A child’s early years are shaped by the people who care for, teach and support them. From educators who nurture their curiosity to specialists who help them reach important developmental milestones, each plays a vital role in giving children the best possible start in life. Recognizing the importance of these roles, the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) is working with higher education institutions across the UAE to strengthen academic pathways and prepare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to support young children and families.
Over the past three years, more than six early childhood development (ECD) related academic programs have been offered through collaborating universities, covering fields such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and early years care and education. At United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) alone, 3,647 students have enrolled in an ECD elective, introducing students from different academic backgrounds to the importance of the early years.
Building on this progress, ECA convened The Universities Collaboration Forum on ECD Workforce – Edition 5, hosted by Abu Dhabi University. The Forum brought together universities and relevant government entities to explore the sector’s evolving workforce needs and how academic programs can better prepare graduates for careers supporting young children and families.
Through its workforce planning efforts, ECA is identifying emerging roles, future demand, and areas where additional expertise is needed. These insights are helping inform the development of relevant academic programs that prepare graduates with the knowledge and practical skills required to support children and families.
Abu Dhabi University is also contributing through its Methods of Teaching Early Childhood course, offered as part of the Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching. The course covers children’s physical, cognitive, language and social-emotional development, as well as the roles of educators, parents and communities in their wellbeing. Around 10 teachers from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra have enrolled this semester.
His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Hammadi, Executive Director of Knowledge and Impact, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said: “A child’s needs do not fit neatly into one profession, and the way we prepare our workforce should reflect that. Whether a child needs support with communication, learning, development, or protection, families should be able to turn to professionals with the right knowledge and skills.
“Our role is to understand where the sector needs greater expertise and work with universities to develop academic pathways that can meet those needs. We also want more young Emiratis to see the opportunities available in early childhood development and the difference they can make to children’s lives.”
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Abu Dhabi University Chancellor, said: “Early childhood education plays a fundamental role in shaping the future of our communities. At Abu Dhabi University, we are committed to preparing educators with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support children’s development and wellbeing. Hosting this forum reflects our commitment to strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and key stakeholders, while advancing educational pathways that respond to the evolving needs of the sector and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s long-term development priorities.”
Participants also explored closer alignment between university curricula and ECD professional competencies, alongside opportunities for practical learning and stronger connections with employers. Supporting these efforts, ECA is developing an ECD Competencies Platform that will bring together professional requirements, learning resources, career pathways and workforce insights to help universities and students navigate opportunities across the sector.
The Forum also explored ways to encourage more young Emiratis to consider careers in early childhood development, while introducing expertise from fields such as child rights, child protection and child-related legal frameworks. Bringing together professionals from different backgrounds can help ensure children receive the care, guidance and protection they need as they grow.
Participating universities includes Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates University, Emirates College for Advanced Education, Zayed University, Mohammed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, Al Ain University, Liwa University and the Higher Colleges of Technology, alongside relevant government entities.
Looking ahead, ECA will continue collaborating with higher education institutions and relevant partners to expand academic opportunities and strengthen the connection between education and employment, helping build a workforce equipped to meet the evolving needs of Abu Dhabi’s youngest residents and families who support them.
