There is a great need

More language support in Tyrolean kindergartens

Language support is now to be intensified even before children start school.(Bild: Graham Oliver -stock.adobe.com)

Many elementary school are familiar with the problem: first graders without sufficient knowledge of German. This puts children at a major disadvantage when they start school. Language support is now to be intensified even before they start school. To this end, there is a new training course for teachers. 

The province of Tyrol is focusing on expanding language support in kindergartens. The relevant training courses for childcare staff will be provided by the University College of Teacher Education Tyrol (PHT). The province is investing 1.6 million euros in a further training program for elementary school teachers.

Day nurseries and kindergartens are essential for learning language and social skills.

Bildungs-LR Cornelia Hagele

Free training for childminders too
The free course program is not only aimed at nursery staff, but also at childminders, after-school care managers and nursery staff. "A total of 6300 people work in this area," said Education Minister Cornelia Hagele (ÖVP) at a press event. The programme is organized by the new Institute for Elementary Education at the PHT.

"The institute officially started on March 1. Language promotion is a key focus," explains Daniela Klingler, head of the institute. Research is also being carried out in this area at the PHT. Professor Bernhard Koch points to studies that prove the educational disadvantage for children with poor German language skills. However, Koch explains that it is not only children from immigrant families who are affected.

Together with representatives from the University of Teacher Education Tyrol, Provincial Councillor Cornelia Hagele (2nd from left) presented the further education program.(Bild: PH Tirol)

Childcare jobs to be upgraded
If the province wants to offer the right to childcare throughout Tyrol in 2026, it will need hundreds of additional employees in this area. The new training program - which is also intended to attract career changers - is also aimed at upgrading the profession and making it more attractive.