A woman and a child smile joyfully outdoors, sitting on grass with lush green trees in the background. They look happy, playful, and enjoy each other’s company.
A cozy bedroom with a wooden bed frame, blue and white bedding, three pillows, a small pillow, a shopping bag, and wooden flooring, warmly lit.
A woman and three young children are playing together inside a wooden play vehicle, smiling and engaged in imaginative play. The scene feels joyful and nurturing.
Three children play on a grassy mound with a tunnel in a lush, green outdoor setting surrounded by palm trees, under a sunny, partly cloudy sky.
A lush green garden with palm trees and sprinklers sits in the foreground, while tall modern glass buildings rise against a clear blue sky in the background.
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new host  

Gain practical experience in early childhood education in Panama City, Panama

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hi!

    Do you like to be with children and enjoy nature and the tropics? This is for you! You help in a Swiss daycare and preeschool in Panama. You assist the teacher and help creating a safe and nurturing environment for the babies and toddlers. We are looking for engaged and committed longterm volonteers.

    At the moment it is me and 1 paid teacher along with a cleaning lady working here.

    You help out 4 - 5 hours per day, 5 days a week and get accommodation in a very central spot in Panama City. You have everything you need very close (a little park just bythe sea, the supermarket, restaurants, bus stop,…).

    The SWISS PRESCHOOL is:

    Nature-based preschool
    We use the natural environment as primary context for learning and play. Children spend minimum 30% of the time outdoors. It is built on the philosophy that direct, hands-on experiences in nature are crucial for holistic child development.

    Philosophy
    We view children as inherently curious, capable, and motivated learners. Learning is primarily child-led and play-based, with educators acting as facilitators, observers, and co-learners.


    Wonder garden curriculum
    Focus on nurturing the whole child- mind, body, and spirit.
    Fostering: Independence, hands-on, imagination, rhythm, storytelling, exploration, creativity, outdoor learning and nature connection.

    I am a Swiss teacher living in Panama since 11 years. I love children and to see them grow and thrive in a nurturing environment, this is why I created this place. I love nature, enjoy swimming and crafts.

    Panama City has a lot to offer.
    * Casco Viejo — Historic old town with cafés, rooftop bars, churches, and colonial streets.
    * Panama Canal — Watch giant ships pass through the locks.
    * Miraflores Visitor Center — Best place to learn about and view the canal.
    * Amador Causeway — Waterfront road with bike rentals, restaurants, and skyline views.
    * Biomuseo — Colorful Frank Gehry–designed biodiversity museum.
    * Cinta Costera — Coastal promenade for walking, jogging, and sunset views.
    * Metropolitan Natural Park — Tropical rainforest hiking inside the city.
    * Albrook Mall — One of the largest malls in Latin America.
    * San Blas Islands — Popular day or overnight island trip from the city.
    * Taboga Island — Easy ferry getaway with beaches and seafood restaurants.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Teaching
    Babysitting and creative play
  • Interests

    Interests

    Pets
    Plant care
    Drawing & painting
    DIY & crafts
    Cooking & food
    Cycling
    Beach
    Adventure sports
    Gardening
    Art & design
    Animals
    Water sports
    Yoga / Wellness
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Working with young children builds patience, creativity, empathy, and communication skills. It’s a rewarding challenge that helps you grow both personally and emotionally.

    You’ll gain practical experience in early childhood education—supporting learning activities, helping with routines, and understanding child development. This is particularly useful if you're considering a career in education, psychology, or childcare.

    Volunteers are immersed in Panamanian culture, gaining firsthand exposure to local traditions, language (especially Spanish), and daily life. This is especially valuable if you enjoy connecting with diverse communities.

    Your presence and support can make a real difference in children’s lives—providing attention, care, and sometimes even basic resources that improve their daily experience.

    You will learn a lot assisting the teacher and see the interaction between the students and their teacher, we explain our philosophy and mentor you during the stay, the teacher and myself.

    If you are keen on learning spanish we can help you, provide information material and teach you.

    You will be part of this great community. Me and my family live in the same house. You have your private space and can share whenever you feel like.

    I think we can greatly benefit by
    Language exposure to your language, cultural diversity, fresh ideas and energy.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    Receive kids, being a friendly helper that is around, follow their lead and prepare the environment according to their age and interest.

    "It is necessary for the teacher to guide the child without letting him feel her presence too much, so that she may always be ready to supply the desired help, but may never be the
    obstacle between the child and his experience."

    Maria Montessori

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    There is no better way to learn a language than with kids. They will find a way to show you what they mean by all means 😃

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    You have a bed in a room with air-con.

    We can provide ingredients or a stipend so you can cook for you.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    In your free time in Panama City, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities.

    We are very close to a little park at the sea (3mins walk). The beautiful coastal walk is within short walking distance.

    The historic district of Casco Viejo (10mins drive) is perfect for exploring, with its colorful streets, cafés, rooftop bars, and beautiful ocean views.

    Nature lovers can visit Parque Natural Metropolitano or hike up Cerro Ancón to enjoy panoramic views of the city and spot local wildlife.

    For those who enjoy shopping and modern city life, there are large malls like Albrook Mall and Multiplaza (5mins walk), as well as many restaurants, cinemas (1mins walk), and entertainment options.

    On weekends, you can take short trips to nearby destinations such as Taboga Island or the San Blas Islands to relax on beaches and experience Panama’s natural beauty.

    Getting around Panama City is easy and affordable. The Metro is the fastest and most reliable option, connecting key parts of the city. Uber is widely available and inexpensive, making it a convenient way to travel, especially at night or in areas not covered by the Metro. Public buses (MetroBus) are also very cheap and cover most neighborhoods, although they can be crowded during peak hours. In areas like Casco Viejo and the Cinta Costera, it’s also pleasant and safe to walk or cycle.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    The wifi connection is stable and good.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Kiara

Host ref number: 354546162355

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Photos

A cozy bedroom with a wooden bed frame, blue and white bedding, three pillows, a small pillow, a shopping bag, and wooden flooring, warmly lit.
A woman and a child smile joyfully outdoors, sitting on grass with lush green trees in the background. They look happy, playful, and enjoy each other’s company.
A woman and three young children are playing together inside a wooden play vehicle, smiling and engaged in imaginative play. The scene feels joyful and nurturing.
Three children play on a grassy mound with a tunnel in a lush, green outdoor setting surrounded by palm trees, under a sunny, partly cloudy sky.
A lush green garden with palm trees and sprinklers sits in the foreground, while tall modern glass buildings rise against a clear blue sky in the background.

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