Bremen is restructuring its early childhood educator training program: Starting in the 2027/28 school year, the Integrated Standard Training (InRa) will combine classroom instruction and practical experience from the very beginning. The full-time training program leads to state certification in three years. This replaces the previous model of two years of full-time classroom instruction followed by a one-year professional internship.
Senator for Children and Education Mark Rackles emphasizes: “With InRa, we are making the training of early childhood educators more practical and setting the course for future recruitment of skilled workers. Theory and practice belong together from the very beginning. At the same time, it is essential that a training reform opens up new avenues without obstructing proven ones. Therefore, we are ensuring a reliable transition and enabling the continuation of in-service training programs. Private vocational schools are indispensable partners in this endeavor to attract qualified professionals for our daycare centers.”
Transitional arrangements for private vocational schools
The Senator for Children and Education is therefore creating transitional arrangements for private vocational schools. This will allow the measures associated with in-service training to become an early childhood educator to proceed as planned. These include, for example, qualifications within the framework of the ESF+ program "Pathways to Employment".
The transition to InRa will bring organizational changes for private vocational schools. These include adapting their curricula and obtaining the certifications required for funding. To prepare for this transition, the Paritätische Bildungswerk Bremen (PBW) and the Institute for Vocational and Social Pedagogy (ibs) will be given the opportunity to begin one final, part-time vocational training year in 2027 as supplementary schools, following their existing training and examination regulations.
Public vocational schools will start as early as the 2027/28 school year
The transitional arrangement allows schools to reliably plan their programs and prepare for the switch to InRa for the 2028/29 school year. The Senator for Children and Education is overseeing the necessary steps. At public vocational schools, the integrated standard training program will begin as early as the 2027/28 school year, based on the new vocational school regulations. The additional transitional year applies exclusively to the aforementioned part-time programs offered by private vocational schools.
Professional development opportunities remain secure
For interested parties, educational institutions, and organizations, this means: The introduction of InRa does not prevent the measures within the framework of in-service training for educators from being carried out as planned. This also applies to the corresponding offerings of the ESF program "Pathways to Employment" in Bremen and Bremerhaven. The respective requirements for admission and funding remain unchanged.
This means that part-time pathways to becoming an early childhood educator remain possible even during the transition. This ensures that the proven options for further professional development as an early childhood educator are preserved, especially for those already working in a childcare facility or with family responsibilities.
Combining theory and practice from the very beginning
At InRa, the practical training required for state accreditation is fully integrated into the vocational school curriculum. The previously required subsequent internship thus becomes an integral part of the training program. The new regulations for vocational schools in social work create a common framework for training in social pedagogy and special needs education. In addition to full-time options, part-time and work-study programs are also available.
Financial support during training
Students in integrated vocational training programs can receive support through the Federal Training Assistance Act (Aufstiegs-BAföG) under the Federal Training Assistance Act (AFBG), provided they meet the eligibility requirements. For full-time training, this also includes a contribution towards living expenses. Funding for course and examination fees under the AFBG may also be available for part-time InRa (Integrated Vocational Training) programs. In addition to individual qualifications, the specific structure and eligibility of the respective training program are crucial factors. For eligible part-time programs, funding may also be available through the Qualification Opportunities Act or an education voucher from the Federal Employment Agency or Job Center. Which funding instrument can be used in each individual case depends on the specific funding conditions.
Further information on Integrated Standard Training can be found under: Questions and Answers about InRa.
Source: Integrated regular training starts in the 2027/28 school year – Senate Press Office, October 29, 2026
