• Good Health And Well-Being

Ecuador Childcare Volunteers

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • 80% of PMGY volunteers are 18-22 years old
  • Work with children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Ecuador
  • Plan fun activities daily and make a positive impact at the projects in Quito

Highlights

  • 80% of PMGY volunteers are 18-22 years old
  • Work with children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Ecuador
  • Plan fun activities daily and make a positive impact at the projects in Quito
  • Enjoy the local culture with salsa classes & Ecuadorian cuisine classes
  • Amazing travel opportunities to the Galapagos islands & Amazon jungle

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Groups

    About the program

    Be a helping hand to a beautiful child. There is little as rewarding as enriching a child's life with engaging enthusiasm to help aid in their development.

    As a childcare volunteer in Ecuador, you will provide additional support to childcare projects within the city of Quito. Not only this, PMGY’s Ecuador volunteer programs provide a great foundation to improve your Spanish. Provide a helping hand for the children and local staff. Plan activities and ...

    About the program

    As a childcare volunteer in Ecuador, you will provide additional support to childcare projects within the city of Quito. Not only this, PMGY’s Ecuador volunteer programs provide a great foundation to improve your Spanish. Provide a helping hand for the children and local staff. Plan activities and games, help with meal times and be sure to improve your Spanish as you volunteer with children in Ecuador.

