Speech and Language Specialist (Early Childhood)

Sharjah Education Academy; Sharjah; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent education institution in Sharjah is seeking a Speech and Language Specialist for early childhood. The role involves diagnosing and treating communication challenges in children aged 0-4, providing therapeutic support, engaging families, and training nursery educators. Candidates should possess a Master’s degree, at least 10 years of relevant experience, and be bilingual in Arabic and English. Excellent benefits and a supportive professional environment are offered.

Benefits

Attractive salary package

Continuous professional development

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience providing early childhood speech and language therapy.
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and support speech and language challenges in children 0-4 years.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group therapy sessions in nurseries.
• Train nursery teachers on communication milestones and strategies.

Skills

Advanced clinical knowledge in early childhood speech, language, and communication development

Strong assessment and therapeutic planning skills

Ability to translate clinical knowledge into practical strategies for classroom use

Empathetic, family-centered communication skills

Excellent documentation, reporting, and case-management abilities

Strong collaboration skills within multidisciplinary teams

Commitment to child protection, ethics, and confidentiality

Education

Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology or related field

Job description

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.

Position: Speech and Language Specialist (Early Childhood)

Role Purpose

The Speech and Language Specialist is responsible for diagnosing, treating, and supporting speech, language, communication, and early feeding challenges in children aged 0–4. This role ensures early detection, timely intervention, and high‑quality therapeutic support within nursery settings. The specialist enhances communication development through evidence‑based therapy programs, educator training, and strong family engagement. The position plays a central role in strengthening early intervention, inclusive practices, and developmental outcomes across SGN nurseries.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment & Diagnostic Services

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify speech, language, hearing, fluency, articulation, and social communication delays. As a member of a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team, the Speech and Language Specialist contributes to the team‑based decision of determining if the child has a developmental delay or disability in the area of communication skills.
• Use standardized and play‑based diagnostic tools suitable for early childhood (0–4 years).
• Develop individualized speech and language therapy plans based on assessment outcomes.
• Monitor developmental progress and adjust intervention plans accordingly.
• Identify children with exceptional or gifted abilities and design enrichment strategies to nurture their advanced language, social, and cognitive potential in line with early years’ best practices.

Early Intervention & Therapy Delivery

• Provide direct one‑on‑one and small‑group speech and language therapy sessions in nurseries.
• Address expressive/receptive language delays, articulation issues, sound production, phonological awareness, early literacy, and social communication.
• Implement strategies to support children with feeding difficulties related to oral‑motor development.
• Ensure therapy approaches are child‑centered, age‑appropriate, and evidence‑based.

Educator Training & Classroom Support

• Train nursery teachers and assistants on early communication milestones.
• Identify warning signs or risk factors for speech and language delays.
• Teach everyday communication‑building techniques.
• Create language‑rich, inclusive classroom environments.
• Provide ongoing coaching, modelling, and practical strategies that can be embedded in daily routines.

Supporting Nursery Teachers

• Train and upskill educators on early communication milestones, identification of speech‑language delays, and evidence‑based strategies to support children’s communication development.
• Provide in‑class coaching and modelling, demonstrating practical language‑enhancement techniques during daily routines, play, and group activities.
• Develop teacher‑friendly resources, such as communication boards, visual support, strategy guides, and individualized action plans to support children with speech and language needs.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate intervention goals into the classroom environment and adapt activities to support inclusive communication for all children.
• Offer ongoing feedback and support, conducting classroom observations, reviewing progress, and guiding educators in creating language‑rich, communication‑supportive learning environments.

Family Coaching & Engagement

• Guide and coach families on strategies to support speech and communication development at home.
• Conduct parent education workshops on early communication, play‑based interaction, and typical developmental milestones.
• Maintain clear, supportive communication with families regarding progress and recommended follow‑up.

Program Quality & Case Management

• Maintain accurate therapy records, documentation, and developmental data aligned with SGN safeguarding standards.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication support programs and recommend improvements.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to coordinate support, share insights, and ensure integrated service delivery for children needing multiple interventions.

Collaboration & Professional Partnerships

• Work with psychologists, special educators, and external medical/therapeutic agencies when needed.
• Support SGN’s inclusion framework by contributing expertise to early intervention plans and centre‑level strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology, Communication Disorders, or related field. (Preference will be given to candidates holding a PhD.)
• Minimum 10 years of experience providing early childhood speech and language therapy, preferably within nursery or early years settings.
• Demonstrated experience supporting children aged 0–4.
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory.

Preferred (Additional Credentials) Qualifications

• UAE‑recognised licenses or certifications (CDA – Community Development Authority (Dubai), MOE – Ministry of Education approval, DHA – Dubai Health Authority / DOH – Department of Health Abu Dhabi speech therapy license) – or any other UAE‑recognised licensing or regulatory authority relevant to early childhood therapy, education, or clinical practice. (e.g. Ministry of Health)
• Experience working in GCC or diverse multicultural early childhood environments.
• Familiarity with UAE regulations related to safeguarding and inclusion.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Advanced clinical knowledge in early childhood speech, language, and communication development.
• Strong assessment and therapeutic planning skills.
• Ability to translate clinical knowledge into practical strategies for classroom use.
• Empathetic, family‑centered communication skills.
• Excellent documentation, reporting, and case‑management abilities.
• Strong collaboration skills within multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to child protection, ethics, and confidentiality.

Why Join SGN?

• 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 / SGN offers an attractive salary package and excellent benefits.

Application Process

• Curriculum vitae (CV) – PDF only.
• Please submit these documents to [e-mail].

For more information

• www.sea.ac.ae
• https://sn.ac.ae/en/