“We need professionals to look after the children,” says Catherine Walter-Laager, Vice-Rector and Head of the International Center for Professionalization in Early Childhood Educational Practice at the University of Graz, emphasising the added value of the training. “It is particularly during the early years that the foundations for a child’s future are laid; any shortcomings are difficult to reverse later on and have an impact on society as a whole.”
Forty-three new key staff members, who are now authorised to lead a group in crèches and nurseries, are taking on this responsible role: they are the first to have completed the ‘Elementar+’ course at the University of Graz, which combines practical experience with a sound academic foundation.
From the coming winter semester onwards, more than 550 people will be enrolled on the course, as the number of places has been significantly expanded with the support of the Ministry of Education. The modules are predominantly delivered online, meaning that this free programme can be undertaken flexibly in terms of time and location, and thus alongside work.
Benefits for everyday life
The added value for practical work is confirmed by Yasemin Demir, a recent graduate of the course: “Much of what I’ve learnt can be applied directly to everyday situations in the nursery, particularly the knowledge about the quality of interaction, participation and supporting children’s individual development.” Her colleague Melanie Moro adds: “I’ve been able to combine my many years of practical experience with sound pedagogical knowledge. This enables me to reflect on my own actions even more consciously today and justify them professionally.” Karin Kouka emphasises that she has gained a new understanding of everyday challenges: “I now view many situations from a completely new perspective.”
Support for 20,000 childcare centres
Vice-Chancellor Peter Riedler highlights the University of Graz’s pioneering role in research and teaching: “We have established Austria’s first chair in early years education as well as the first Master’s programme. We are also the only university to have recently started offering a Bachelor’s degree in early years education.” Furthermore, this department is home to the International Center for Professionalization in Early Childhood Educational Practice, with sites in Graz and Berlin, making it the largest university institution of its kind in the German-speaking world. The research team currently supports more than 20,000 childcare centres.