    BACKGROUND TO THE CHILDCARE PROGRAM
    In Ecuador, children attend kindergartens typically from 1-4 years old. The facilities often lack basic resources and are usually overcrowded. There is a limited number of local staff supervising high numbers of children. The children who attend the project each day are typically from more disadvantaged communities in Quito.
    Subsequently, each child may not get the best start in their early childhood. The presence of a volunteer at a kindergarten can provide much needed support and engagement for children. In turn, this builds their confidence and early years development. Working alongside local staff will help give children the skills they need to thrive during their early years.
    Some children also face extra challenges and have additional needs in Ecuador. Children with disabilities face many barriers within and outside the Ecuadorian education system. Lack of awareness and limited access to resources have left many disabled children in Ecuador without the care many desperately need. For children with disabilities, participants can play an essential role in working at a one to one level and supporting with occupational therapy activities. Supporting these projects can be challenging, but equally varied and rewarding.
    Volunteer opportunities in Ecuador provided by PMGY will provide you with a platform to make a positive impact. When working at our childcare volunteer abroad projects in Ecuador, it is important to maintain energy, enthusiasm and creativity. For the reason that many of these children will be seeking the care and attention that you as a childcare volunteer in Ecuador can bring. To volunteer with children in Ecuador, you will need to donate your time and skills effectively. This is to ensure you can maximise your impact on the local people. If you need motivation for gap year volunteering, then our projects in Ecuador provide some fantastic options.
    CHILDCARE VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT EXAMPLES
    La Bota Kindergarten - The centre hosts more than 40 children aged from 1-4 years old. At La Bota Kindergarten, there are 3 groups of children and their daily activities depend on their age. Volunteers at the daycare centre can help by creating recreational activities for the children and organising games. Additionally, participants can teach about hygiene, read stories, play music and sing songs.
    As you participate in the project, you will make fast bonds with the children. Therefore, you must commit to the project for your whole time in Ecuador and plan for each day accordingly. The project runs across the day, but volunteers will usually join in the morning. Usually, this is for 4 hours before the children take their afternoon nap. There are usually 1-2 local staff members in each classroom for volunteer support. Participants can also help the local staff with snacks and breakfast time.
    Working with children is one of the most fulfilling jobs. The volunteers will have the chance to interact with the kids in a variety of ways. Taking the initiative and applying creativity is an important skill to have in this kind of work. As you complete volunteer work in Ecuador at this project, you will play a key role in supporting the more limited local support team. Please keep in mind that the centre’s resources are limited. It is important that you know you may have to face adverse situations. Please be respectful and responsible in your work, keep in mind you are a role model for these children! This volunteer project aims to instil in children important values such as care, respect and love for learning.
    Horse Therapy Project - This inspiring initiative was created in 1993 and provides an alternative form of therapy for children with disabilities. This is a relatively new but increasingly popular rehabilitation method for treating both mentally and physically disabled people. This project has the overall aim of improving coordination, rhythm, orientation and balance of the children who attend.
    The physical presence of horses has a positive effect on the children’s mindset. The production of alpha waves is stimulated by the children riding the horses and this allows them to relax at the same time. It also provides a distraction for children who can often be in pain or suffering some form of depression.
    Volunteers play a vital role in the day-to-day running of this project. They help the local staff with the general maintenance of the horses including feeding, walking, and ensuring they are suitably saddled and bridled. Volunteers also assist with the therapy sessions with the children and working with their parents at the project.
    OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER WORKING WITH CHILDREN IN ECUADOR
    Spanish Requirements - For the childcare program in Ecuador, we recommend that you speak a reasonable level of Spanish prior to your trip. There are no specific language requirements in order to join the program and you can join as an absolute beginner. However, we find that the ability to speak a good level of the Spanish language and a passion to learn more will greatly enhance your overall experience. This is because English is generally not widely spoken and therefore our programs should be viewed as a broader language immersion experience. If you do not speak a reasonable level of Spanish then you will find it difficult to communicate. As a result, this could lead to a more frustrating experience.
    PMGY also offer Online Spanish Lessons that you can take before your trip. The lessons provide you with the opportunity to receive one-on-one classes from a trained Spanish teacher. Classes are held via Zoom and can be worked around your schedule back in your home country.
    We also offer a learn Spanish in Ecuador program which you can take part in prior to your volunteer placement. This provides you with 20 hours-per-week of group Spanish lessons. Both of these options can be added during our online application process. They are highly recommended if you want to make the most of your volunteer placement.
    Once you are in-country then you are also able to organise additional Spanish lessons directly with our local team. Volunteer feedback suggests that it can often be tiring to complete Spanish lessons at the same time as your volunteer programs in Ecuador. Consequently, we generally recommend extending your Language Immersion Program.
    Project Requirements - Ecuador is definitely a destination that needs your time. The projects that you are joining will be schools, nurseries and hospitals. They require your project commitment and as a result, all participants are expected at the project Monday-Friday. Some projects are walking distance and other projects will require public transportation.
    There is an option to miss a maximum of 3 days and go to the Amazon or the Galapagos Islands. However, this will need to be arranged in advance. If volunteers are ill, this will require notification in the morning. Furthermore, the request from the project is that they are provided with a doctors note. The team will explain further the expectation of the coordinators and projects during orientation.
    Placement Settings - PMGY does not provide volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any of our locations. Research and studies have shown that visiting and volunteering in orphanages has the potential to generate an industry that separates children from their families. In turn, putting children at increased risk of neglect and abuse. Therefore, we do not support these institutions with our volunteer network.
    Instead, we focus on offering alternative childcare volunteer opportunities whereby children come to and from the placement setting each day. In other words, our local teams collaborate with childcare projects which do not offer any form of residential care. These are safe, responsible, and vetted projects, where participants continue to provide valued assistance supporting local staff.
    Weekends - Your project work in Ecuador runs from Monday-Friday and weekends are free. You are welcome to relax and hang out at the volunteer accommodation but most participants will use this time to travel and explore the country. As a result, you can check out our Ecuador Weekend Travel Guide for top tips on how to spend your weekend.

    Typical day

    YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE & TYPICAL CHILDCARE DAY

    As a volunteer in Ecuador, your role involves supporting local staff with daily chores. Examples include providing volunteer support at mealtimes and with cleaning tasks. This extends to more creative support in singing songs, teaching English and improving ...

    Typical day

    YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE & TYPICAL CHILDCARE DAY

    As a volunteer in Ecuador, your role involves supporting local staff with daily chores. Examples include providing volunteer support at mealtimes and with cleaning tasks. This extends to more creative support in singing songs, teaching English and improving hygiene skills. Playing with children in a recreational setting outdoors is also a big part of the role. This is because of the limited time the local caregivers have to do this.

