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Requirements
Where is it?
Work quickly in the early childhood sector
What is it?
There are several jobs that allow you to take care of children up to the age of 7, without having a diploma or with a BAC ("A-levels").
- Early Childhood Assistants work in structures welcoming children from 3 months to 3 years old. They welcome and take care of children: hygiene care, awakening activities, helping with meals, etc. Their role is also to ensure stock management as well as the opening and closing of doors.
- Nursery assistants look after between 1 and a maximum of 4 children (generally under 3 years old), at home and/or in family crèches or a nursery assistants' home. They accompany them on various activities and outings. The aim is to get them used to other children and adults.
- Childcare workers look after children before and/or after school and in their free time (Wednesdays, holidays). They welcome them and lead games and outings. They may also suggest creative projects. They often work part-time.
- The support workers for pupils with disabilities (AESH) make it easier for disabled pupils to be comfortable and independent in schools. They accompany one or more disabled pupils during class time. They help the children to understand and memorise their lessons. They also encourage them to meet other people and provide them with all the day-to-day assistance they need. They often work part-time.
They can start working at the same time as they complete a validation of acquired experience (VAE) or train themselves to obtain a diploma in early childhood.
How to do it?
Since August 31, 2022, daycare centers are authorized to recruit staff without diplomas.
However, an establishment may only recruit one person under these conditions.
You can therefore apply directly for job offers in daycare centers. You must highlight your skills, your experience, your motivation and your human qualities.
To be a nursery assistant, you need to be approved.
The following conditions must be met:
- have suitable, clean and secure lodging facilities to accommodate children
- have knowledge regarding working professionally as a childminder
- be motivated and have the qualities necessary for this job: patience, concern for safety and hygiene, sense of responsibility, etc.
To work as an AESH, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- have a baccalaureate level or an equivalent level IV diploma
- have a professional diploma in the field of personal assistance
- provide proof of professional experience of at least 9 months in the areas of supporting people with disabilities.
You must send your application (CV and cover letter) to your rectorate.
- Go to the website of the Ministry of National Education
- Go to the section “How to apply to become a support worker?”
- Then, select your academy by clicking on the map.
If your application is accepted, you will be hired by the State represented by the academy rector or by a Local Public Education Establishment (LPEE).
The first contract is concluded for a fixed term of 3 years (Fixed-term contract). After having worked for 3 years, the contract can be renewed for an indefinite period (Permanent Contract), if there is no interruption of more than 4 months between the contracts.
To entertain and supervise minors aged between 3 to 17, you must have the BAFA (certificate of aptitude for the functions of youth worker) .
The BAFA consists of an 8-day general training session (mainly focused on theory) followed by a practical internship and an in-depth session (6 days) or qualification session (8 days).
What happens next?
If you have worked for at least one year (1,607 hours) in the early childhood sector, you can apply for Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE). It is possible to do this even if you work.
Thanks to VAE, you have the opportunity to take new training courses, advance your career and facilitate your job search.
You can thus transform your past professional experiences in your country of origin into a recognized diploma in France. This is a process that can take several months, sometimes a year or more, depending on your availability and the difficulties encountered.
After the VAE, you can obtain, depending on your experience, one of the following diplomas in early childhood education:
- Professional aptitude certificate (CAP) for early childhood educational support (AEPE) , a 2-year diploma that can be prepared without a high school diploma (BAC)
- State Diploma for Early Childhood Educators (DEEJE) . a 3-year diploma that can be prepared after high school (BAC) in a specialized training center
- State Diploma of Educational and Social Support (DEAES) . a 3-year diploma that can be prepared after high school (BAC) in a specialized school
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