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Social and Educational Sciences Department Profile: Forming Society

Early Childhood Education (BA)

? INA.KINDER.GARTEN

In the degree program BA Early Childhood Education (BABEK) you will be qualified for the pedagogical work with children aged 0 to 12 years and the cooperation with families. In doing so, you will deal with concepts of childhood education and theories of developmental psychology, through which you will acquire comprehensive knowledge about the educational and developmental processes of children. You will be able to apply and reflect on this knowledge in the internships accompanying your studies in daycare centers, after-school care centers or family centers. This close connection between theory and practice enables you to gain in-depth insights into the upbringing and education of children and, with the acquisition of the bachelor degree, also state recognition as a childhood educator.

Abschluss:
Bachelor of Arts
Type:
Full time
Course language:
German
Standard study period:

6 semesters; incl. practice days and weeks totaling 840 hours

Start of study:
Winter semester
Application deadline:

15.05. – 15.07. (admission restricted)

Admission requirements:
General university entrance qualification/technical college entrance qualification/equivalently recognized prior vocational training
Credits:

180 ECTS credits

Module Manuals & Regulations
The Study

What does the BABEK degree programme offer you?

The BABEK degree programme qualifies you for educational work with children aged 0 to 12 and for working with families. It enables you to obtain state recognition as a childhood educator.

Among other things, you will learn systematic observation procedures, methods of dialogue and how to deal sensitively with children and adults. This will enable you to take professionally based pedagogical action. By working in educational institutions during your studies and involving families, you will also expand your communication skills.

Study contents such as art, movement, language or natural sciences enable you to expand your creative and research activities. The BABEK degree programme places particular emphasis on exploring modern psychoanalytical concepts that will help you to understand and interpret children's developmental processes. These psychoanalytical focuses also offer phases of biographical work and self-reflection, which you will be able to incorporate into future counselling activities. Continuous practical phases and opportunities for reflection also encourage the development of a research-based approach. Further content includes a basic understanding of the social and legal framework of childhood education as well as leadership and management skills.

Campus life also offers you many opportunities for your own projects, e.g. in the campus garden, in the student-run casino or in projects with day-care centres in the vicinity of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. A team of educators will also support you with questions about balancing your studies and family life, for example by providing flexible childcare.

BABEK – Familiar learning atmosphere with high practical relevance

In the BABEK degree programme, students and teachers share the goal of providing children with the best possible support in their development. The organisation and structure of the course enable a trusting and personal relationship between students and teachers. The six-semester full-time degree programme focuses on collaborative learning and research in seminars, an informal learning atmosphere and a high level of practical relevance. Weekly practical days and internships lasting several weeks allow students to directly apply and reflect on their theoretical knowledge. During the practical phases, students are often offered opportunities for professional activities in childcare facilities, after-school care centres or family centres.

Is this degree programme right for me?

You have these qualities

  • Interest and willingness to familiarise yourself with the fields of daycare and kindergarten
  • Empathy and good observation skills
  • Interest in the individual development and educational processes of children
  • Openness and communication skills towards children and adults
  • Willingness to self-reflect
  • Interest in scientific work and the development of your own questions
  • Enjoyment in creative activities

Campuslife

The FH Potsdam campus is manageable — it's where people meet. Campus life offers many opportunities to explore your interests. In our library, you can read and complete assignments in a quiet setting, or collaborate with others in group study areas. The student-run cultural center, the Casino, is a place where you can meet, exchange ideas, and relax. The university holds several festivals a year, such as the summer and Christmas festivals.

You can find tips on living in Potsdam here.

Podcast of our campus specialists

Saskia and Gorden who study Early Childhood Education inform prospective students about their degree programme. In this podcast, they share their personal experiences of student life and their course.

What does the BABEK degree programme offer you?

The BABEK degree programme qualifies you for educational work with children aged 0 to 12 and for working with families. It enables you to obtain state recognition as a childhood educator.

Among other things, you will learn systematic observation procedures, methods of dialogue and how to deal sensitively with children and adults. This will enable you to take professionally based pedagogical action. By working in educational institutions during your studies and involving families, you will also expand your communication skills.

Study contents such as art, movement, language or natural sciences enable you to expand your creative and research activities. The BABEK degree programme places particular emphasis on exploring modern psychoanalytical concepts that will help you to understand and interpret children's developmental processes. These psychoanalytical focuses also offer phases of biographical work and self-reflection, which you will be able to incorporate into future counselling activities. Continuous practical phases and opportunities for reflection also encourage the development of a research-based approach. Further content includes a basic understanding of the social and legal framework of childhood education as well as leadership and management skills.

