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The programme, which targets 50 participants from 10 nurseries, aims to enable nursery staff to identify early indicators of learning disabilities and understand mechanisms for early detection and intervention, thereby improving children’s educational opportunities. The programme includes field visits to the Learning Disabilities Laboratory to familiarise nurseries with the laboratory’s practical experience, as well as training workshops and an introductory session on the “Motor Activities Mat”, an educational movement-based tool that contributes to developing soft skills and links academic learning with enjoyable interactive activities. It also features awareness lectures and guidance sessions delivered by a select group of specialists and experts.
Dr Hanadi Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Centre for Learning Disabilities, emphasised that early childhood represents the cornerstone in shaping a child’s educational and psychological path. She noted that investing in awareness and training at this stage positively impacts children’s academic and social future. She explained that the programme reflects the centre’s vision of promoting a scientific understanding of learning disabilities and moving from general observation to specialised awareness based on knowledge and practical tools, thereby strengthening nurseries’ ability to serve as active partners in early detection and support.
Dr Hanadi added that cooperation with the Sharjah Education Academy reflects the integration of efforts among institutions concerned with childhood and education in the Emirate of Sharjah. She stressed that building a supportive educational environment can only be achieved through genuine partnership among teachers, parents, and specialists. She noted that the programme goes beyond theoretical presentation and focuses on providing participants with practical tools to help them understand children’s needs and address them with flexibility and professionalism, contributing to enhancing children’s self-confidence and creating a more inclusive and empowering educational environment.
For her part, Khawla Al Hosani, Deputy Director of the Sharjah Education Academy, affirmed that the participation of Sharjah government nurseries in this programme stems from the academy’s belief that early detection of learning disabilities is a fundamental step in supporting a child’s educational journey and enhancing their chances of success. She noted that equipping educational staff with knowledge and practical tools contributes to building more inclusive learning environments that respond to children’s needs. She also highlighted the importance of integrated efforts and cooperation among the emirate’s education and childhood institutions, noting that collaboration with the Sharjah Centre for Learning Disabilities enhances the quality of early childhood practices and supports Sharjah’s vision of investing in people and building a more sustainable and empowering educational future.
The programme’s activities and workshops address several key themes, most notably how to observe early indicators of learning disabilities and identify early detection methods and appropriate intervention mechanisms. They also cover the concept of inclusion and its importance in the educational environment, review effective communication skills with children in the classroom, and present strategies for dealing with challenging behaviours and applying scientific behaviour-modification methods. The programme also places special emphasis on language and speech aspects, including early speech delay, and highlights attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its relationship to learning disabilities, as well as the impact of educational challenges on building a child’s self-confidence, reflecting the programme’s comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing children’s educational and psychological needs.
The Sharjah Centre for Learning Disabilities invited teaching staff to benefit from the programme and actively participate in its activities, as it represents an opportunity to enhance knowledge, exchange expertise, and build an integrated support system that helps empower children and provide the best means for their growth and development in a safe and stimulating educational environment.
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