I was placed in an unfamiliar cultural and social environment and I was pushed to adapt to it and that helped me. I was uncertain how I would get through it, especially not knowing the language, but it was much smoother than I initially thought. This was an amazing experience and I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to do it. To someone who is hesitant, I would say that feeling unsure is completely normal, but it should not be the reason to miss out on this kind of opportunity. The temporary discomfort is outweighed by what you can gain from doing this.
Childcare Volunteer Project in Italy - Rome
Purpose
Support initiatives providing early childhood education
Start dates
Programs start every second and fourth Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Accommodation in a hostel
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Caring, energetic volunteers who enjoy working with young children and want to support local families in need. You’ll work alongside local staff and caregivers, so no formal childcare qualification is required, though a love of working with toddlers and preschoolers is essential.
Project details
Join our Childcare Volunteer Program in Rome and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families and their young children. Volunteers support preschools, community centers, and NGOs that help new parents, single parents, and families juggling work and childcare responsibilities. Your time and care will help create a safe, nurturing, and playful environment for toddlers and preschool-aged children while empowering parents to pursue work or training opportunities.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
As a childcare volunteer, you’ll work alongside local staff and caregivers to ensure children are cared for in a safe, welcoming, and stimulating environment. Your tasks may include:
- Welcoming and settling children each day
- Playing, reading stories, and organizing simple games and creative activities
- Supporting feeding times
- Maintaining safety and supervision throughout the day
Your presence helps relieve pressure on families and childcare staff while giving children the attention and affection they deserve.
Why do Childcare volunteering in Rome with IVHQ?
Many families in Rome face increasing challenges balancing work, training, and childcare, especially new mothers returning to the workforce, single parents at risk of marginalization, and parents with multiple young children.
To respond to this need, several local NGOs and community associations run initiatives that support these families. The Childcare Volunteer Program assists these organizations by placing volunteers who can provide practical help and attention to preschool-aged children, allowing parents to participate in work or training with peace of mind.
When you volunteer on the Childcare project in Rome you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Supporting parents and families in need across different community projects in Rome
- Helping entertain, care for, and supervise preschool-aged children
- Gaining hands-on experience in early childhood care and development
- Contributing to social inclusion and empowerment of local families
- Immersing yourself in the rich culture and everyday life of Rome
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Italy photo gallery
IVHQ Childcare Project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Childcare Project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Climate Action project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
IVHQ Creative Technologies project
IVHQ Sustainable Farming project
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
Rome is and has been many things - the capital of Italy, the Eternal City and the center of the ancient Roman empire. It is both brimming with reminders of bygone eras and teeming with dynamic, modern industry and entertainment. It’s also the setting of IVHQ’s Italy - Rome program, and volunteer placements are located throughout the wider city area.
Like any major city, there is a socio-economic divide in Rome and the people who fall on the disadvantaged side of this face a host of challenges. Volunteers can help make a difference to their lives by providing essential support to local initiatives designed to address these issues and others that affect the community.
Volunteers on this project should expect commutes of up to two hours one way from the accommodation to their placement, via public transportation. These long commute times are a result of Rome’s transportation system that almost always have long delays, ongoing repairs, and unpredictable schedules. Those who wish to join the Sustainable Farming project will usually have a longer commute than those on projects such as Youth Support and Teaching English, as this project is in the countryside on the outskirts of the city.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the second and fourth Monday of each month and volunteers need to arrive in Rome on the Sunday before their orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO). You can also arrive into Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA).
Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee, however, if you arrive outside of Sunday between 9am and 10pm, your pick-up will incur an extra cost of CA$155 .
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Rome. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Italy prior to your volunteer program and arriving overland, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a central meeting point in Rome on the Sunday before orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Italy team in Rome. It begins the morning of your chosen start date and lasts for a full day. The orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Rome – an introduction to Italy, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and a tour of the local area. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers with whom you can swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Your specific placement orientation will be held the following day and you will be shown how to travel to and from your placement, receive an introduction to your placement, and then complete a few hours of volunteering.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
Your first day will include an orientation with the local team, where you’ll be introduced to the childcare placement, meet the staff, and learn about your daily responsibilities and schedule.
Weekdays
A typical day would be as follows:
| 7:00 – 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the accommodation. |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteers travel to their placement. |
| 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch break. |
| 1:00 PM | Volunteers resume work for the afternoon. |
| 3:00 – 5:00 PM | Volunteer placement ends for the day. |
| 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
On weekends, you can spend your free time discovering why Rome is one of the most popular and revered tourist destinations in the world. For a start, you can visit monuments to ancient history like the Colosseum, check out Vatican City, see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, explore the Pantheon and throw coins into the Trevi Fountain.
Once you’ve ticked off those iconic experiences you can relax and find out which of the rest of Rome’s numerous attractions you’ll see next. It might be any one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the perfect authentic carbonara or a steaming cup of espresso, touring ancient churches, checking out the nightlife of buzzy Trastevere or stumbling upon the latest in fashion on one of Rome’s best shopping streets, Via del Corso.
