The deputy head in the kindergarten – overview

Educators rarely have opportunities for advancement. If you would like to advance professionally as an educator, you can take over the management of the facility or initially work as a deputy manager. But what are the prerequisites for this task?

Between management responsibility and everyday pedagogical life – the deputy management in the kindergarten

As deputy head of the day-care center, you have managerial responsibility, but you are just as much a team member as your colleagues. They are bound by the instructions of the management and the provider, but also take on administrative tasks and bear responsibility when it comes to pedagogical and personnel issues.

• As deputy manager, you represent the facility manager in their absence, e.g. in the event of illness or vacation.
• They then take on the pedagogical and organizational responsibility for the kindergarten and are the first point of contact for parents, colleagues and children if they have any questions or problems.
• If management is in-house, the deputy acts as a link between management and the team. Since the management is usually free from child and group work, their deputy has a better insight into the day-to-day work of the educational team and can express ideas, praise and constructive criticism.
• Tasks to be completed are often divided between the management and their deputy. These tasks include conceptual and organizational planning, writing letters to parents, communicating with the provider, conducting personnel and development interviews, etc.
• In the absence of management, you as a deputy must weigh up which decisions you can and may make independently and which you would rather leave to your superior.

Become deputy manager – requirements

While managerial positions are often advertised, the position of deputy manager is often filled internally. This has the advantage that the deputy manager already knows the team, the parents and the pedagogical concept. However, some positions for deputy managers are also published in newspapers or job boards.

• There are no special qualifications that a deputy manager needs to have. However, the prerequisite is usually professional experience in the respective educational field.
• In any case, you should have good communication skills and be empathetic. This also includes the willingness to reflect on oneself again and again.
• Good writing skills and computer skills are also essential today. You must be able to use word processors, create spreadsheets and use the Internet.
• Resilience and good conflict management are also important. Again and again there are problems in the team, between educators and parents or between a colleague and the management. You should be prepared for these cases so that you can act as a neutral intermediary if necessary.
• Last but not least, you should have a friendly, appreciative nature and bring extensive pedagogical knowledge with you. As deputy manager, you also have an important role model function for the children and your team.

If you are interested in the position of deputy manager, you should try to have a personal interview with the manager and the agency. This will help you find out what competencies and skills are expected.