Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), marking Emirati Children’s Day, has announced that it is designing an assessment system for the quality of services for young children, beyond nurseries and schools, to ensure world-class quality. Examples of these services include camps, after-school programmes, children’s libraries, parks, playgrounds, children’s museums, cultural centres with dedicated spaces for children, family entertainment centres, and play areas.
The assessment system will be designed to evaluate and improve the services available to families, ensuring that children in Abu Dhabi emirate have access to safe, enriching, and high-quality programmes and experiences. The system will be developed by ECA, with engagement and input from its partners, specifically: the Department of Community Development (DCD); Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT); Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT); Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED); Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK); Ministry of Education (MoE); Department of Health (DoH); Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an; Family Care Authority (FCA); Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (ADSSA); Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO); and the National Academy for Childhood Development (NACD).
The assessment system will employ a set of criteria based on global leading practices, customised to the culture, values and context of the UAE. It will assess a wide range of services targeting children aged up to eight years old, with plans to extend the evaluation to include services for children up to 18 years of age in future phases.
Her Excellency Sana bint Mohamed Suhail, Minister of Family and Director General of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said: “On this Emirati Children’s Day, 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. We are saying loud and clear that quality comes first. 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.
“By prioritising quality, safety, and enrichment, we are working to ensure that every child in Abu Dhabi has the opportunity to grow, explore, and thrive in environments that nurture their full potential. This system also benefits the offerings and services themselves, by helping to increase their attractiveness, potentially attracting more families.”
In line with the ECA’s commitment to enable every child in Abu Dhabi to thrive, high-performing services will be recognised, while those that do not meet the required standards will be provided with support, guidance, and resources to help improve their quality.
ECA is encouraging businesses based in Abu Dhabi emirate that target young children outside of schools and nurseries to register their interest and learn more about this initiative by sending an email to: ecce@eca.gov.ae. They should include their organisation’s name, nature of business, service offerings, and website address.
