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The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority announced the launch of a parenting program for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi, and in cooperation with Zayed University and the Emirates College for Educational Development.
The program includes elite academics, experts and specialized Emirati and international researchers who will join efforts to develop the relevant program on scientific evidence and cultural foundations. The program will focus on supporting parents who have children under the age of eight by designing it in a way that covers various areas related to the early childhood development sector. Such as health, nutrition and early education. The program will be operated under the supervision of Dr. Christine Kamia, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Zayed University, in close collaboration with Dr. Antjee von Suchuditz from New York University Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Michelle Kelly from the Emirates College for Educational Development as co-principal investigators.
The activation of this program is part of the early childhood education strategy launched by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority last year with the aim of enhancing the knowledge and well-being of parents in Abu Dhabi, as well as supporting them in playing their essential role in raising their children.
Dr. Christine Kamya confirmed Zayed University’s commitment to achieving the best program outcomes and the start of work with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority in cooperation with colleagues at New York University Abu Dhabi and the Emirates College for Educational Development, stressing that “giving parents the necessary tools to ensure that their children receive a sound education is a priority in our pursuit of goals.” UAE Vision 2071, as successful early childhood development will be reflected in the future in enhancing levels of educational excellence, economic productivity, emotional intelligence and public health.”
It is expected that the design of the program will be completed within the next 18-24 months, and that it will be launched in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in a pilot phase targeting 300 parents in order to measure its results. The relevant coordinators will also be trained using evidence-based training methods, innovation, participation and research methods, and the results of their training will be measured, with the aim of contributing to enhancing the skills of workers in the early childhood development sector.