Campus life also offers you many opportunities for your own projects, e.g. in the campus garden, in the student-run casino or in projects with day-care centres in the vicinity of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. A team of educators will also support you with questions about balancing your studies and family life, for example by providing flexible childcare.

Key visual of the Open Day with faculty symbols: "Helping to shape the world of tomorrow. Open Day at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. 24/05/2025, 10 am - 1 pm)"
? Mandy Puchert

Information day 2025: We are opening our doors

Open Day at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam: On the 24th of May 2025, you will get to know the diverse study programmes at our university, explore the campus and gain exclusive insights into our modern laboratories and workshops.

Take the opportunity to talk to students and lecturers in person and look forward to a varied programme.

Contact

The colleagues at the student counselling service provide information to prospective students, first-year students, parents, teachers and students on all general questions about the degree programme. If you have specific questions or concerns about the part-time distance learning programme in social work (BA), please contact the subject counselling service or the programme coordination.

Student Counselling bob体育平台官网

Room 102

Book an appointment online

Head of Degree Programme

Professor of Theory and Practice of Childhood Education
Transfer professor by lottery

Subject Counselling bob体育平台官网

Academic assistant in the degree programme Early Childhood Education (B.A.)

Study Programme Coordination

Coordination M. A. Social Work, specialising in family
Coordination B. A. Education and Childhood Education

These degree programs might also interest you

More courses
Department Degree programme Teaching language Start of study Application deadline
Childhood Studies and Children's Rights (MA) English Winter semester

Note: This degree programme will no longer be offered from winter semester 2024/25

Early Childhood Education (BA) German Winter semester

15.05. – 15.07. (admission restricted)

Early Childhood Studies (MA) German Winter semester

15/06 – 15/10 (free of admission)

MA Social Work with a Focus on the Family German Winter semester

15.05. – 22.06. (NC degree program)

Social Management (MA) German Summer semester

Note: This course of study will no longer be offered from winter semester 2024/25.

Social Work (BA) German Winter semester

15/05 – 15/07 (restricted admission)

Social Work | Dual-Digital (BA) German Winter semester

15/06 – 15/07 (free of admission)

Social Work | Part-time Distance Learning Study Programme (BA) German Summer semester

15/12 –15/01 (admission restricted)

Career Prospects

Childhood educator - one profession, many perspectives

The Childhood Education degree programme at the FH Potsdam prepares you to work with children up to the age of twelve, as well as collaborating with their families. To this end, your curriculum includes creative and exploratory activities in areas such as art, movement, language and natural sciences. You will also develop your communication skills, learn dialogue techniques and acquire basic leadership and management skills. You will learn all about the social and legal framework for childhood education. A particular highlight is the modern psychoanalytical knowledge that will help you to better understand children's developmental processes. Throughout the programme, you will gain practical experience in childhood education institutions, e.g. with our partner organisations. This will enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge in practice.

Learn more about the professional profile of childhood educators.

Possible occupational areas

  • Pedagogical work in institutions of (early) childhood education such as daycare, kindergartens, after-school care centers, mixed age facilities, all-day schools, family centers, primary schools
  • Cooperation in counseling centers and family centers, early help, psychosocial counselling, family and educational counselling
  • Educational help
  • Child protection
  • Integration assistence for children
  • Sports, leisure, media and cultural programmes for children and families
  • Political education work and advocacy for children and families
  • Counselling for early education centers
  • Consultancy services in the fields of quality development and organisational consulting
  • Training and further education
  • Universities and research institutions

Possible MA programs at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

Personen halten ihre H?nde übereinander

State recognition as a childhood educator

After obtaining the BA degree, you can apply for state recognition as a childhood educator. The basis for state recognition is the Brandenburg Social Professions Act. On the pages of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the State of Brandenburg and the State Office for Social Affairs and Supply of the State of Brandenburg you will find all important information.
The fact sheet of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the State of Brandenburg summarizes the documents to be submitted for state recognition as a childhood educator.

These degree programs might also interest you

More courses
Department Degree programme Teaching language Start of study Application deadline
Childhood Studies and Children's Rights (MA) English Winter semester

Note: This degree programme will no longer be offered from winter semester 2024/25

Early Childhood Education (BA) German Winter semester

15.05. – 15.07. (admission restricted)

Early Childhood Studies (MA) German Winter semester

15/06 – 15/10 (free of admission)

MA Social Work with a Focus on the Family German Winter semester

15.05. – 22.06. (NC degree program)

Social Management (MA) German Summer semester

Note: This course of study will no longer be offered from winter semester 2024/25.

