Learning and Development Specialist (Early Childhood)

SHARJAH EDUCATION ACADEMY; Sharjah; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Sharjah is hiring a Learning and Development Specialist. The role focuses on early childhood development for children aged 0-4, requiring a master's degree and 10 years of experience. Candidates must be bilingual in Arabic and English and should have strong expertise in developmental assessments. This position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Attractive salary package

Excellent benefits

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in early intervention or special education.
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments for children aged 0-4.
• Design and lead early intervention programmes.
• Train and mentor nursery educators on inclusive practices.

Skills

Advanced assessment and diagnostic skills

Strong expertise in early childhood development

Collaboration skills

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education or related field

Job description

Sharjah Education Academy offers an attractive salary package and excellent benefits. Closing date 13 Dec 2025

Job Details

Organization: Sharjah Education Academy (SEA)
Key Focus Area: Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN)

About Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN)

Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN), operating under Sharjah Education Academy (SEA), provides exceptional early childhood education and care for children aged 0-4 years across the Emirate of Sharjah. SGN is 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 early identification, assessment, and intervention for children aged 0-4 with learning difficulties or atypical learning and developmental strengths and challenges. The specialist designs, leads, and monitors specialised support programmes, ensures high‑quality inclusion practices across the network of nurseries (SGN), and builds staff capacity to meet the developmental needs of young children. This role ensures that children with learning difficulties, atypical learning and developmental strengths and challenges receive appropriate, timely, and effective educational interventions in line with UAE national frameworks and international early childhood standards.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment & Early Identification

• Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments to identify children demonstrating atypical learning and developmental strengths and challenges in children aged 0‑4.
• Develop and implement age‑appropriate early screening tools aligned with UAE and international practices.
• As a member of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team, the Learning and Development Specialist contributes towards the early identification of children experiencing learning, behavioural, developmental, or communication difficulties and who are at‑risk of developing a developmental disorder or are experiencing a disability as defined by the UAE National Classification of Disabilities which includes Intellectual Disability, Communication Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disorders, Physical Disabilities, Visual Impairment and Hearing Impairment, and design appropriate enrichment strategies and targeted interventions in line with early years’ best practices.
• Prepare individualised support plans (ISPs) and monitor child progress through validated indicators.

Intervention & Program Delivery

• Design and lead early intervention programmes targeting cognitive, linguistic, motor and socio‑emotional development.
• Provide specialised support recommendations, strategies and intervention plans for nursery staff and families.
• Ensure interventions are delivered consistently and effectively across SGN nurseries.

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 of children with learning difficulties.
• Organise workshops and awareness sessions to strengthen parental understanding and involvement in the child’s learning journey.

Quality Assurance & Data Governance

• Monitor and evaluate intervention programmes to measure impact and ensure continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records and databases in line with SGN's 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, given the nature of family engagement, communication requirements and the cultural context.

Additional Credentials

• UAE‑recognised licences or certifications (CDA – Community Development Authority (Dubai), MOE – Ministry of Education approval, DHA – Dubai Health Authority / DOH – Department of Health Abu Dhabi speech therapy licence) or any other UAE‑recognised licensing or regulatory authority relevant to early childhood therapy, education or clinical practice (e.g. Ministry of Health).
• Experience in GCC early childhood sectors, particularly in inclusive or government nursery environments.
• Strong knowledge of UAE 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 programmes.
• 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.
• Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) offers an attractive salary package and excellent benefits.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are kindly requested to submit the following in PDF only:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Please submit these documents to

Company

Sharjah Education Academy (SEA)

Inspiring Educators. Transforming Futures.

Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) is a leading academic and professional institution dedicated to advancing the quality of education in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

Founded in 2020 under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, SEA aims to empower educators, school leaders and researchers through innovative, research‑informed programmes that promote lifelong learning and educational excellence.

Through strategic partnerships with local and international institutions, SEA delivers professional development opportunities, graduate‑level degrees and cutting‑edge research that help shape future‑ready learning environments. The Academy plays a vital role in policy dialogue, leadership development and the cultivation of inclusive, learner‑centred practices that strengthen educational ecosystems at every level.

SEA operates across four main streams: Academic Programmes, Professional Development, Research and Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN). Together, these streams reflect Sharjah’s vision for sustainable development and human capital investment, positioning SEA as a driving force for educational innovation and transformation.

At Sharjah Education Academy (SEA), our strength lies in our people. We take pride in cultivating an environment where innovation, collaboration and professional growth thrive. We attract and retain exceptional talent by offering meaningful career pathways, continuous professional development and a supportive culture that celebrates creativity, integrity and a commitment to lifelong learning. At SEA, every role contributes to shaping the future of education and advancing Sharjah’s vision for excellence.

Join SEA and be part of Sharjah’s educational journey where passion meets purpose and every contribution helps shape the future of learning.

For more information, please visit our websites.

Company info Website Telephone [phone] Location Sharjah, United Arab Emirates