Kindergarten: Trainee Position / Duales Studium / Berufsbegleitende Ausbildung zum staatlich anerkannten Erzieher (m/w/d)

Leipzig

Part-time

Trainee

General

Job Start: 01 August 2026
Positions: max. 2 (depending on the decision of the City of Leipzig in June 2026)
Location: Leipzig International Kindergarten, Karl-Heine-Str. 95, Leipzig, Germany

Our Leipzig International Kindergarten, opened in June 2014, provides over 270 children aged 1 to 6 with a full-day, year-round, early education programme, which aims at supporting each child’s personal, social, academic, physical and emotional development in an international setting.

Definition of the Trainee Role
The dual study programme or vocational training pathway is designed to provide structured, practice-oriented learning opportunities for trainees, enabling them to gain a recognised qualification in an educational or social pedagogy profession. The programme combines theoretical instruction at a recognised German educational institution (specialised academy, university, or vocational school) with practical training at either the Kindergarten or Hort of Leipzig International School as the practice partner.

The aim of the programme is to progressively develop the professional competencies required to work independently and confidently as an educator. Throughout the training period, the trainee gradually assumes increasing levels of responsibility in line with their developing skills, knowledge, and professional experience.

In this role, the trainee actively supports Leipzig International School in promoting its values and in fulfilling its mission and vision. The trainee contributes meaningfully to the learning, wellbeing, and holistic development of children and learners across LIS, while being guided and supported by experienced educators and teams.

Prerequisite for the Position

Candidates must be enrolled with a recognised German school, university, or training institution that offers an eligible state-approved educational programme in early childhood education, social pedagogy, or a related field.

Your tasks and responsibilities

Care for children aged 12 months to 6 years in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment
Contribute to creating inclusive learning environments in which children can develop their intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and creative potential
Plan and implement age-appropriate, child-centred and theme-based learning experiences in line with the Saxony State Curriculum for Kindergarten (Sächsischer Bildungsplan) and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Observe, support, guide, and actively participate in children’s play, learning processes, and daily routines
Support children in developing essential life skills, including dressing, toileting, self-care, and independent eating
Assist children in their social-emotional development and support them in managing individual needs and challenges
Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with children, colleagues, and families as part of a collaborative learning community
Provide formative feedback to support children’s learning progress and the development of higher-order thinking skills
Participate in team meetings and contribute professional observations on children’s development and learning
Collaborate with colleagues to continuously improve the quality of care, education, and learning at Leipzig International Kindergarten
Support communication with families in collaboration with educators through Seesaw posts, parent meetings, and written documentation/reporting

Your profile

Fulfilment of the admission requirements of the relevant educational institution (e.g. A-levels, completed vocational training as a state-recognised Social Assistant, or a comparable qualification and/or relevant experience)
Fluency in written and spoken English or German, with a basic understanding of the other language
A strong sense of responsibility, together with physical and mental resilience, flexibility, and a friendly, approachable demeanour
A committed attitude towards learners, with a clear focus on their development, well-being, safety, and growth
A collaborative team player who is open to change, solution-oriented, and brings a good sense of humour to daily work
Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively and manage multiple tasks
Strong attention to detail, combined with sound problem-solving skills
The ability to work independently and take responsibility for a full range of tasks within the role
Well-developed communication, reflection, and feedback skills, supported by empathy and intercultural competence
The ability to positively challenge situations, contribute to conflict resolution, and support continuous improvement
Previous practical experience in a kindergarten or educational setting is considered an advantage

What we offer

A vibrant, diverse, and supportive school community
Opportunities for professional growth in a globally connected environment
A chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our learners as they grow into confident, internationally-minded individuals
Wonderful students who are interested in learning
A dynamic and diverse workplace that continues to develop best teaching and learning practice
30 days of paid vacation, and December 24 and 31 designated as non-working days
The chance to engage in the life of the International School in the beautiful city of Leipzig; a historic, green, vibrant university city that is safe, well-connected, and in the cultural heart of Europe
Company benefits such as company pension scheme, supplementary health insurance, moving allowance, JobRad leasing, financial support for a German language course etc. (Awarded the designation of a Socially Responsible Employer)

Über uns

Die Leipzig International School GmbH (LIS) ist eine lebendige und einladende gemeinnützige Bildungsgemeinschaft, die sich der Förderung von Lernen, persönlicher Entwicklung und globalem Bewusstsein engagiert widmet. Mit nahezu 1.100 Schülerinnen und Schülern aus lokalen und internationalen Familien bieten wir eine bereichernde Bildungserfahrung, die vom Kindergarten bis zur Sekundarstufe reicht und durch ein integriertes Hortprogramm, welches für unsere Schülerinnen und Schülern der Grundschule vor und nach dem Unterricht sowie in den Ferien angeboten wird, ergänzt wird.
Unter unserem Leitmotiv „Learning to be a citizen of the world“ stehen Vielfalt, Internationalität und Inklusion im Mittelpunkt unseres Handelns. Wir schaffen ein unterstützendes Lernumfeld, in dem Kinder und Jugendliche sich nicht nur akademisch, sondern auch sozial und persönlich entfalten können.
Ein engagiertes Team von 250 Mitarbeitenden aus 37 Nationen begleitet unsere Schülerinnen und Schüler auf ihrem individuellen Bildungsweg – von den ersten Schritten in die Schullaufbahn bis hin zur Hochschulreife. Dabei legen wir großen Wert darauf, jedem Kind die bestmögliche Unterstützung zu bieten und es auf zukünftige Herausforderungen vorzubereiten.
Unser Schullogo, der Löwe, symbolisiert Mut, Stärke und Widerstandskraft – Werte, die wir in unseren Schülerinnen und Schülern fördern möchten, um sie zu befähigen, ihr Leben selbstbewusst zu gestalten.
Wir sind stolz darauf, durch hochwertige Bildung eine Grundlage für eine bessere Zukunft zu schaffen. Wir sind eine Gemeinschaft, in der sich jede und jeder Einzelne wertgeschätzt fühlt und persönliche sowie gemeinschaftliche Entwicklung möglich wird.

Die LIS ist eine integrative Lerngemeinschaft, die niemanden aufgrund von ethnischer Herkunft, Hautfarbe, Religion oder Weltanschauung, Geschlecht, Geschlechtsidentität, Alter, nationaler Herkunft, Abstammung, Behinderung, Familienstand oder sexueller Orientierung benachteiligt.