Social Work (BA) German Winter semester

15/05 – 15/07 (restricted admission)

Social Work | Dual-Digital (BA) German Winter semester

15/06 – 15/07 (free of admission)

Social Work | Part-time Distance Learning Study Programme (BA) German Summer semester

15/12 –15/01 (admission restricted)

Study Contents

Study Contents

In the currently valid module handbooks and study and examination regulations of the Department of Social Sciences and Education you will find the module overview, a detailed description of the modules and course content as well as the study plan for the degree programme Early Childhood Education. The module overview for the degree programme and the overview of the degree programme curriculum also contain information on the structure and content of the degree programme. Here you will find further information on the practical days and internships. All course times and course details can be found in the current course catalogue.

On the Early Childhood Education degree programme, we use a variety of learning methods to ensure knowledge is transferred appropriately and to make everyday study life varied.

Teaching formats

In the degree program Early Childhood Education (BABEK), we work with different forms of learning so that the transfer of knowledge fits the respective topic and the students' daily study routine is varied.

Workshop modules

  • Observation and documentation
  • Bonding, education and promotion
  • Project development

 

Foundation modules

  • Methods of empirical social and educational research
  • Competencies in childhood education
  • Education and educational science
  • Developmental psychology and psychoanalytical concepts
  • Legal foundations
  • Leading and guiding
  • Inclusion and Diversity
  • Bachelor thesis and colloquium

Elective modules

  • Educational aesthetics (music or theater)
  • Applied social and educational research
  • Educational area health and movement (dance or psychomotricity)
  • Development and support (psychoanalytical thinking and acting or reform and elementary school pedagogy)
  • Educational area Communication and Science (Literacy, New Media or Children's/Picture Books)
  • Flex module (elective offered by all departments of the university)

Recognition of competences acquired outside of university

You will find questions and answers on the recognition of competences acquired outside of university below.

You can have formally acquired skills (e.g. in vocational training), non-formally acquired skills (e.g. through further education and training) and informally acquired skills (e.g. through voluntary work) recognised. All information on this can be found here.

For the recognition of competences acquired outside higher education institutions, always submit the form "Recognition of competences acquired outside higher education"and the "Supplementary sheet for the recognition of educator training" and the corresponding evidence. The form "Supplementary sheet for the crediting of educator training" serves as an aid when applying for the "Crediting of competences acquired outside of higher education". This form must be completed in full.

You can find the documents on the MyCampus homepage under "Information from the department of Study and Assessment Administration bob体育平台官网".

  1. General information and counselling by the Head of Degree Programme (which may be supplemented by the Advice and Guidance bob体育平台官网 for Students).
  2. Application by students using the two forms "Recognition of prior learning" and the "Supplementary sheet for the recognition of educator training".
  3. Examination by the Assessment Administration bob体育平台官网 examination board and the Head of Degree Programme.
  4. Notification and feedback to the students by the Assessment Administration bob体育平台官网. 

The documents are to be submitted to the Assessment Administration bob体育平台官网 via e-mail:  pruefungs-service@fh-potsdam.de

 

 

No. However, you can significantly shorten your studies through recognition.

No, this is not possible. You can only submit the application once you are enrolled at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

We recommend submitting an application for the entire degree programme at the beginning of your studies. If you are already studying, you can still submit the application, but not in retrospective.

If it is documented in your final certificate of the training where you completed your internships (e.g. day nursery, after-school care centre), the certificate is sufficient. Otherwise, you must submit alternative evidence.

Your training certificate will show the grades or the clasification "passed" if no grades are recorded.

Yes, this is possible. Corresponding evidence must be submitted with the application.

This crediting procedure applies to the currently valid study and examination regulations for the degree programme "Early Childhood Education" (BABEK).

If you have any questions, please contact:

Projects from the department

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App prototyping as an inclusive teaching-learning arrangement for the integrative development of digital skills at upper secondary level.

Participatory Interactions in Care and Sleep Situations in Daycare Centres (PIPS)

The aim of the "PIPS" project is to strengthen the participation of infants and toddlers in childcare centres. To this end, interactions in care and sleep situations are being analysed throughout Germany in order to gain a comprehensive picture of current practice. Based on the data obtained, concepts are being developed to support educational professionals in promoting children's rights and…

?berAl – Transitions of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People in Working Life

The research project funded by the Hans B?ckler Foundation is investigating the challenges and needs of employees who sign during career transitions.

