European Solidarity Corps

Long-term volunteering in the Montessori Forest Kindergarten Ledňáček

We are looking for a motivated volunteer who enjoys spending time outdoors with children and feels comfortable in close contact with nature in all kinds of weather.

Most of our activities take place outside throughout the whole year, so this project is suitable for someone in good physical condition who enjoys an active lifestyle. Experience with outdoor activities, scouting, woodcraft, camping, or similar activities is welcome, but not required.

We appreciate volunteers who are active, respectful, patient, and willing to bring their own ideas into the community.

Motivation to work with children and become part of our everyday life is more important to us than nationality, gender, previous experience, or language level.


Quick Overview

  • Location:  Tišnov, Czechia (30 minutes from Brno)
  • Project type:  Long-term ESC volunteering
  • Duration: preferably 12 months (6 months possible)
  • Working language: English, Czech (or similar language such as Slovak)
  • Age: 18–30
  • Accommodation:  shared volunteer house in Tišnov
  • Working hours: approximately 30 hours per week
  • Main focus: outdoor preschool education, Montessori and forest pedagogy
  • Suitable for: people who enjoy nature, community life, and working with children

Basic Information about Ledňáček

Montessori Forest Kindergarten Ledňáček is part of the Association for Community Education Hnízdo ("The Nest"), which creates innovative educational projects in the Tišnov region.

As a volunteer, you automatically become part of a wider community connected to several educational organizations:

  • https://www.skolazahrada.cz/
  • https://skolajasan.cz/
  • https://www.skolacolibri.cz/
  • https://www.kaluznicek.cz/

Volunteers can visit these partner organizations, gain inspiration from their educational approaches and meet other international volunteers working in the region.

Description of the Workplace

Ledňáček is a forest kindergarten with Montessori elements located in two yurts surrounded by apple orchards near Tišnov, approximately 25 km northwest of Brno, Czechia.

Children and teachers spend most of the day outdoors throughout the entire school year and in all kinds of weather. Our daily environment includes the garden, nearby forests, meadows, and riverside areas.

Working in a forest kindergarten can sometimes be physically demanding. Volunteers should feel comfortable spending time outside also in rain, cold weather, mud, or snow.

Our Main Activities

  • the kindergarten is open every weekday during the school year (1 September – 30 June)
  • we work with a group of up to 18 children aged 3–7
  • once a week we organize a morning club for parents with young children
  • once a week we go on long trips with the children or to the gym
  • during the year we organize several celebrations and community events for children and families
  • in summer we organize 3–4 camps for children

A Typical Day in Ledňáček (8:00–16:00)

The morning programme usually includes:

  • Montessori work in the jurt
  • morning circle
  • snack time
  • outdoor walk and games

After returning to the kindergarten area:

  • children have lunch
  • rest time with storytelling

Afternoons may include:

  • music, art, sports, or handcraft activities,
  • free play, outdoor activities.

Volunteers are welcome to offer activities based on their own interests, talents, and experience.