Login

Select travel dates to see prices

Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Quality Education

Early Childcare Support

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

Highlights

  • Support children aged 3 months to 6 years, fostering growth and a vibrant community.
  • Lead fun, educational activities to promote early childhood development.
  • Support children during mealtimes and ensure they eat well.

Highlights

  • Support children aged 3 months to 6 years, fostering growth and a vibrant community.
  • Lead fun, educational activities to promote early childhood development.
  • Support children during mealtimes and ensure they eat well.
  • Keep play areas and rooms clean and safe.
  • Promote children’s overall growth through games and activities.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This initiative focuses on supporting the growth and development of children aged 3 months to 6 years through loving care, early learning, and engaging activities.

    Step into the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant community and be part of something truly special with our Childcare Program. This initiative focuses on supporting the growth and development of children aged 3 months to 6 years through loving care, early learning, and engaging activities. More than just ...

    About the program

    Step into the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant community and be part of something truly special with our Childcare Program. This initiative focuses on supporting the growth and development of children aged 3 months to 6 years through loving care, early learning, and engaging activities. More than just childcare, we offer enriching experiences that combine education, cultural discovery, and emotional support—helping each child thrive in a safe and nurturing space.

    By volunteering with us, you’ll help create an environment where joy, creativity, and curiosity flourish, leaving a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young children.

    Program Highlights

    • Comprehensive Childcare: Support children’s emotional, physical, and mental well-being through attentive care.
    • Hands-On Learning: Facilitate playful, educational experiences that foster early childhood development.
    • Cultural Discovery: Share cultural stories, songs, and games to help broaden children’s perspectives.
    • Meaningful Contribution: Be part of a team that prioritizes safety, encouragement, and holistic care.
    • Community Connection: Engage with local caregivers and families to strengthen community support systems.

    Your Role

    • Assist during mealtimes to ensure children are well-fed and nourished.
    • Maintain clean and safe play areas and learning spaces.
    • Organize and lead creative, age-appropriate educational games and activities.
    • Offer kindness and emotional support to help children feel secure and valued.
    • Support children with basic learning and homework when needed.
    • Help with daily administrative tasks to ensure smooth program operations.
    • Encourage developmental progress through interactive play and exploration.
    • Foster a safe, positive, and inclusive atmosphere for all children.
    Location

    Cape Town, located on the southwestern tip of South Africa, is a vibrant and diverse city nestled between mountains and sea. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and multicultural atmosphere, Cape Town offers something for everyone—from iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Robben Island to bustling markets, golden beaches, and a thriving arts and food scene. The city’s warm hospitality and scenic coastal charm make it an ideal base for cultural immersion and volunteering experiences.

    Project Tasks
    • Establish a safe and nurturing environment for children to explore, learn, and grow.
    • Foster holistic development by addressing social, emotional, and cognitive facets.
    • Promote social and emotional skills to encourage healthy relationships and self-awareness.
    • Encourage intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.
    • Build positive self-identity and confidence.
    • Cultivate respect for diversity and inclusion.
    • Collaborate with families and the community to enhance growth and development

    Typical day

    Monday (on first week only)

    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and explaining & handling of documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, Etc…)
    • South African brief history, Lessons in Afrikaans ...

    Typical day

    Monday (on first week only)

    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and explaining & handling of documents (Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policy, Media Consent, Etc…)
    • South African brief history, Lessons in Afrikaans Culture, Do’s and Don’ts and Basic Afrikaans Language Lessons.
    • Lunch at the accommodation.
    • To ensure participants are well-acquainted with the surroundings, the coordinator will guide the participants to key spots like supermarket, ATM, and currency exchange center and assist in obtaining a local SIM card with data for seamless communication during their stay (if not already obtained).
    • A visit to the Muizenberg beach.
    • Capetonian Cooking lesson (Time Permitting Only).
    • Dinner at the accommodation.
    Tuesday – Friday
    • Enjoy breakfast at the accommodation.
    • Head to the program site, where the coordinator will outline the day’s activities according to your role.
    • Begin your tasks, assisting with the children’s daily needs and educational activities.
    • Have a packed lunch at the program site, ensuring a smooth transition into the afternoon’s activities.
    • Continue following the guidance of the program official, adapting to the daily requirements of the children.
    • Focus on providing care, supporting learning, and engaging in activities that promote the children’s development.

     

     **You are expected to participate in the program for a minimum of 5 hours a day**

     

    *** Timings will be outlined during the induction and training session on the program’s first day. The schedule remains flexible to accommodate the children’s needs, align with program goals, and adapt to weather conditions, local factors, and unforeseen circumstances.***

    Free-time activities

    Top Things to Do in Cape TownTake a Cable Car up Table Mountain

    Table Mountain is the crown jewel of Cape Town. Take the rotating cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, hike up via the Platteklip Gorge trail. The top is flat, ...

