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Childcare Volunteer Program in Costa Rica
Help nurture Costa Rica’s youngest minds by volunteering in community childcare centers, bringing care, creativity, and hope to children who need it most.
- Volunteer for the Childcare Volunteering Program in Costa Rica and do your bit for the underprivileged children
- Volunteer work is provided in local childcare centers, community centers, community kitchens in Santa Barbara De Heredia, Costa Rica
- Responsibilities include taking care of children, making meals for them, assisting the local staff in everyday activities
- Engaging children in interactive activities and reading books to them are also activities that can be taken up
- Volunteers will work from Monday to Friday and weekends are free to explore the beautiful area of Heredia as well as San Jose
Make a lasting difference in the lives of children by volunteering your time and energy to help guide and care for those in need, shaping a brighter future for the world.
In Costa Rica, childcare centers are known as “guarderías” or “centros infantiles.” These centers are regulated by the Ministry of Public Education, which ensures they meet high standards for safety, hygiene, and education. Parents can trust that their children are receiving quality care in these facilities.These centers cater to children from infancy to preschool age, offering services like full-day, half-day, and after-school care. The daily routine is structured to include play, naptime, meals, and educational activities tailored to each child’s development.
Operating in neighborhoods with limited resources, these childcare centers rely heavily on the support of volunteers. Due to constraints in staffing and funding, your involvement can make a huge difference in sustaining these vital programs.
The program is designed to support low-income families and single parents, offering children a safe, nurturing environment. Funded partially by the government, these daycares thrive with the help of volunteers, who contribute significantly to their day-to-day operations.
As a volunteer, your role will include engaging with children through play, creating educational materials, and teaching foundational concepts such as colors, numbers, and shapes. You will also assist daycare staff with tasks like cleaning, meal preparation, planning activities, and keeping the facilities in good working order.
By joining this program, you will not only enrich the lives of children but also support the growth and well-being of the broader community. Your dedication will help pave the way for a brighter future for these children and the world around them.
This program is perfect for those with patience, a strong connection to their inner child, and a creative spirit.
Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in South America programs.
Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities
Volunteer roles and responsibilities in the program are varied on a daily basis however general tasks are as follows –
- Engaging in playtime with the children
- Assisting staff with daily tasks
- Helping to prepare meals for the children
- Teaching the children essential skills
- Reading stories and sharing engaging tales
- Supporting the development of educational materials
Requirements & eligibility
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and have a passion for working with children. You should also be proactive and have the ability to take initiative All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. A beginner-intermediate level of Spanish would be an added advantage for the participants in the program.All participants need to provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program.
A typical day
Volunteers in the Childcare Program work from Monday to Friday generally from 8 am -12pm, or 2pm-6pm. Weekends are free for sightseeing or exploring other areas of Costa Rica.
Life on the programme
Accommodation & meals
Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from the San Jose International Airport or hotels located in close vicinity of the airport on the scheduled arrival day.Airport pickup is provided between 8am – 10pm only.Please note that if you arrive later(planned or by delay) than 10 pm you might be asked to pay for a hostel/hotel for the first night.If a participant can’t make it on specified dates, a $75 fee is added to the program to cover extra transportation and private orientation.
Accommodation
As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse in the local culture by staying with a local host family. By living with a host family, you’ll get to know more about the way of life of locals. It’ll also be a great opportunity for you to polish your Spanish skills. Comfortable and safe accommodation is ensured for all volunteers.While staying with a host family, participants get their own room or share with another participant if staying at the same family.
Orientation
All volunteers are given an Orientation beginning on their project start date. Orientation is conducted by the local staff and covers topics such as Costa Rican Customs, Rules and Expectations, Safety and Introduction to your project and placement.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with two cooked meals a day at the host family house. Local Costa Rican cuisine is a fusion of cuisines from different parts of the world. Common foods are Rice, Vegetables, Beans, Pork, Meat, Chicken etc.
During your Free Time
Volunteers are free to visit and see places or do shopping during their free time. San Ramón, located in the central valley of Costa Rica, offers a variety of attractions that showcase both natural beauty and cultural significance. Here are some must-see things in and near San Ramón:
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La Fortuna Waterfall – Although not in San Ramón itself, this stunning waterfall is just a short drive away and is one of the most popular natural attractions in the region.
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Catarata Río Bonito – A beautiful, lesser-known waterfall located near San Ramón, perfect for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the surrounding rainforest.
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Museo de San Ramón – A local museum that provides insight into the history, culture, and development of the area, showcasing historical artifacts and exhibits about the region’s heritage.
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Cultural Events – San Ramón is known for its cultural scene, with local festivals, music, and theater events throughout the year. Be sure to check out what’s happening during your visit!
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – Although it’s a bit farther from San Ramón, the Monteverde Cloud Forest offers breathtaking views and wildlife sightings, including a diverse range of plant and animal species.
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Volcán Arenal – A major tourist destination nearby, where you can explore the Arenal Volcano National Park, take a hike, relax in hot springs, or enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
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Santo Cristo Waterfall – A more remote and tranquil waterfall, located outside of town, great for nature lovers seeking a peaceful environment.
Coffee Tours – Explore the coffee plantations in and around San Ramón to learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the best coffee in Costa Rica.
Start dates
Weekly start dates, year-round — pick any week across the next two years.
Program fees by duration
A one-off application fee ($249 / £179 / €229 / AU$350) is charged in addition to the program fee — valid for one year, during which you may enrol in multiple programs. A 5% international banking fee applies to credit-card payments in USD or AUD.
| Duration | Program fee | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $1,014 | |
| 3 weeks | $1,326 | |
| 4 weeks | $1,652 | |
| 5 weeks | $1,778 | |
| 6 weeks | $1,906 | |
| 7 weeks | $2,035 | |
| 8 weeks | $2,163 | |
| Each additional week | +$175 / week |
Indicative conversion — your booking is charged in the currency you choose at checkout.
✓ What you're paying for
- Pre Departure Support and Communication
- Pre Departure Information Guide
- Host family accommodation with two meals per day
- Participation in cultural activities
- Local support
- Placement coordination
- Orientation
- Welcome at airport with transport to host community/ one way
- Certificate of program completion (On Request)
Not included
- Return Airport Drop
- Airfare
- Travel health insurance
- Weekend leisure travel
- Personal expenses
- Laundry
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply?
Apply as soon as your dates are decided — spots are limited. The application fee is valid for a full year, so you can apply early to secure your place.
How do I apply and when do I pay?
Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee. The program fee can be paid later, even in instalments, but must be complete 45 days before the program starts.
What are the requirements?
Participants must usually be at least 17 (families welcome with younger children), with an open mind, good health and respect for local customs. A clear criminal background check is required from all adults.
Where will I stay and what about food?
You stay in a volunteer house or with a host family, with meals provided. Private-room upgrades are usually available.
Is there support while I'm there?
Yes — a local coordinator gives you an orientation on arrival and is available 24/7 throughout your placement.
Do I need insurance and vaccinations?
Valid travel-medical insurance is mandatory (available from us at a nominal cost). Consult your travel doctor for recommended vaccinations; your pre-departure pack covers the details.
Do you help with the visa?
Yes — all enrolled participants get visa-requirement information in the pre-departure manual, and your point of contact can answer questions.
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