After three years of training, marked by countless challenges followed by moments of success, I was finally able to take my final practical exam. This period was the most demanding but also the most rewarding part of my apprenticeship.
Preparing for the Exam
Preparing for the final practical exam took a lot of time and effort. First, I had to select and confirm the date and time of the exam. I then drew up a rough plan and submitted it. I based my planning on observations from everyday life, which allowed me to incorporate the children’s interests and needs. After submission, everything had to be reviewed and signed off by the exam experts. Once that step was complete, it was time for detailed planning. Everything had to be described in minute detail, the materials list had to be written, and the tasks for the assistants were assigned. I then briefed the team and prepared the children in my care for the specific situation.
Conducting the Practical Final Exam
The exam began with a 15-minute presentation on the practical aspects of the program, the children in my care, and the support staff. During this presentation, I also mentioned specific details, deviations from the plan, and the daycare center’s guiding principles. This was followed by the practical tasks. The entire group of children participated in the first activity, which was adapted to the individual rhythms of the infants. Together with the children in my care, I made cornstarch slime. The activity challenged the children’s creativity and fine motor skills.
All the toddlers participated in the second activity, which focused on movement and learning through play. We conducted a movement story in which we traveled into space. The goal was to restore a star’s light. The third and final practical assignment was the lunchtime routine, in which all the children in our care participated. During this time, communication and building relationships with the children were particularly important. Finally, there was the professional discussion. First, I had 30 minutes to reflect in writing on a challenging situation that occurred during the exam. I then had 10 minutes to present this to my examiners, during which I was able to demonstrate my knowledge by linking it to relevant theories. Afterward, the examiners asked several questions based on my entire exam. This tested both my professional knowledge and my ability to reflect.
Completion & Appreciation Within the Team
After an exhausting 4.5 hours, I was able to leave the exam room with a huge sense of relief. I was greeted with smiling faces, warm words, and hugs. The team, which always ensured that everything ran smoothly, was a tremendous support during the preparation period as well as during the exam itself. I really appreciate working in a team where collaboration and constant willingness to help are paramount, and where you can rely on others. Even small, homemade gifts from the children, as well as from the team, always gave me courage and brought a smile to my face.
Now all the third-year apprentices are eagerly awaiting the results and looking forward to receiving their EFZ certificates soon!
Samanta