    Free-time activities

    Top Things to Do in Cape TownTake a Cable Car up Table Mountain

    Table Mountain is the crown jewel of Cape Town. Take the rotating cable car to the summit for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains. For the adventurous, hike up via the Platteklip Gorge trail. The top is flat, making it easy to explore and a great spot for sunset photos.

    Stroll the V&A Waterfront

    The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, it’s home to a giant Ferris wheel, live music, restaurants, and the Two Oceans Aquarium. You can also catch a boat to Robben Island from here.

    Explore the Colourful Streets of Bo-Kaap

    The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is one of the most photographed places in Cape Town, with its brightly painted houses and cobbled streets. It’s also a cultural hub for the Cape Malay community. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum and join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like bobotie and samoosas.

    Hike Lion’s Head at Sunrise or Sunset

    If Table Mountain feels like too much of a challenge, Lion’s Head is a rewarding alternative. The spiral trail takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top and offers panoramic views of the city and coastline. Sunrise and sunset hikes are especially popular for their magical light and Instagram-worthy vistas.

    Relax on Camps Bay or Clifton Beach

    Just a short drive from the city centre, Camps Bay and Clifton are upscale beach spots perfect for soaking up the sun. With white sand, turquoise water, and views of the Twelve Apostles mountains, they offer a beautiful setting for a lazy afternoon or sundowners at a beachfront café.

    Visit the Cape Winelands

    Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands are world-renowned for their wine and scenery. Spend a day sipping award-winning vintages in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, or Paarl. Many estates offer wine and food pairings, cellar tours, and picnic spots among the vineyards.

    Drive Chapman’s Peak

    Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal routes, winding along steep cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The road offers incredible ocean views and is a favourite among cyclists and photographers. Stop at lookouts for breathtaking shots, especially at sunset.

    See the Penguins at Boulders Beach

    Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Boulders Beach is a family-friendly destination where you can watch endangered African penguins up close. There are boardwalks for viewing and even a designated swimming area where you might find penguins floating alongside you.

    Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

    Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. Walk among native fynbos plants, picnic on the lawns, or explore the treetop canopy walkway. Summer evening concerts and art exhibits add to the charm.

    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)

    Education Requirements

    at high school 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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day weekdays
    • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • Daily transportation to project
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

    Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

    A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). You must arrive by one of the pickup times; 10:00, 14:00 & 17:00 on Sunday.

    If arriving outside the pickup times on Sunday, you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee.

    Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this). 

    From the airport to the accommodation, it takes 30 minutes by road.

    Accommodation

    You will stay in secure volunteer accommodation Strandfontein Village, Cape Town, just a convenient 30-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. The accommodation has shared single gender rooms of 1-4 people. There are hot showers, safety box, fan, bed linen, and laundry facilities for an extra fee. Shared facilities include a communal bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy dining and lounge area, perfect for relaxed, community-style living. Rooms are lockable, with safety boxes provided for your valuables. An ATM and local supermarket are a 5 min walk from the accommodation, and medical centre is 15 mins drive away.

    For larger groups, we also provide a secure, capsule-style hostel in Muizenberg, located just 15 minutes from Strandfontein Village and around 35 minutes from the airport. This alternative option ensures ample space and comfort for bigger groups, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

    Electricity Information
    Cape Town uses Type M electrical sockets, which have three round pins arranged in a triangular shape. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. Household circuits typically support 15 or 16 amps. If you’re bringing electrical devices, be sure to pack a suitable adapter for Type M outlets to ensure safe and proper use during your stay.


    Food & Beverages

    Meals (3 per week day, no meals on weekends) are a blend of Western and Afrikaan cuisine, predominantly featuring vegetarian options such as rice, pasta, spaghetti, and assorted vegetables. Twice a week, a chicken dish will be included in the menu for variety. Additionally, our kitchen facilities are at your disposal if you wish to prepare your meals, or you’re welcome to explore the nearby local restaurants at your own expense for a diverse dining experience.
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. 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 South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

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

    Details on arrival

    Sunday arrivals. Please see arrival info for more details. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $491 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
    4.7
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers
    •
    2025
    I supported a loving team with daily tasks such as keeping the enclosures clean, shredding antelopes and feeding the kittens. Comments on ...
    •
    2025
    Very well organised, had no problem checking in. The work was so nice and the people were wonderful. Staff is also there to help out with ...
    Sarah Damaschin

    School Construction

    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Cape Town

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high 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.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Childcare in South Africa
    Contact Lauren
      Very high response rate
    English

    Most volunteers ask about

    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Lauren
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option without rebooking costs, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details