New qualification course for childminders in the Höxter district is starting soon!

New qualification course for childminders in the Höxter district is starting soon!

Childcare is an issue that is close to the hearts of many parents, and in the Höxter district a particularly individual approach is taken. Child day care has now established itself as an integral part of the childcare offering, and not without reason: around 340 children under the age of three are already looked after by dedicated childminders in the region. But how do you actually become a day care worker? A new qualification course will start on February 24, 2026 and there are still places available. If you're interested, don't hesitate - demand is high!

Child day care offers a flexible and equivalent alternative to balancing family and work. This is an important aspect given that many parents can no longer receive support from grandparents or neighbors. In a pleasant atmosphere, babies and small children are looked after either in small groups or even individually, which promotes direct contact and needs-orientation.

Qualification for future day care workers

Training is essential for prospective day care workers. This includes a total of 300 teaching units and 80 internship hours, with the course content based on the competency-oriented qualification manual for child day care (QHB). In addition to knowledge in pedagogy, psychology and communication, participants also gain practical insights into how to organize a daily routine. There is also the option of starting the job after a basic qualification of 160 teaching units. Successful participation in the course is necessary in order to obtain a nursing license in the Höxter district. All those who complete will receive a certificate as proof of their qualifications.

Anyone who chooses to work as a day care worker should not only have a great love of children, but also have empathy and professional know-how. What's particularly exciting is that day care workers can set the time frame and group size for their care - they can look after up to five children at the same time. Anyone who would like to gain further qualifications in this area will also find a free offer of exchange meetings and training courses to exchange ideas with other specialists.

A look at the general conditions

But what exactly characterizes child day care? This legally recognized form of care impresses with its family atmosphere and the flexibility of care times. The care usually takes place in the day care person's respective household, which creates additional closeness. From August 2022, it will be mandatory for all new childcare workers in North Rhine-Westphalia to complete the qualification course. The course is divided into a preparatory and an activity-accompanying section. The focus here is on the development of business plans, legal framework conditions and the role of parents as educational partners.

The “Early Opportunities” initiative, which aims to improve the quality of these offers nationwide and promote working conditions for early childhood educators, is also involved in the further development of child day care. To this end, numerous discussions were held with ministries and specialist associations in order to develop a uniform strategy. The aim is to further professionalize child day care offerings so that the little ones in Germany receive the best possible support.

Parents who are interested in childcare provided by daycare professionals can contact the Höxter district specialist advice center directly. Contact persons include Katharina Sinn, Stephanie Werk-Ferber and Christina Westermeier, who can be reached at the telephone numbers provided (05271/9653716, 05271/9653706, 05271/9653711) and online at kindertagespflege.kreis-hoexter.de are reachable.

Overall, it is clear that day care in the Höxter district is a valuable resource that serves parents and society. It not only offers individual care for children, but also attractive career prospects for dedicated day care workers.