Abu Dhabi – In a move to enhance the quality of child-focused services, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has announced the development of a new assessment system to evaluate and improve offerings for children beyond nurseries and schools.
Expanding Quality Standards for Children’s Services
The initiative, unveiled ahead of Emirati Children’s Day on March 15, aims to assess a variety of child-friendly spaces and programs, including:
- Camps and after-school programs
- Children’s libraries and museums
- Parks, playgrounds, and cultural centers
- Family entertainment and play areas
By implementing global best practices tailored to the UAE’s values and culture, the system will ensure safe, high-quality, and enriching experiences for children in Abu Dhabi. Initially, it will focus on services for children aged 0-8 years, with plans to extend the assessment to include children up to 18 years old in future phases.
A Commitment to Excellence
Her Excellency Sana bint Mohamed Suhail, Minister of Family and Director General of the ECA, emphasized that the initiative is focused on raising the bar for child-focused services.
“We are not just setting standards — we are raising the bar on offerings to children beyond nurseries and schools, transforming the experience for families and children,” she stated.
She added that the program ensures every family’s experience is positive, safe, and enriching, helping parents confidently choose programs that support their children’s development and well-being.
How the System Works
- High-quality services will receive recognition.
- Services that do not meet standards will be provided with guidance, resources, and support to improve.
- Businesses catering to young children are encouraged to participate by registering interest via ecce@eca.gov.ae, providing their organization details and service offerings.
Collaboration with Key Entities
The ECA is working closely with multiple Abu Dhabi government bodies, including:
- Department of Community Development (DCD)
- Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
- Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT)
- Department of Economic Development (DED)
- Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
- Department of Health (DoH)
- Family Care Authority (FCA)
- Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO)
A Step Towards a Brighter Future
By prioritizing quality, safety, and enrichment, the new system will ensure that Abu Dhabi’s youngest residents grow in nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environments.
This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to early childhood development, aligning with the UAE’s vision for a future where every child thrives.