Early Help in a Clinical Setting for (Expectant) Parents with Mental Illness and at Risk of Addiction

The measure "Early help in a clinical setting for (expectant) parents with mental illness and at risk of addiction " is being developed in order to transfer parents under stress from inpatient to outpatient structures, to strengthen cooperation within early help and to ensure support during pregnancy and parenthood.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the bachelor's degree program "Early Childhood Education"

You can apply for standardized crediting of the Brandenburg and Berlin educator training. Educator training from other federal states can be recognized individually. Other previous experience (e.g. achievements at a university, adult education courses, further education and training or professional experience) can be assessed individually.

Applications are submitted via the Assessment Administration bob体育平台官网. If you have already completed related coursework at a university, please contact the programme specific advice and guidance office.

You can improve your chances of being accepted to a university by including professional and non-professional experience in your application. Voluntary service is taken into account. You can find a complete list in the selection regulations. Unfortunately, however, you cannot be granted a waiver for academic achievements.

If you are a full-time student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period. However, earning too much could affect your BAf?G eligibility. Different regulations apply outside the lecture period. Contact your health insurance provider for more information.

No, there are no internship semesters. During your studies, you must demonstrate a total of 840 hours of practical experience. The internship takes place in the form of weekly internship days (during the semester) and internships lasting several weeks (during the lecture-free periods in the 3rd and 4th semester). The practical sessions are allocated to the two-semester workshops and are accounted for in the respective workshop modules.

Module 01: Workshop I with 240 hours (practical days)
Module 08: Workshop II with 180 hours (practical days) and 320 hours (internships lasting several weeks)
Module 14: Workshop III with 100 hours (practical days)

Further information can be found on our website

During your studies, you can complete internships at various institutions. In principle, you should look for internships on your own. Childcare facilities usually take on interns easily, other internship facilities often take a few weeks of processing time.

In the first semester, you are scheduled to complete an internship in childcare with children from birth to three years of age. You do not need to have completed an internship before starting your studies. You will receive all relevant internship information during the first week of lectures.

With us, you have the opportunity to complete a semester- and internships abroad without extending your studies.

Our special certificate programme "Early Childhood Education" enables you to take part in language and preparatory courses for your stay abroad as well as a seminar on international quality development and professionalization.

Further information can be found in the study information letters sent out at the start of each semester, from the contact persons in the department and on our website.

Possible professional areas include:

  • Educational and childcare facilities: Crèches, Kindergarten, after-school care, mixed-age facilities, child day care, all-day elementary schools, family centers
  • Family support services: Family education, family centers, early help, psychosocial counseling, and family and educational counseling
  • Help with parenting
  • Child protection
  • Integration assistance for children
  • Sports, leisure, media, and cultural activities for children and families
  • Politics and advocacy for children and families.
  • Specialist advice for early education facilities
  • Quality development and organizational consulting
  • Training and further education
  • Universities and research institutes

A degree program is characterized by scientific thinking and work methods, and it teaches you to act independently. The courses are geared toward research-based learning and teach social and educational research techniques. As a result, you will be able to independently shape practices in childhood education institutions.

This bachelor's degree program also lays the foundation for future management activities and opens the door to a career in science. Furthermore, you also have the opportunity to pursue a master's degree.

A bachelor's degree from a university of applied sciences is equivalent to a traditional university degree. This means that you can pursue a master's degree not only with us, but also at any other university in Europe.

After completing the degree program in Early Childhood Education (B.A.), you can study for a Master's degree in Early Childhood Studies or MA Social Work with a Focus on the Family.

Yes, this degree programme gives you the opportunity to become a state-recognized childhood educator. After completing your Bachelor's degree, you can apply for state recognition. State recognition is based on the Brandenburg Social Professions Act. You can find all the important information on the website of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the State of Brandenburg and the State Office for Social Affairs and Care of the State of Brandenburg.

The information sheet of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the State of Brandenburg summarizes the documents to be submitted for state recognition as a childhood educator.

Application & Contact

Dates & requirements for your application

The most important deadlines, dates and admission requirements for the bachelor's degree programme in early childhood education are compiled here. You can find out which steps you need to take for a successful application in the next section.

