The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) announced on Emirati Children’s Day the development of a new assessment system to evaluate services offered to young children beyond traditional educational settings.
The initiative aims to assess and enhance the quality of offerings including camps, after-school programmes, children’s libraries, parks, playgrounds, museums, cultural centres with children’s spaces, family entertainment centres and play areas throughout the emirate.
According to the ECA, the system will ensure children in Abu Dhabi have access to safe and enriching experiences based on criteria derived from global practices but tailored to UAE culture, values and context, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement.
ECA unveils new standards for child-focused services beyond schools in Abu Dhabi
The assessment will initially focus on services for children aged 0-8, with plans to expand to include those up to 18 years in future phases.
Sana bint Mohamed Suhail, Minister of Family and Director-General of the ECA, said: “On this Emirati Children’s Day, we are saying loud and clear quality comes first. We are not just setting standards – we are raising the bar on offerings to children, beyond nurseries and schools and, transforming the experience for families and children.”
“We are doing this so that every family’s experience is meaningful and memorable, in a positive way, and so that every parent can feel confident in the programmes their children are part of,” she added.
The development process involved collaboration with multiple government entities, including the Department of Community Development, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Ministry of Education, Department of Health, Ma’an, Family Care Authority, Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination and the National Academy for Childhood Development.
The ECA stated that high-performing offerings will receive recognition, while those falling short of standards will be provided support to improve their services.
Businesses in Abu Dhabi that provide services to young children outside schools and nurseries are encouraged to register their interest by emailing [email protected] with details including organisation name, business nature, service offerings and website URL.
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