Learning and Development Specialist (Early Childhood)

Learning and Development Specialist (Early Childhood)

Organization: A leading government education academy in the UAE.

Key Focus Area: A network of government early childhood education centers.

About the Network

Operating under the auspices of a prominent government education academy, our network of early childhood centers provides exceptional education and care for children aged 0–4 years. We are committed to fostering a professional community built on care, collaboration, and excellence. We empower our educators and specialists through continuous development and evidence-based practices, ensuring every role contributes to shaping confident, curious, and compassionate young learners.

Role Purpose

The Learning and Development Specialist (Early Childhood) plays a critical role in the early identification, assessment, and intervention for children aged 0–4 who are experiencing or demonstrating learning difficulties or atypical developmental patterns. The specialist designs, leads, and monitors specialized support programs, ensures high-quality inclusion practices across the network, and builds staff capacity to meet the diverse developmental needs of young children. This role ensures that children receive appropriate, timely, and effective educational interventions in line with national frameworks and international early childhood standards.

Key Responsibilities include:

Assessment & Early Identification

• Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments to identify children with atypical learning and developmental strengths and challenges.
  
• Develop and implement age-appropriate early screening tools aligned with local and international best practices.
  
• As a member of a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team, contribute to the early identification of children experiencing learning, behavioral, developmental, or communication difficulties and who are at-risk. Design appropriate enrichment strategies and targeted interventions.
  
• Prepare individualized support plans (ISPs) and monitor child progress through validated indicators.
  

Intervention & Program Delivery

• Design and lead early intervention programs targeting cognitive, linguistic, motor, and socio-emotional development.
  
• Provide specialized support recommendations, strategies, and intervention plans for nursery staff and families.
  
• Ensure interventions are delivered consistently and effectively across all network centers.
  

Capacity Building & Staff Support

• Train, mentor, and guide nursery educators on early detection, intervention strategies, and inclusive classroom practices.
  
• Establish standards for staff working with children with learning difficulties and ensure ongoing professional development.
  
• Develop guidelines and tools to support high-quality inclusive education across nursery environments.
  

Family Engagement

• Provide counselling, guidance, and developmental support strategies to families.
  
• Organize workshops and awareness sessions to strengthen parental understanding and involvement in the child’s learning journey.
  

Quality Assurance & Data Governance

• Monitor and evaluate intervention programs to measure impact and ensure continuous improvement.
  
• Maintain accurate records and databases in line with data governance and safeguarding protocols.
  
• Prepare reports, progress summaries, and recommendations for senior management.
  

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, external specialists, and relevant government entities.
  
• Support community initiatives and awareness campaigns related to inclusion and early childhood learning needs.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Learning Difficulties, or Early Childhood Education. (Preference will be given to candidates holding a PhD.)
  
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in early intervention, special education, or early childhood inclusion.
  
• Proven experience working with children aged 0–4 with learning difficulties.
  
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory.
  

Additional Credentials (Preferred):

• UAE-recognized licenses or certifications relevant to early childhood therapy, education, or clinical practice.
  
• Experience in GCC early childhood sectors, particularly in inclusive or government nursery environments.
  
• Strong knowledge of local inclusive education policies, safeguarding frameworks, and child protection standards.
  

Key Competencies:

• Strong expertise in early childhood development and learning difficulties.
  
• Advanced assessment and diagnostic skills.
  
• Ability to design and evaluate intervention programs.
  
• Excellent communication, documentation, and report-writing skills.
  
• High cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with families and young children.
  
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
  

Why Join?

• Be part of a leading government early childhood system.
  
• Contribute to meaningful, high-impact work that shapes children’s foundational learning.
  
• Access continuous professional development and career growth.
  
• Join a supportive, value-driven, and purpose-based professional community.
  
• Attractive salary package and excellent benefits.