Villa Ticca - Day Care Assistant

The volunteering experience is designed to integrate participants into the daily dynamics of the project while supporting the local team. Participating in this volunteering experience offers travelers a meaningful way to connect with local realities and contribute to an ongoing social initiative. Even simple actions - playing, assisting with activities, sharing conversations - help strengthen children's confidence, sense of belonging, and exposure to new cultures.

Activities may include:
- Educational support for children
- Recreational and creative activities
- Games and group interaction
- Helping with daily routines
- Assisting during meal times
- Light support in food preparation (when needed)
- Sharing cultural exchange moments with children

All activities are coordinated by the local staff and adapted according to the group profile, number of children, and daily priorities.

This is a community-based environment with limited resources, so flexibility and proactive attitude are important. Volunteers should be respectful of local routines and guidelines.

The volunteering schedule typically runs from Monday to Friday, approximately from 09:00 to 15:30, including lunch and two snacks shared with the children.

A typical day may include:
- Morning welcome and introduction to daily activities
- Educational or creative support sessions
- Outdoor or recreational group activities
- Lunch shared with children and staff
- Afternoon interaction and structured games
- Wrap-up and coordination with project team

The rhythm is dynamic, informal, and centered on meaningful interaction. Each day may vary depending on the needs of the children and project planning.

Villa Ticca is a locally managed initiative in Quito focused on improving the quality of life for children from vulnerable families. The project creates a safe environment where children can learn, play, and grow while receiving emotional support and proper care. The team is composed of local caregivers and coordinators who work closely with the community. Their approach emphasizes respect, inclusion, and creating opportunities for children to develop confidence and social skills. Volunteers play a complementary role by supporting daily activities and contributing to a warm, multicultural environment that enriches the children’s experience.

If you have the time, we highly recommend starting with an Introduction Week in Banos so you will go well prepared to your project. This first week gives you an idea about life in Ecuador, shows highlights of the city and its surroundings, includes 20 hours of Spanish Group lessons, an in-depth volunteer preparation including language specifics, and other fun elements such as a half day Bike Tour and a half day Canopy bridge tour.

If you choose the Introduction Week, we will pick you up from the airport on Saturday in Quito, and your first nights' accommodation is included. A private transfer from accommodation to bus station in Quito, where you will get assistance in buying a ticket from Quito to Banos, is included (bus ticket is not included). Lessons start on Monday, so you have Sunday to relax or check out the neighbourhood.

You will receive 20 hours of group lessons per week. On Monday you will meet your teacher and companions at the hostel and you will start this fun learning process. Your classes are scheduled 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. During your stay will also have 2 extra activities: a half day Bike Tour and a half day Canopy bridge! Your teacher will also share with you tips about all the great places to visit in Baños for eating, drinking and dancing.

Your lessons can be tailored to your wishes or follow the textbook, depending on your Spanish level.

The project is closed on the following public holidays:

2026
09 October
02-03 November
25 December - 01 January

2027
01-04 January
06-09 February
26-28 March
30 April - 02 May
07-09 August
08-11 October
01-04 November
22 December - 02 January

In Ecuador, the school holiday period generally runs throughout July and August, with the new school year starting in early September. However, the exact start date is defined by the government and is usually only confirmed closer to the time (typically during August). The project remains open and operates normally during July and the first three weeks of August, although the dynamic is slightly different, as activities are focused on summer programs for the children rather than the regular school routine. The project is closed the dates below.

2027
23 August - 05 September

Minimum age of 18
Police Clearance Certificate
Please check if you need a Yellow Fever Certificate
All foreigners entering Ecuador are obliged to have a valid health insurance
Basic English
Spanish is helpful, but not mandatory. Many of the staff at the project and the Kids only speak Spanish, the main coordinator at the project speaks basic English.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it's up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.