The standard work is based on the six learning fields of the nationwide framework curriculum for educators, as well as the curriculum content of the states and the required professional competencies. It conveys scientifically grounded expertise for the profession over approximately 1000 pages, always clearly linked to practical examples. The book is aimed at students of all vocational schools and academies for social pedagogy and supports aspiring professionals in expanding and deepening their professional action competence. Concrete practical and learning situations, supported by projects, excursions, tasks, partner and group work, promote professional self-reflection and the active engagement of learners. Cross-cutting themes such as participation, inclusion, prevention, language education, value transmission, and media competence are consistently addressed. The new edition of the standard work features a fresher layout and a color coding system for quick navigation within the book, new professional action situations to introduce the learning fields, content updates, and some revised and supplemented materials, for example, in the chapter on 'Attachment' in learning field 2 or on the topic of data protection in social pedagogical institutions in learning field 6. Comprehensive updates on figures, data, and graphics, such as the professional situation of educators in Germany and the individual federal states, as well as current sociological findings. The illustrations in the chapters have been extensively revised.