before. The combination of fair pay under TVöD SuE, high job security, and the daily joy of working with children makes this profession unique. Whether you choose the traditional path or opt for the PiA training or are making a career change: the industry needs you. Check with your local provider now for open positions and start your career in preschool today!
FAQ
How long does it take to become a preschool teacher?
The training program typically lasts three to five years. This depends heavily on the federal state and the chosen model. The traditional format usually consists of two years of school and a one-year internship for professional recognition, while a high school diploma or prior education can shorten the duration.