    The work schedule is flexible and will be set between you, the centre and our volunteer coordinator in Quito. Thus volunteers will have the chance to make the most of their time. You will be volunteering at the project Monday-Friday. Please plan for at least 3-5 hours on the project.

    You can take the public bus to reach your childcare project. The bus stop is located nearby to the volunteer accommodation. Furthermore, the local team will assist you in learning the routes to your volunteer project. As a result, you will be acquainted with how to get to and from your volunteer project. Alternatively, volunteers may opt to take an Uber to get to the project. Whilst more convenient, volunteers should expect to pay considerably more to get to and from the project if opting for this form of transport.

    Free-time activities

    PMGY volunteer in Ecuador participants are based in Quito, the country’s capital located in the Andes Mountains. This major city is home to nearly 3 million people, but with its quaint atmosphere resting in the mountain tops you will find yourself in the majestic views of city life, wilderness ...

    Free-time activities

    PMGY volunteer in Ecuador participants are based in Quito, the country’s capital located in the Andes Mountains. This major city is home to nearly 3 million people, but with its quaint atmosphere resting in the mountain tops you will find yourself in the majestic views of city life, wilderness and history.

    Quito is a uniquely, centralized location to live and work in. In this famous city, you can find yourself at a prime spot to visit the earth’s equator, hike to Cotopaxi Volcano, enjoy panoramic views from the Teleférico, buy souvenirs at the Artesian Market, board the train to the amazon, take a flight to the Galapagos Islands for a long weekend or enjoy a quiet afternoon at Zazu restaurant for a delicious meal.

    Our participants are situated in a great location to explore the local sites and also travel further afield.

    Quito is the world’s most ‘historic’ city. As you venture down the cobblestone roads you can be sure that the same buildings ahead of you were there centuries ago. This enchanted city is the perfect introduction to Latin culture with its mixture of Indigenous and European traditions. Art and nature clearly play a large part in the beliefs of this beautiful location; wait until you walk the streets and encounter the endless murals, statues and works-of-art waiting for purchase in shop after shop.

    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 (intermediate level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    You should be physically fit, as volunteering overseas can be quite strenuous. If you have any medical/mental health conditions that may affect your participation overseas then these must be declared to us. While the programmes only require you to speak a basic level of Spanish, we find that the ability to speak a good level of Spanish will greatly enhance your overall experience.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 14:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Plan My Gap Year

    • Accommodation 
    • Airport Pick Up & Drop Off
    • In-Country Orientation
    • 24 Hour Support

    Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

    You should arrive into Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (airport code UIO) on the Sunday. The airport pickup is available 24 hours. 

    On arrival a member of our local team, or an appointed driver, will be at the airport waiting for you holding a name sign. They will drive you straight to the volunteer accommodation in central Quito where our program is based. Here you can relax and settle in to your living environment. This journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

    Accommodation

    Homestay

    During your time on the Ecuador volunteer programs, you will live in our homestay family accommodation. The accommodation is basic but comfortable and located in the city of Quito. You’ll be living with local families who will guide you in Quito. Furthermore, they will help to improve your knowledge of the Spanish Language! It is important to note that the homestay families will usually speak no English at all.

    The host families are located in or just outside of central Quito. They are all within 30 minutes bus of your volunteer work in Ecuador. Each room has single beds, up to 3 people per room (same-sex rooms only). Participants are provided with bed linen and cupboard space to store clothes and accessories.

    Bathrooms are shared. Each bathroom has a shower and western style toilet. The house has Wi-Fi and a communal area for participants to hang out with their host families. There is also a kitchen with a refrigerator to store any items you need to keep chilled. However, please ask the host family for some fridge space out of respect in advance.

