The SPEA-led nursery improvement initiative aims to enhance the kindergartens' educational system, forming the foundation for future educational stages. The project is centred on providing essential support to educational and administrative staff in nurseries, equipping them with the necessary skills to prepare for the future. Enhancing the educational environment and the capabilities of early childhood workers is vital for the success of the educational process and for improving the quality of early care and educational services in the emirate.
The Authority has commenced conducting improvement review visits to 141 public and private nurseries in the emirate as part of the project's initial phase. This initiative utilizes the Sharjah Nursery Improvement Framework, developed through the collaboration of SPEA and the Sharjah Education Academy. The framework is designed to establish benchmarks that will facilitate the enhancement and advancement of early childhood education. It focuses on teaching methodologies, learning environments, and workforce skill development.
Ali Al Hosani, Director of SPEA, stressed the significance of the ITQAN program, initially implemented in private schools and later expanded to encompass government and private nurseries. He highlighted that the program is a cornerstone in elevating the quality of the educational system in the emirate, offering vital support to schools and nurseries, particularly in areas requiring improvement. He emphasized that the program aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, focusing on sustainable education to enhance future skills.
He stated that appointing specialized experts is crucial to providing practical support to nurseries for their development and improvement plans. She added that these experts play a vital role in collaborating with nursery managers, educational staff, and parents to enhance their ability to meet the evolving needs in early education. This collaboration also aims to develop the skills of workers to ensure the creation of a stimulating and safe educational environment for children.
Al Hosani expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and responsiveness of nursery administrations and parents. He emphasized that this joint effort and unity are essential in realizing the project's goals. He clarified that their backing and active involvement significantly contribute to creating a comprehensive educational environment for children. This, in turn, enhances the success of nursery enhancement and development programs and ensures the continual attainment of high-quality early education in the emirate.
He mentioned that ITQAN has played a significant role in bringing positive changes to Sharjah's private schools. This demonstrates the considerable efforts made by all involved in this crucial sector. He also expressed optimism for the government and private nurseries participating in the "Nursery Improvement Journey" project.
The Authority organized a series of development sessions called "Professional Development Week" for nursery managers and those involved in early childhood education. The participants engaged in discussions covering a wide range of topics, including the implementation of best practices in early childhood education. The goal was to equip educational staff with the tools to provide exceptional and impactful educational experiences for young children.
The launch of the Nursery Improvement Journey is part of the ongoing efforts of the Sharjah Private Education Authority to improve the quality of education and create an engaging learning environment for children in the emirate. The project aims to promote the overall development of children, focusing on enhancing their social, emotional, linguistic, and motor skills. These initiatives also aim to involve parents as crucial partners in the education process, providing them with guidance on how to support their children's development at home. This will help in nurturing a generation that contributes significantly to the advancement and future of society.