Do gap year programs involve working with children?

I'm interested in a gap year focused on working with kids, maybe something like teaching or childcare. What are some gap year programs that offer opportunities like this?

There are gap year programs that offer opportunities to work with children across various contexts, from teaching placements to childcare and even child welfare programs in various parts of the world.

One example is the Volunteer Teaching program of Projects Abroad, where you can be a volunteer teacher in a variety of subjects including English, French, physical education, or IT in countries like Peru, Nepal, Ghana, Costa Rica, or Sri Lanka. You don't need to be a qualified or experienced teacher but keep in mind that each project will have different requirements regarding duration and language proficiency.

Another one is Global Citizen Year, which is more of an immersive learning program where fellows get to work with children in some form, be it as a teaching assistant, helping with afterschool programs, or assisting in community centers.

A final example is the International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) Childcare and Education Assistance program, which runs in multiple locations across the globe, with particularly popular placements in Bali, Fiji, Italy, and South Africa.

All these programs offer unique experiences of working with children and will also provide an opportunity to experience a new culture and develop personally. Just remember to do your research to ensure the program aligns with your interests and values, the program has proper support structures, and that your work will bring value to the local community.