- ECAE hosts 3rd Universities Collaboration Forum to boost Early Childhood Development (ECD) through academic partnerships and research-based innovations.
- Forum gathers 11 top UAE institutions, showcasing initiatives like the Interactive Play Lab and game-based learning to improve ECD workforce and curricula.
- ECAE and ECA push evidence-based policy, aiming to create an integrated, high-quality ECD system supporting child development and professional upskilling.
The Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE) organized the third edition of the Universities Collaboration Forum, an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA). The forum convened 11 top universities and educational institutions from all over the UAE in order to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and exchange of knowledge to further develop the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector in Abu Dhabi.
The college demonstrated its leadership in pioneering innovation in ECD, advancing research-informed practice as a reflection of its commitment to theory and practice. Faculty presented interactive presentations, such as a demonstration of the 'Interactive Play Lab', the 'Conceptual PlayWorld in Action' session, and a panel presentation titled 'Transforming the Early Childhood Workplace', where. The panelists presented major conclusions from an ECA-funded ECAE research project, which investigates avenues to enhance the ECD work environment and enhance game-based learning approaches. The initiatives are part of ECAE's overall aim to aid national capacity development in early childhood education and uphold the role of academic institutions for driving evidence-based development in the sector.
The forum seeks to promote collaborative efforts by ECA and universities in providing assistance to the development of ECA-aligned curricula and establishment of an integrated, high-quality ECD system in collaboration with the higher education sector. It also encourages the application of research and data for evidence-based policy, enhancement of professional development routes, and development of the ECD workforce's skills.
In her welcome address, ECAE Vice Chancellor Dr. May Laith Al Taee highlighted the crucial contribution of academic institutions in facilitating national initiatives in empowering and upskilling the ECD professional workforce. "Early childhood professionals have a pivotal role in bringing to life our leadership's vision for developing inclusive and integral environments that facilitate the integrated and healthy development of children in our communities", she stressed. "By working collaboratively with ECA and academic organizations, we strive to take research findings and turn them into practical actions that make a difference in the lives of children and enhance the capability of ECD professionals to lead with purpose and excellence".
Dr. Hessa Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Special Projects and Partnerships Sector at ECA, added: "As part of our drive to promote the early childhood development sector in Abu Dhabi, we work with partners from sectors such as higher education and research to develop evidence-based studies that strengthen the competencies of ECD professionals and foster child sustainable development". These research outcomes are essential tools which equip caregivers and teachers, supporting data-informed decision-making in the formation of early childhood policy and practice.
The forum also included academic success stories, such as Al Ain University's growth of early childhood education programs and United Arab Emirates University's addition of an elective in ECD to its general education curriculum for students of all disciplines. ECA also shared a number of projects and initiatives designed to enhance early childhood outcomes in Abu Dhabi. The forum received high attendance from academic institutions, education specialists, researchers, and policymakers.
This continuous effort of association between ECAE, ECA, and academic associations proves the importance of addressing government policy and research to produce an enduring, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment for the upcoming generations of Abu Dhabi.
