meinmorgen

Early childhood educator

Early childhood educators support children in kindergarten as they play, learn and grow up. They plan activities, encourage language and movement and are important contacts for parents.

Typical tasks

  • planning and shaping the day in kindergarten
  • playing, singing, doing crafts and being outdoors with children
  • observing and recording each child's development
  • encouraging language and social skills in a targeted way
  • holding conversations with parents

Where people work

Early childhood educators work in kindergartens, nurseries, after-school centres and playgroups run by municipalities, associations or private providers.

A good fit if

  • you enjoy being with young children
  • you are creative and have ideas for games and songs
  • you are patient and good at explaining
  • you are a good listener, also to parents

Education pathways in Austria

In Austria the classic path is the BAfEP (college for early childhood education): it takes five years and ends with the Matura (school-leaving exam) and a professional qualification. If you already have the Matura, you can continue at a higher education institution, for example with a degree in early childhood education. In Germany the equivalent is the Fachoberschule Sozialwesen and a Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften, in Switzerland the Fachmittelschule Gesundheit und Soziales and a Fachhochschule.

BAfEP / HLW
Matura with training in early education or social work. 5 years
Fachhochschule (FH)
Practice-oriented degree, often with an internship. 3-year bachelor

Matching schools in Austria

A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.

  • BAfEP 21
    BAfEP, 1210 Wien, Wien
    Collected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can I go to university after the BAfEP?

Yes. The BAfEP ends with the Matura, so all degree programmes are open to you.

Is there a path for adults?

Yes, there are post-secondary courses (Kolleg) for people with the Matura and part-time options. Ask at a BAfEP near you.

Do I have to play an instrument?

Music is part of the training. Many BAfEPs have an aptitude test in which music and voice also play a role.

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