    The families of the homestay normally have a separate area within the house for their family, yet they love to interact with participants. Therefore they will be excited to hear about your days and experiences in Ecuador. Above all, the host family set-up ensures you have round the clock support and security. In addition, you will get the chance to improve your Spanish language skills.

    Your host family location is usually linked to your volunteer in Ecuador project location. For the reason that it allows for more practical logistics to get to and from the project. Therefore, should you have requirements to be in the same accommodation as another PMGY application then be sure to highlight this on your online application.

    Food & Beverages

    During your volunteer trip to Ecuador, meals are not included within your Program Fee. There is a very popular option to pay 70 USD per week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your host family will provide you with three freshly prepared meals per day (Mon-Sun). Most meals are traditional Ecuadorian dishes and vegetarian options are always available. The payments are made locally, upon arrival for the duration of your stay.

     

    Please note this is a one off cost and it is not possible for volunteers to arrange on a “per meal basis”. It is also important to stress that this fee does not included additional snacks or drinks outside of meals times.

     

    If you would prefer to arrange your own meals then the homestay will be equipped with a kitchen including all the appliances and items needed. You will need to purchase all your own ingredients in order to prepare your meals. This is a less popular option as it ends up costing you more and its often a hassle to arrange a meal just for you.

     

    The homestay is located in a great area. This hip spot has small food markets and large convenience stores. If you have any questions about the kitchen or where to buy items the local team is always on hand to help.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. 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 Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    This program starts on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 802€
    3 weeks 937€
    4 weeks 1,071€
    6 weeks 1,341€
    8 weeks 1,610€
    10 weeks 1,879€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 2,149€
    Average fees 289€/week

    Program fees

    289€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Plan My Gap Year during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Plan My Gap Year

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (1434 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2011

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Josh

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Plan My Gap Year is an award-winning international volunteer placement organisation based in the UK.

    Meet your organization

    Plan My Gap Year is an award-winning international volunteer placement organisation based in the UK. We provide safe, affordable, need-driven volunteer programmes from 1 to 24 weeks in 11 countries worldwide.

    A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US…

    Founded by volunteers for volunteers, Plan My Gap Year works with local communities in the developing world towards long-term sustainable goals. We know there is no better way to travel and make a positive impact on the world.

    We work extremely hard to ensure that our opportunities are affordable for everyone who wants to make a difference. So fees are 100% transparent, something our volunteers really appreciate.

    Plan My Gap Year structured programmes create the perfect platform for you to see the world, meet like-minded people and engage in meaningful volunteer work. We have teams in the UK and in our host destinations who will support you 24/7 throughout your time with us. Furthermore, every project on our network is regularly risk-assessed by our UK team to ensure our set up is safe and that our volunteers are making a positive impact.

    There is also a great social element to our programmes. Plan My Gap Year puts you in touch with all your fellow volunteers via Facebook before you set off. Our projects receive volunteers from around the world throughout the year, so even if you’re travelling solo, you’re going to meet heaps of people along the way. Plus you’ll have plenty of opportunity to travel the country with your newfound travel buddies – it’s all part of the PMGY experience!

    So if you’re thinking of doing something a bit different on your next trip abroad, then why not drop us a line and find out what extraordinary things you could be doing.

    AFFORDABLE & TRANSPARENT FEES

    Our aim is to make our programmes accessible to motivated travellers irrespective of their financial capacity. Plan My Gap Year focuses on providing the core requirements of a volunteer programme: safety, structure and sustainability.

    We are 100% transparent with our fees. That way you know exactly how much of your money goes towards the local community.

    Compared to the large majority of volunteer organisations out there, even most charities and not-for-profits, PMGY’s opportunities are significantly cheaper. Furthermore, as our reviews will testify, our support service and structured programmes are second to none.

    SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT

    Your safety is our top priority. All of Plan My Gap Years' programmes have been personally inspected and vetted by the PMGY team – which is not an industry standard by any means. We carry out independent risk assessments on an annual basis and our local teams constantly review the safety precautions we implement. This includes regular staff and safety appraisals.

