Men in Early Childhood Education

Men in Early Childhood Education and care: Coordination Office “Men in Kitas” In the last years, in Germany there is growing consciousness about the importance of men for the development of children - in family as well as in kindergarten and schools. A recent nationwide German study on the subject of “male educators in kitas” sees a positive climate for bringing more men into early childhood institutions: The doors to kitas (early childhood centers) are wide open for men. But, in German early childhood centers, at present there are only 3 % men working. Male workers are very much in demand.

Recently, the Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth has put new perspectives for boys and men on its agenda. Among other projects, Men in ECE is a main focus. A national Coordination office for men in Kitas was installed, and a huge ESF (European Social Fund) program has been started.

The Coordination Office is affiliated to the Catholic University of Applied Sciences. It works together with policymakers and practitioners to noticeably increase the number of male educators in German early childhood institutions, including vocational and academic training. We have been working together with various partners since the beginning of 2010 and are supported in our work by educators, parents, providers officers, kita managers, politicians and academics.

Find out more on our homepage http://www.koordination-maennerinkitas.de/?L=1 contact: Tim Rohrmann, rohrmann@koordination-maennerinkitas.de