If you’re ready for a change of scene, you can take a quick weekend train trip to see the ancient ruins of Pompeii, or Naples - the home of pizza. Nature lovers should also factor in a visit to the beautiful Amalfi Coast to complete the precipitous and spectacular Walk of the Gods.
Volunteers staying for longer durations, or who wish to travel before or after their program, can visit areas further afield in Italy, including Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence, Milan, Pisa and much more. You can make travel arrangements once you arrive in Rome with the advice and guidance of our expert local team.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Italy? Check out our Italy Experiences & Tours page!
Accommodation and WiFi
Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Rome while staying in a freshly renovated, modern hostel right in the city circle. The dormitory-style accommodations offer a welcoming and social atmosphere, where you’ll share a room with up to four individuals of the same gender.
You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home, including WiFi, air conditioning, bedding, towels, and a private western-style bathroom for each bedroom. The accommodation is cleaned throughout the week, we encourage volunteers to keep their rooms tidy.
The hostel features three outdoor terrace areas, a vibrant communal lounge, and a fully equipped common kitchen.
Private Apartment booking options can be arranged for an additional cost, subject to availability.
Meals
As a volunteer in Rome, you’ll receive three meals a day, so you can focus on making a difference while experiencing authentic Italian cuisine.
Breakfast at a charming local café, a baked cornetto (Italian croissant) and a classic cappuccino.
Lunch and dinner are both served at a nearby authentic Italian restaurant, featuring traditional dishes such as pasta, seasonal vegetables, and fresh salads.
Rome’s tap water is safe to drink, and the accommodation has a common kitchen where you can refill your reusable bottle.
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer kitchen area
Accommodation outdoor social area
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately CA$479), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately CA$479) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $1,035 Equivalent to $148/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,705 Equivalent to $122/day |
| 3 weeks | $2,375 Equivalent to $113/day |
| 4 weeks | $3,045 Equivalent to $109/day |
| 5 weeks | $3,725 Equivalent to $106/day |
| 6 weeks | $4,405 Equivalent to $105/day |
| 8 weeks | $5,765 Equivalent to $103/day |
| 10 weeks | $7,125 Equivalent to $102/day |
| 12 weeks | $8,485 Equivalent to $101/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately CA$479) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on travel, tours, and experiences
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular tours & experiences in Rome
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Rome program.
Italian Flavors - Peak
Experience the heart of Roman cuisine with our hands-on cooking class. Craft authentic pasta and sauces, then savor your creations for an unforgettable taste of Italy!
CA$167
Airport Drop-off
Relax and enjoy a hassle-free transfer from your accommodation to the airport, expertly arranged by our local team.
CA$155
Airport Pick-up
Arriving outside our scheduled Sunday airport pick-up times? Reserve this add-on today!
CA$155
Check what's required to visit Italy
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Rome |
| Population | 61.7 Million |
| Languages | Italian |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 |
Weather and climate
Italy’s climate is quite diverse due to its long peninsula and mountainous terrain. The coastal areas of Liguria, Tuscany and most of the South are predominantly Mediterranean with dry summers and moderately wet winters. In the northern parts of Italy and areas of higher altitudes, the climate is cooler and the winter months can be cold, wet, and often snowy. Weather in Rome, where the IVHQ volunteer program is based, is pleasant throughout the year. Winter temperatures in Rome (December to February) vary from 4°C/39°F to 14°C/57°F while spring (March to May) is slightly warmer at around 15°C/59°F. Summer (June to September) in Rome can become very hot and humid with average temperatures ranging between 18°C/64°F and 31°C/89°F. Rainfall is heaviest in November and driest in July.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
SM
Sophie Mansour
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KP
Kruti Parekh
Volunteering in a foreign country enables you to experience life as a local. You get to experience a new city by living amongst, mingling with, and contributing to the locals. I have travelled a lot but this was, in my opinion, the best way to get a taste of day to day life in a new country. The volunteer coordinator was absolutely amazing. She oriented us to the culture, things to do, and always made sure we knew she was available in case we had any questions or concerns. The organization we worked was absolutely wonderful. Their work and contribution to the community was truly inspiring. I am glad I got to know and learn from the team!
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AW
Avah Woodland
This program was an amazing way to not only see Italy but also make new friends and gain a wonderful experience!
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AC
Alecia Creasap-Simpson
Very organized process, I appreciate the professionalism of all points of contact from IVHQ. The local team were great and sincerely wanted to make the experience positive and meaningful. Fantastic accommodations. The cabins were clean and the air conditioning was amazing since the temperatures in July in Rome were in the high 90's each day. I gained a greater appreciation for the amazing people that choose to travel the world to make a difference. The high school and college students were fantastic to learn from!
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
