Thailand – Family-Friendly Child Care Volunteer Program

The Kingdom of Thailand sits somewhere between becoming developed and being completely wild. As a volunteer, you could enjoy a faster pace of life in a coastal city or base yourself in a tribal village. Wherever you are in the country, as a volunteer, you’ll be able to contribute to projects that make a real difference in local communities.

Hua Hin, located 280 kilometers southwest of Bangkok in the southern Thai province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, is celebrated as one of Thailand’s prime beach destinations. Drawing locals and international visitors alike, its inviting shores along the Gulf of Thailand offer a perfect blend of relaxation and water-based activities. The town boasts a unique cultural charm with landmarks like the Hua Hin Railway Station and vibrant markets such as the Cicada Night Market, providing a delightful taste of authentic Thai culture. For those seeking a touch of wilderness, the nearby Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with its limestone hills and diverse wildlife offers a captivating contrast to the coastal tranquility. Hua Hin stands as a multifaceted destination that seamlessly combines beachside serenity, cultural richness, and modern excitement, making it an ideal haven for those appreciating the diverse beauty of Thailand.

During this childcare program in Hua Hin, your family will volunteer with children aged 2.5 to 6 years old at a local development center/kindergarten for 2-3 hours each morning. Our program encourages an informal teaching approach, empowering you to employ your unique methods and style, fostering an interactive and engaging learning atmosphere. Your impact as a volunteer extends beyond the classroom, encompassing a diverse set of tasks aimed at holistic development.

Many centers in Hua Hin face teacher shortages, with classrooms sometimes overcrowded. Your role is crucial in assisting local teachers, providing individual attention, and helping children learn English and basic educational concepts through creative activities like songs, dances, and games.

You’ll also engage in feeding, playing, organizing activities, and assisting with cleaning. Your presence helps local teachers practice English, and your diverse accent enhances children’s learning experiences and confidence in speaking to foreigners. Being punctual, following class schedules, dressing appropriately, and preparing engaging lessons are important. Before starting, you’ll review teaching materials with local coordinators to ensure smooth lesson plans. The local coordinator will tailor an itinerary to suit your family’s interests and schedule.

Example of a 1 week family volunteering itinerary: 

Meals: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

Please note that the schedule is flexible and may be subject to change. Children are welcome to assist their parents in the class or take part in activities alongside students. Family volunteers can also engage in cultural exchanges and play with the children, fostering a fun and enriching experience for everyone.

Volunteer Tasks may include:

•  Informally teach and assist kids in a local kindergarten
• Create engaging activities tailored to the young children’s needs.
• Organize workshops on cultural exchange, environmental awareness, and other important issues.
• Take part in the daily 8:00 AM ceremony and morning exercises.
• Adapt to varying subjects based on school activities, environmental concerns, or ongoing festivals.
• Collaborate with local teachers and participants to develop lesson plans.
• Organize classroom activities to enhance the learning experience.

Holidays: During long holidays from mid-March to mid-May and throughout October, students return to their families or villages. Seize this opportunity to engage in special classes, English camps, and renovation projects, contributing to the community’s development. These school holidays open avenues for additional engagement outside of the regular classroom setting, including environmental and construction volunteer programs. Immerse yourself in the local cultural festivities when relevant, enhancing your understanding of Thai traditions and fostering deeper connections with the community.

The program offers a flexible schedule, with volunteers leaving the center at different times based on school schedules. Teaching sessions typically last 2-3 hours in the morning or afternoon, and on some days, volunteers may teach both morning and afternoon sessions. Lunch is provided at the school or the center, depending on the day’s program.

Internet: Wi-Fi is available.

Laundry: Laundry can be done by hand, or at a local laundromat (walking distance) for a small fee.

Accommodations: Families will stay in a private family room. These rooms are located apart from the regular volunteer residences, to allow for more quiet and privacy. All rooms have air conditioning, mosquito protection and a private bathroom with hot-water showers. There are restaurants and small local stores within walking distance of each of the accommodations.

Food: Three meals are provided during the week and two meals on the weekends. Meals are typical Thai fare, including plenty of rice dishes. We also provide safe, filtered drinking water. The project can easily cater for vegetarians. During the week, your family will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Saturday and Sunday, volunteers will receive brunch, and then dinner if staying for a volunteer program in Hua Hin. Typical dishes include vegetables with fried rice or noodles. Some Western-style dishes would also be available. Breakfasts are varied and include pancakes, fresh fruit, toast and more. Tea, coffee and purified water are available at the house. We understand children can sometimes be picky eaters, and we will do our best to accommodate their preferences. During your application, please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements you or your children may have. This way, our team leaders and coordinators can make the preparations and special arrangements for you.

Please note this project’s minimum requirements:

• Good level of English
• Police clearance for adults
• Motivation to work with children and meet new cultures
• Able to work in humid climate
• Children must be at least five years old

Culture Week in Hua Hin (Highly Recommended):
For an additional fee, you can extend your stay for a week, with a program designed to introduce you to Thai culture, as well as give you time to get to know the other volunteers. During the program, you’ll have time to explore several famous sights around Hua Hin, followed by Thai customs, language, cooking lessons.

Hua Hin is popular among tourists, and offers volunteers the opportunity to sunbathe, swim or snorkel on the golden beaches. Popular attractions include:

• Vana Nava Water Park
• Khao Takiab Mountain
• Pa La-U Waterfall
• Kaeng Krachan National Park
• Phraya Nakhon Cave