Caregiver for Several Beautiful Children

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Durations of Program: 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 years
Dates: Open

Description: The Starfish Country Home School is a free bilingual home and school for needy children in northern Thailand. It is located about 45 km (about 27 miles) north of the city of Chiangmai at an attractive site of a former resort. The approximately 10 acre site, which is on the River Ping, is remote and quiet but has two swimming pools, a tennis court, gardens, fish ponds, a park and other features. There are currently 29 children in the program, most of whom are age four to eight and most of whom are girls. About 80% of the children are hill tribe children. The fathers and sometimes the mothers of almost all the children abandoned the child, are in prison for drug trafficking or are dead. In most cases, the child was also not living with the natural mother. The children periodically go back to their villages to visit relatives but spend most of their time at the Starfish Country Home School and school goes on almost all year with times out for travels and special events. The school also emphasizes cultural acivities, in particular dance and music.

We endeavor to teach the children at their level of understanding, not based on their chronological age. We usually have no more than eight children per teacher in the classroom. Teaching is by a combination of Thai teachers and English-speaking teachers plus English-speaking volunteers. Many of the children come in not speaking Thai language.

The "caregiver position" is intended to provide care and nurturing for small groups of children living at the school from a mature and creative woman. Beyond just providing loving care, the caregiver will assist the children learn to speak English, teach the children to be responsible and helpful, and provide the children with enrichment activities.

Assistance will be provided in obtaining Thai visas and the proper work permits. A private room and bathroom with hot water shower will be provided, along with all food served communally. A stipend of 4000 Thai baht (approximately US$130) per month, which will cover most of your local expenses. Two days off per week are permitted and it is possible to stay at the Starfish Home in the city of Chiangmai on those days, if you wish. Public transportation between the sites, however, is quite limited. Vacations are also permitted for periods that the school is not operating or the children are with relatives.

Highlights: Beautiful, friendly children. A deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. An attractive and peaceful location. No snow. Thai food.

Qualifications: We are seeking an English-speaking professional woman to be an on-site caregiver for about eight girls who are now approximately four to eight years. The person must possess high moral character, be creative and enthusiastic, love children, and be willing and able to assist in the full-time care and education of young children. Interest and experience in working with young children is essential. Skills in arts, music, crafts or dance for children would also be useful. This is not a religious program and promotion of personal religious beliefs is not permitted. For the sake of continuity of the children, the person must be willing to volunteer for a period of at least one year.

Minimum Education: Bachelor of Arts

Cost in US$: 0

Salary / Pay: We will provide a stipend of 4000 Thai baht (about US$130) per month. Free accommodations in a modern room and food served communally will be provided. Following six months of service, we will reimburse the Thai visa and work permit costs. Following one year of service, we will reimburse up to US$800 for travel costs and $200 for health insurance costs.

Experience Required: yes

It is expected that the volunteer will have held a professional position outside of the home in addition to having been a homemaker.

Typical Volunteer: Most of our volunteers have been university students or former University students who have taught English, arts or crafts in our classrooms for three to six months; however, for this new position we anticipate that the woman will be over 50 years old, in good health, be able to function in a relatively warm and humid environment and will stay for at least one year.

Age Range: >50

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Starfish Country Home School Foundation's Mission Statement: The Starfish Country Home School will provide a quality education and living environment for all of its students so that they can lead a happy and productive lives. Academic excellence, individual creativity, personal responsibility and concern for others and for the environment are our goals.

Year Founded: 2005