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Excellent 4.89rating (61)
  • Quality Education

Childcare & Community Service Work

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help with our ongoing efforts to support childhood development in Costa Rica.
  • Volunteer with children in kindergartens or care centres.
  • Teach the children core subjects and lessons that you are also passionate about.

Highlights

  • Help with our ongoing efforts to support childhood development in Costa Rica.
  • Volunteer with children in kindergartens or care centres.
  • Teach the children core subjects and lessons that you are also passionate about.
  • Support students who are falling behind in class due to overcrowded and understaffed learning facilities.
  • Live in the gorgeous city of Heredia with a local host family.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+
    Wheel Chairs

    About the program

    Live in central America and prepare children for school by teaching important early childhood development skills

    Your primary role will be to provide additional support to the local teachers and caregivers at kindergartens and care centres.

    In Costa Rica, you will:

    • Focus on basic education
    • Plan fun activities that teach the children basic development skills
    • Assist with important day-to-day practical tasks to ...

    About the program

    Your primary role will be to provide additional support to the local teachers and caregivers at kindergartens and care centres.

    In Costa Rica, you will:

    • Focus on basic education
    • Plan fun activities that teach the children basic development skills
    • Assist with important day-to-day practical tasks to ensure the centres run smoothly

    Increase literacy and numeracy

    Reading, writing, and counting are essential skills. You’ll help children learn these skills, so they’re better equipped to cope with the demands of the first year when they start school. You’ll focus on those who are struggling by teaching literacy and numeracy to small groups.

    Contribute to early childhood development

    Fun activities that teach children basic skills are a fundamental aspect of a child’s development. By making your lessons entertaining, you’ll keep the children engaged in what they’re learning.

    You’ll help the teachers and caregivers organise:

    • Physical activities that encourage teamwork and the development of fundamental movement skills (like catching, throwing, and balance)
    • Music lessons that encourage creativity
    • Arts and crafts that teach the children about colours and shapes, and how to use their imagination

    Assist with day-to-day care centre tasks

    You’ll often be asked to assist the local staff with day-to-day duties such as serving food, washing up, and cleaning. This is essential to the daily running of the care centres.

    Typical day

    Your day will start with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, enjoyed with your local host family. After this, you’ll catch a bus to the placement where you’ll be working. On your first day, our staff will accompany you on your work commute. They’ll ensure you’re comfortable and know your ...

    Typical day

    Your day will start with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, enjoyed with your local host family. After this, you’ll catch a bus to the placement where you’ll be working. On your first day, our staff will accompany you on your work commute. They’ll ensure you’re comfortable and know your way around.

    A typical day will run from about 7 or 8 am to 5 pm, coinciding with kindergarten and daycare centre hours.

    Evenings and weekends are your free time to relax and explore with new friends. You can easily reach the impressive Poas and Irazu volcanoes on a day trip from Heredia. Elsewhere, numerous popular tourist destinations, such as Arenal volcano and Monteverde cloud forest, are only a few hours bus ride away.

    Free-time activities

    Evenings and weekends are your free time to relax and explore with new friends. You can easily reach the impressive Poas and Irazu volcanoes on a day trip from Heredia. Elsewhere, numerous popular tourist destinations, such as Arenal volcano and Monteverde cloud forest, are only a few hours bus ride ...

    Free-time activities

    Evenings and weekends are your free time to relax and explore with new friends. You can easily reach the impressive Poas and Irazu volcanoes on a day trip from Heredia. Elsewhere, numerous popular tourist destinations, such as Arenal volcano and Monteverde cloud forest, are only a few hours bus ride away.

    You’ll also never be too far from the coast in Costa Rica. Spoilt for choice by the number of idyllic beaches, you'll have plenty of opportunities for water-based activities like surfing, swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving. The laid-back life of Costa Rica is infectious and you’ll find it hard to leave!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The cost of our programs includes:


    • Round-the-clock support on the ground and 24/7 back up from our global teams.

    • To and from the airport, plus everything in between. Daily transport to your placement and back.

    • Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.

    • All breakfast, lunch, and dinners, and always fresh drinking water.

    • All programme activities and equipment, including training and workshops from experienced professionals.

    • Regularly organised social events with other participants.

    • Everything you need to prepare for your trip, including visa advice, cultural awareness training, access to your dedicated pre-departure portal, and more.

    • Certified record of service hours where applicable, workshops, and activities for your CV.


    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    Your arrival airport in Costa Rica will be Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. Our in-country staff will be there to greet you at the airport. They’ll be holding a Projects Abroad sign so you can spot them easily.

    From the airport, our staff will drive you to your accommodation. The drive will take around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and where your host family is located.

    Accommodation

    You'll stay with a host family in Heredia. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Costa Rica and have a truly unique experience.

    We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe. 


    Food & Beverages

    Your programme fee includes three meals a day. We can cater to special dietary requirements, such as any food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, kosher, etc. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The project runs all year round, so you can join whenever it suits your schedule. 
    The minimum duration is four weeks, but we recommend staying longer to have an even greater impact.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $740 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Heredia

    Meet your project coordinator

    Bethany
    61
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    1992
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Childcare in Costa Rica
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