     Our local teams are made up of highly experienced volunteer coordinators. They have hosted international volunteers for many years and are prepared to react in the unlikely event of an emergency. Whatever the problem, big or small, our local teams are available around the clock.

    As part of our commitment to your safety, we keep in constant communication with local embassies and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to ensure we can identify potentially dangerous situations and act upon them immediately. Our UK team are available 24/7 to assist volunteers and their families.

    TRAINING & SUPPORT

    We support our volunteers every step of the way. Before you go we will provide you with a detailed Volunteer Handbook, which will guide you through how to prepare for your trip. This Handbook contains literally everything you need to know – from what to pack, to how to obtain a visa, to local language guides.

    Our experienced UK team are always available to provide assistance. Plan My Gap Year is always available to answer our questions and support you in anyway we can. 

    On arrival, a member of our in-country team will collect you from the airport and help you settle in. Your orientation course will teach you everything you need to know about the country, how to stay safe and what to expect from your upcoming volunteer experience. 

    Our local team are on-call 24/7. Whether you’ve lost your passport or just want some help in planning a weekend trip, our friendly in-country coordinators provide that safety net to ensure you are well looked after.

    RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

    Plan My Gap Years' responsibility is not limited to our travellers but also the projects we support. That is why all our volunteers must provide a Criminal Background Check before they travel.

    It is essential that our projects are need-driven and sustainable. We work closely with our local partners to ensure that our volunteers are contributing to bring about long-term development.

    PERSONAL TOUCH

    We really know our programmes. Our UK team have stayed in the accommodation, volunteered at the projects and met the volunteers. We carefully assess each application we receive so that your personality and skills are suited to the project. Whatever your query, you can feel assured that you will be speaking to someone who can tell you exactly what to expect.

    HAVING FUN

    One of the best aspects of volunteering is meeting some amazing like-minded people. We place over 2,000 volunteers every year so wherever and whenever you go, you have the peace of mind in knowing you will be living and working alongside other PMGY volunteers. In many of our destinations, we run our own Volunteer House accommodation, which ensures all volunteers live together, and therefore guaranteeing a strong social element. In addition, our local team are always there to help you plan any independent travel or give you some tips for what to do at the weekend.

    1434 reviews · rating4.9

    Aubrey rating5

    2023 at Ecuador Childcare Volunteers

    I spent 3 months volunteering in Ecuador and had the absolute best time of my life. I made life long friends, learned more about the amazing country, and never felt unsafe a single time in Ecuador. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a life changing ...
    Rachel rating5

    2022 at Ecuador Childcare Volunteers

    I did my volunteer experience in Ecuador and I had a great time. I was there for two weeks and met some incredible people. My host mom, Monica was amazing. I went over Christmas and from the day I got there Moni welcomed me into her home with open arms. I was homesick and scared to be in a different ...
    Really good programme !! Highly recommend, Philip has been so helpful, everyone at the programme was really nice and welcoming. Well coordinated and planned. Monica and the team in Ecuador were also amazing !! I would deffo do it all again ...
    Francesca Brocklebank rating5

    2024 at Greece Turtle Conservation Volunteers

    I stayed in lixuri in greece doing the tutle volunteering, it was amazing seeing all the hatchlings and great views. I also learnt so much about turtles that I never knew before. The accomidation is...simple, no air con and kitchen basics (non-catered) but lots of space to but your stuff away. ..
    Sophie Sbardella rating5

    2024 at Greece Turtle Conservation Volunteers

    I went on the Turtle Conservation Project in Kefalonia, Greece. The project was incredible!! I learnt so much and made some amazing friends- all the staff there are so supportive and ready to help if ever you need it. I went during hatching season which meant i had most of the days free- there was a ...
    Erin Stright rating5

    2024 at Greece Turtle Conservation Volunteers

    Plan My Gap Year made my first time ever volunteering abroad smooth and easy process. This organization was very organized and had every answer to every question ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Quito

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Childcare in Ecuador
    Contact Josh
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