Introductory Social Education Year (SEJ) Munich
Are you looking for an apprenticeship that requires your social skills with children? One that is varied and requires the ability to work in a team? Then an apprenticeship as a nursery school teacher with entry via the Social Education Introductory Year (SEJ) at Heimerer in Munich is the right thing for you
Paul-Heyse-Str. 29b
80336 München
089 545 947-73
089 545 947-99
muenchen@heimerer.de
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What makes Heimerer’s early years education training in Munich stand out?
The Introductory Year in Social Pedagogy (SEJ) is the first step in early years education training for anyone who has completed secondary school. At the SEJ in Munich, periods of classroom learning at the specialist academy alternate with practical work in a social education setting. This means you gain real-world experience of working with children right from the start and receive remuneration for your placement. The high level of qualificationandpractical experience of the teaching staff at Heimerer ensures a close integration of theory and practice.
This is what you’ll learn at SEJ Munich:
- Fundamentals of Social Pedagogy and Early Childhood Education
- Educational support for children aged 0 to 10
- Teamwork and communication in social education settings
- Reflection on one’s own educational practice
- Initial practical experience gained directly on site in Munich-based institutions
Learning in an open atmosphere
At the Heimerer Academy for Social Pedagogy in Munich, you’ll learn within a community that is as diverse as the profession itself. Our lecturers provide personalised support throughout your SEJ programme, even if you have family commitments or special circumstances. Professional exchange and mutual support are part of everyday life here:
- Personal support: Your lecturers are approachable and will support you even during challenging phases
- Family-friendly: Special consideration is given to trainees with children or family responsibilities
- Early years education training and SEJ under one roof: professional exchange and team spirit are at the heart of the programme
The Heimerer Fachakademie is also conveniently located near Munich Central Station. For commuters from the Munich area, this means: no tedious changes, less time on the train and more energy for what really matters.
FAQ
The Introductory Year in Social Pedagogy (SEJ) in Munich is the first year of early years education training for applicants with a secondary school leaving certificate. It combines theoretical lessons at the vocational college with practical work in a social pedagogy setting. Classroom learning and practical work alternate. The SEJ is paid – you will receive an internship allowance from your placement organisation. A Voluntary Social Year or Federal Voluntary Service does not replace the SEJ.
To join the SEJ Munich, you must have at least a secondary school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss) or an equivalent qualification. In addition to the academic requirements, key personal qualities include good interpersonal skills, the ability to work in a team, and a genuine enjoyment of working with children. You must also be physically fit for a career in social education.
The SEJ Munich programme lasts one year – from September to August of the following year. Afterwards, you will go straight into the early years education training programme at the vocational college. The structured daytime training programme then lasts a further three years (two years of theory plus a year of work placement), meaning that after four years in total, you will obtain a state-recognised qualification as an early years educator.
Yes, the SEJ is a paid placement. Your placement organisation will pay you a placement allowance. The exact amount varies depending on the organisation; the recommended minimum is 650 euros gross per month, though some organisations pay significantly more. As you are responsible for finding your own placement and will sign a contract with the organisation, it is worth comparing the terms and conditions in advance.
Teaching at the Heimerer Vocational Academy alternates with practical training. You choose the placement yourself and sign a placement agreement with the organisation; the Vocational Academy must approve the placement. It must be a social care facility (e.g. a crèche, nursery or after-school care centre) within the Munich S-Bahn area and must not be more than 30 km from the Vocational Academy.
The career prospects for nursery teachers in Munich are very good. Since 2013, there has been a statutory right to a childcare place for children aged one year and over, which keeps the demand for qualified staff consistently high. Starting salaries in Munich’s nurseries are often over €4,000 gross per month. Possible areas of work after training include nurseries, after-school clubs, youth centres, special educational institutions and other social education sectors.
After completing the SEJ Munich programme: Your career prospects as a nursery teacher
In Bavaria, and particularly in the Munich area, there is an urgent need for qualified social care professionals. Demand has outstripped supply for years, which means excellent career prospects for you:
- A wide range of fields: nurseries, crèches, after-school clubs, youth centres, outreach and residential youth work, special educational needs facilities, early intervention centres
- Attractive salary: Starting salaries in Munich-based organisations often exceed €4,000 gross per month
- Further training, e.g. at the Heimerer Academy: Additional qualifications enable specialisations, e.g. in special needs education or media education
- Further study: With a vocational academy qualification, you gain entry to a university of applied sciences and can study subjects such as early childhood education or social work
- Opportunities for promotion to management positions or self-employment with your own facility
