Learning pathway · Early Childhood Education

Working in a German Kita – your learning pathway in English

You trained as an early childhood educator abroad, or you are planning to work in a German day-care centre (Kita)? This pathway shows you, step by step, which German rules and everyday practices matter most – in English, at your own pace, with a free German–English glossary.

All 19 self-study courses in this pathway are included in the flat rate: €199 for 12 months.

19
self-study courses in this pathway
4
steps, from the system to everyday practice
60
German key terms in the free glossary
100%
online, in English, at your own pace
German standards, explained in EnglishChild protection under section 8a SGB VIII, duty of supervision, data protection, settling-in models – topics that come up in everyday work in a German Kita.
The German terms you will hear at workEach step below lists key German terms, and the free glossary explains 60 of them – for team meetings, talks with parents and documentation.
Self-study, at your own paceNo fixed dates. Start before you move to Germany or during your first weeks at work.

The pathway in 4 steps

Step 1 · Understand the system

German key terms: Kita, Träger, Jugendamt, Rechtsanspruch, Kita-Gesetz

Step 2 · Protection, supervision and the law

German key terms: Schutzauftrag, insoweit erfahrene Fachkraft, Aufsichtspflicht, Einwilligung, Masernschutz

Step 3 · Everyday practice in a German Kita

German key terms: Eingewöhnung, Bezugsperson, Portfolio, Entwicklungsgespräch, Partizipation

Step 4 · Going deeper – choose what fits your group

German key terms: Krippe, Inklusion, Beschwerdeverfahren, Gewaltschutzkonzept

Free: German–English Kita Glossary

60 key terms from everyday Kita work – from Eingewöhnung to Schutzauftrag – each with a short English explanation and, where it matters, the legal reference. Free PDF, no registration.

Eingewöhnung – settling-in periodSchutzauftrag – child protection mandateAufsichtspflicht – duty of supervisionTräger – provider / operatorBetriebserlaubnis – operating licenceMasernschutz – measles protection
Download the glossary (PDF, free) →

Prices · 12-month access to all self-study courses

Per person / year
Professionals / adults€199
Students€129
Pupils & trainees€89
Become a member →
Team package / year · whole team
Basic · up to 5 people€790Book →
Plus · up to 10 people€1,290Book →
Pro · up to 20 people€1,990Book →

Free 14-day trial for teams, invoice and more than 20 people → · Questions? Contact us →

12 months · one payment · no automatic renewal. Team packages apply to the whole team. More than 20 people · providers · networks: individual offer. Reduced individual rates for students, pupils & trainees: send your proof to info@germansociallab.com and you will receive a personal discount code for the payment. Switzerland: CHF 189. Prices exempt from VAT under section 19 of the German VAT Act (UStG, small business). Payment via Stripe. Legal texts are currently available in German; the German version is legally binding.

Questions

Do I need to speak German?

The courses are in English. German key terms are named on this page and explained in the free glossary, so you can build your professional vocabulary along the way.

Will this pathway get my qualification recognised in Germany?

No. Our self-study courses do not replace the official recognition of foreign qualifications (Anerkennung). The responsible authority decides on recognition. Official information: anerkennung-in-deutschland.de and make-it-in-germany.com.

Is anyone supervising or grading my work?

No. These are self-study courses without supervision, assignments or evaluation of learning progress by instructors. The voluntary self-reflection after each module is not graded.

Do I receive a confirmation?

When you have marked all modules of a course as done, you can download a confirmation of participation for that course.

Can our Kita book access for new colleagues from abroad?

Yes – team access for 12 months starts at €790. Details and booking: team access for institutions.

Questions about access, payment or team access?

Write to us in English or German.

Contact us

Self-study courses with voluntary self-reflection (not graded) and a confirmation of participation after working through all modules. The courses and the glossary describe the legal situation in Germany; they provide professional knowledge and do not constitute legal advice. Created with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.