When you are already working in a nursery or daycare as a receptionist, the question always arises: how to obtain the diploma of early childhood educator without leaving your job? Distance learning seems to be the logical answer, but the reality of the DE EJE imposes constraints that many candidates discover too late.
Mandatory internships for the DE EJE: the constraint that distance learning does not eliminate
Since the decree of August 19, 2018, the state diploma of early childhood educator cannot be obtained entirely online. The regulations impose a minimum volume of internships in childcare structures, regardless of the format chosen by the training organization.
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In practice, the theoretical teachings can be followed through e-learning, but the field periods remain in-person. We are talking about a hybrid curriculum, not a 100% distance program. Centers that offer part of the training online generally organize physical gatherings for assessments, group work, and preparation for internships.
For those considering this path, there is a detailed overview of the distance EJE training on News Connect that specifies the modalities according to the institutions.
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This hybrid organization raises a practical question: how to coordinate internships, online courses, and professional schedules? Feedback on this point varies according to organizations, but most offer calendars adapted for working individuals, with internships spread over several periods.
VAE early childhood educator: an alternative to the traditional curriculum
For professionals who already have significant experience with young children, the validation of acquired experience represents a often underestimated option. The law of December 21, 2022, and the decree of December 27, 2023, have simplified access to VAE for the DE EJE on several points.
- The minimum duration of professional experience is no longer conditioned solely to paid activity: volunteering and community service are now taken into account
- A single digital portal is being deployed to centralize procedures, which reduces administrative complexity
- Validation is done by competency blocks, allowing the process to be spread over several months
The VAE is suitable for profiles with several years of practice in nurseries, leisure centers, or medical-social structures. There is no classic theoretical exam: one demonstrates, with supporting documents, that the competencies from the reference framework are acquired in the field.
The VAE pathway can also be prepared remotely, with methodological support via videoconference. Some organizations specialized in the social sector offer individualized support for writing the livret 2, which is the central piece of the file.
Funding for distance EJE training: CPF, employer, and regional aids
The cost of hybrid training for the DE EJE varies by organization, and it is often the first barrier mentioned. Several mechanisms exist to reduce it.
The personal training account (CPF) can be used for the DE EJE, provided that the training is registered with the RNCP. This information should be checked directly on the Mon Compte Formation platform before any registration.
For employees in the early childhood sector, the employer can co-finance the training through the branch OPCO. Public service agents go through the CNFPT or a professional training leave. France Travail also offers specific aids for job seekers who are turning towards social professions.
Regional councils also fund places in social training, but the application timelines vary from one region to another. It is recommended to contact the training service of your region directly at the beginning of the project, sometimes several months before the targeted start date.
Building a solid funding application
The key is to anticipate. A file submitted three months before the start of the training is more likely to succeed than a last-minute request. Gather proof of experience, pay slips, certificates of continuing education, and write a cover letter that explains the link between the professional background and the EJE project.
Educational content of the DE EJE: what the hybrid training covers
The reference framework for the state diploma is organized into competency blocks. The distance learning covers the theoretical part: psychomotor development of the child, legal framework of childcare structures, multidisciplinary teamwork, and management of educational projects.
The online modules often take the form of downloadable written courses, scheduled virtual classes, and forums for student exchanges. The density of the program should not be underestimated: we are talking about a diploma at the bac+3 level, recognized as a bachelor’s degree since the 2018 reform.
The internships in structures complement this theoretical foundation. One works under the supervision of a reference educator, with specific educational objectives for each period. It is during these immersions that the professional posture is built, the one that distinguishes an EJE from a receptionist or an animator.
Remote support: what to expect
The quality of support depends heavily on the chosen organization. Some offer an individual tutor reachable via video, while others limit themselves to written corrections. Before enrolling, ask concrete questions: frequency of feedback on assignments, availability of trainers, existence of an active student group.
A good indicator remains the success rate for the diploma published by the organization. Serious structures communicate this figure without difficulty. Those that avoid it deserve further investigation before committing.
The profession of early childhood educator is hiring in most French departments. Training remotely while maintaining a professional activity allows for a secure transition, provided that one chooses a hybrid pathway that complies with the national reference framework and secures funding in advance.