Dates

  • 24th of May 2025: Open Day at the FH Potsdam
  • until 15th of July: register and submit online application
  • until 15th of July: apply for a higher semester to continue a degree programme you have started at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

Access requirements

  • General university entrance qualification according to the Brandenburg university act: General university entrance qualification or entrance qualification for studies at universities of applied sciences or previous vocational training recognised as equivalent

How to apply!

In the following, we explain which aspects you should consider from registration for the central allocation of study places to enrolment.

The degree programme takes part in the central allocation of study places, the dialogue-oriented service procedure (DoSV) via hochschulstart.de. You must register with hochschulstart.de from 15th of May to 15th of July and then create and submit your application in the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam's MyCampus university portal.

Let us guide you step by step through the procedure and use our DoSV guide.

Documents to be submitted

If applicable, please submit the following documents in PDF format with your online application in the MyCampus university portal:

  • university entrance qualification
  • proof of professional or other previous experience relevant to your field
  • university degree certificate and justification for taking up a second degree
  • proof of service
  • proof(s) of hardship application or application for compensation for disadvantages

Checklist

After completing your online application in the MyCampus university portal, you will receive a personalised checklist with the following information:

  • list of all supporting documents that you have uploaded as PDF files in accordance with the information you provided in your online application
  • instructions on the further course of the procedure

Selection procedure

Applicants who fulfil the admission requirements take part in the procedure for the allocation of study places.
The result of the university selection procedure is determined on the basis of the following criteria (weighting in brackets):

  • average grade of the higher education entrance qualification (80 %)
  • previous professional experience or experience relevant to the professional field (20 %)

Admission

Following the university selection procedure, places are allocated in the dialogue-oriented service procedure via hochschulstart.de. Applicants with a correspondingly high ranking will receive a temporary offer of admission on hochschulstart.de, which they can actively accept. Further information on the coordination phase on hochschulstart.de can be found in our DoSV Guide.

After accepting the offer of admission, you will receive your letter of admission from hochschulstart.de. If you do not accept the offer of admission within the deadline, the ranking list will continue to be processed and the study place will be reallocated.

Have you accepted your study place via hochschulstart.de? Then you have the opportunity to submit an enrolment application for the coming winter semester in the MyCampus university portal of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

Please refer to the enrolment application form to find out whether you need to submit any additional documents.

Documents to be submitted

  • University entrance qualification
  • if applicable, further documents according to the enrolment application

Do you have any questions about the enrolment process at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam? Our enrolment page offers you further information and a FAQ section on all aspects of admission and enrolment.

Further information

The following links provide you, and especially international applicants, with further information on the topics of application and enrolment at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

International applicants

You would like to apply for studies from the first or a higher semester and have acquired your school-leaving qualification and/or university degree abroad? Then you can have degrees and achievements acquired abroad recognised and study with us.

Application & Enrolment Procedure

The application and study service provides information and advice on general questions regarding the application process, admission and enrolment at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, application for a higher semester, but also on topics such as compensation for disadvantages, part-time studies, waiting semesters and hardship applications.

Contact & bob体育平台官网s

The student counselling service provides information and advice on general questions about studying as well as on topics such as choosing a degree programme, application, enrolment and study organisation.

For subject-specific questions about module content, credit transfer, examinations or specialisations in the early childhood education degree programme (BA), the subject counselling service or programme coordination is the right place to go.

Head of Degree Programme

Professor of Theory and Practice of Childhood Education
Transfer professor by lottery

Subject Counselling bob体育平台官网

Academic assistant in the degree programme Early Childhood Education (B.A.)

Study Programme Coordination

Coordination M. A. Social Work, specialising in family
Coordination B. A. Education and Childhood Education

Student Counselling bob体育平台官网

Room 102

Book an appointment online

Study and Examination bob体育平台官网

Room 014

Study Info bob体育平台官网
studien-info-service@fh-potsdam.de
bewerbungs-service@fh-potsdam.de
campuskarte@fh-potsdam.de
Study bob体育平台官网
studien-service@fh-potsdam.de
Exam bob体育平台官网
pruefungs-service@fh-potsdam.de

Student Financing

Room 3.02a

Family Affairs Commissioner

Room 026

Office hours

Tue and Thu 9.30 am – 1.30 pm

Commissioner for University Employees with Impairment

Room 017

Office hours

Monday and by appointment

Contact persons department of student affairs

Hauptsachbearbeiterin Bewerbungs- und Studien-bob体育平台官网
Sachbearbeiterin Bewerbungs- und Studien-bob体育平台官网