jeudi 20 août 2026 L'actualités au quotidien en PRIM
Education

The steps to becoming a Childcare Assistant: A complete guide

The steps to becoming a Childcare Assistant: A complete guide
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IN BRIEF

Duration of trainingAbout 11 months
AccessBaccalaureate level or equivalent
Training\n
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  • Theoretical courses
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  • Practical work
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  • 4 courses (3 of 5 weeks, 1 of 7 weeks)
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Trials\n
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  • Application file
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  • Written tests
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  • General knowledge and human biology tests
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Experience3 years to access the IFSI competition
DiplomaState Diploma in Childcare Assistant (DEAP)
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\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrY2WXvL2QA\n
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Become Childcare Assistant is a vocation requiring passion and commitment to the well-being of children. This professional journey begins with rigorous training, spread over approximately 11 months and marked by a series of decisive stages. From submitting an application to obtaining the State Diploma in Childcare Assistant (DEAP), each phase is essential to acquire the necessary skills in theory and practice. This comprehensive guide walks you through the various steps you need to take to succeed in this rewarding career.

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Become Childcare Assistant (AP) is a structured course requiring specific training and several key stages. This detailed guide will explain the different steps, from application to training to professional progression possibilities.

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Access conditions and prerequisites

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To join Childcare Assistant training, it is preferable to have a baccalaureate level or equivalent certification. However, access is also possible without a diploma via validation of acquired experience (VAE). Candidates must submit a application file including their academic and professional qualifications, accompanied by an assessment of their skills.

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The selection tests

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Candidates must pass a series of written and oral tests to assess their level of general knowledge, particularly in human biology. These tests ensure that the candidate has the knowledge required to follow the training.

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Initial training

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Duration and distribution

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Childcare Assistant training lasts approximately 11 months, equivalent to 1,540 hours. This period is shared between theoretical teaching (courses) and practical teaching (internships). Theoretical courses cover various themes such as nutrition, hygiene care, and child development.

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Practical courses

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The training includes four practical courses: three of five weeks and one of seven weeks. These internships are crucial to allow future auxiliaries to acquire concrete experience in the field. Students are exposed to different environments such as hospitals, nurseries and maternity wards.

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Training modules

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The training is organized into five skill blocks containing ten modules. Each module addresses a specific area of ​​child care and support, in particular the care of sick children, care techniques, and the psychosocial approach.

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Validation of acquired knowledge

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At the end of the training, a State Childcare Assistant Diploma (DEAP) is issued after continuous assessment and final tests. This diploma is an essential key to being able to practice the profession. DEAP holders must also demonstrate exemplary ethical and professional behavior.

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Prospects for professional development

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After three years of experience, childcare assistants can apply for a competitive examination to join a nursing training institute (IFSI) and prepare for a State Nursing Diploma (DEI). This development allows access to a higher level of responsibilities in the field of care.

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StepsDescription
Access to trainingAccessible with a Baccalaureate level or equivalent certification
Application fileAssessment of academic and professional qualifications
Written testsGeneral knowledge and human biology tests
Theoretical training770 hours of theoretical lessons
Practical training770 hours of practical work and internships
InternshipsFour professional internships: three of 5 weeks and one of 7 weeks
Total durationTraining over 10 to 11 months
DiplomaObtaining the State Diploma in Childcare Assistant (DEAP)
Experience required3 years of experience to access the nursing competition
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  • 1. Preparation and application\n
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    • Prepare the application file
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    • Assessment of academic qualifications
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    • Written tests and general knowledge tests
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  • Prepare the application file
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  • Assessment of academic qualifications
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  • Written tests and general knowledge tests
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  • 2. Initial training\n
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    • Registration in an IFAP
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    • Theoretical training of 770 hours
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    • 770 hours of practical training
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  • Registration in an IFAP
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  • Theoretical training of 770 hours
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  • 770 hours of practical training
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  • 3. Practical courses\n
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    • Three courses of 5 weeks each
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    • A 7-week internship at the end of the training
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    • Experience in a hospital and nursery environment
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  • Three courses of 5 weeks each
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  • A 7-week internship at the end of the training
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  • Experience in a hospital and nursery environment
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  • 4. State Diploma in Childcare Assistant (DEAP)\n
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    • Final evaluation
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    • Obtaining the DEAP
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    • Registration in the register
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  • Final evaluation
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  • Obtaining the DEAP
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  • Registration in the register
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  • 5. Career Opportunities\n
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    • Opportunity to work in hospitals and early childhood institutions
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    • IFSI competition after 3 years of experience to become a Nurse
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    • Career development
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  • Opportunity to work in hospitals and early childhood institutions
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  • IFSI competition after 3 years of experience to become a Nurse
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  • Career development
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  • Prepare the application file
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  • Assessment of academic qualifications
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  • Written tests and general knowledge tests
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    \n\n
  • Registration in an IFAP
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  • Theoretical training of 770 hours
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  • Practical training of 770 hours
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  • Three internships of 5 weeks each
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  • A 7-week internship at the end of the training
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  • Experience in a hospital environment and daycare centers
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  • Final assessment
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  • Obtaining the DEAP
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  • Registration in the register
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  • Possibility of working in a hospital environment and early childhood institutions
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  • IFSI competition after 3 years of experience to become a Nurse
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  • Career development
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