Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) is taking a significant step to enhance access to quality early learning for Emirati students. They have revealed plans to open 10 new public nurseries over the next two years, with a total capacity of more than 4,000 seats. The project, approved by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, aims to accommodate 2,000 Emirati children aged three months to four years in the first intake, with priority given to families receiving social support.
Sara Musallam, the Minister of State for Early Education and Chairwoman of Adek, emphasized that establishing 4,000 nursery seats is not just an educational initiative but a strategic investment that will positively impact Emirati families and the workforce. By improving access to early education, they aim to create new opportunities for families, potentially altering their economic pathways and relieving the burden of childcare, allowing them to fully participate in and contribute to the economy.
The initiative is expected to stimulate job creation, particularly in dedicated and skilled early educators, caregivers, and support staff in the nurseries, further expanding the workforce and contributing to a diversified and resilient economy.
Over the next five years, the 10 new public nurseries are projected to serve approximately 10,000 Emirati children and benefit over 32,000 children in the next ten years, significantly increasing enrollment rates in early education institutions.
These new nurseries will have a lasting impact on Emirati students’ access to quality early education services, crucial for their growth and academic progress. Quality early education has shown to result in a 70% improvement in language, math, and social skills among children. Additionally, it instills a deep sense of national identity and fosters the Arabic language at a younger age.
Furthermore, the nurseries will lead to positive economic dividends by providing employment prospects for Emirati educators and enabling parents to work and actively contribute across diverse sectors.