Dubai's KHDA Unveils New Home-Based Learning Policy for Young Children
In a significant move to adapt to challenging circumstances, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has recently rolled out a new policy permitting home-based learning for children aged 0 to 6 years old. This initiative comes as the region grapples with ongoing tensions, including conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran, highlighting the need for flexible and secure educational environments. The KHDA emphasized that this policy is designed to support diverse learning settings while ensuring continuity in early years education.
Structured Framework for Distance Learning
The KHDA has established clear guidelines for this distance learning system, known as Centre-Led Home-Based Learning (CLHL). In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, the education regulator detailed that parents cannot apply directly for CLHL services. Instead, nurseries retain full control over the rollout, staffing, and approvals, operating under a tightly regulated framework. CLHL is intended solely for use during government-mandated distance learning periods, such as those triggered by weather, health, or safety disruptions, and must conclude within five days after in-person learning resumes.
Dr. Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, explained that this model is a temporary emergency measure, not a permanent parent-driven service. "It was implemented to ensure the continuity of early years education while keeping responsibility firmly with licensed providers," she stated, underscoring that the focus is on maintaining educational standards during crises.
Parental Options and Application Process
Parents have two distinct service options when in-person attendance at nurseries is not feasible:
- CLHL Hub: A licensed early childhood centre operates a small, regulated setting in a residential home, serving up to eight children with the centre's own qualified staff.
- CLHL Educator Arrangement: A centre sends one of its trained and vetted employees to a single family's home to provide learning and care exclusively for that family's children.
Almaazmi highlighted that these services are exclusively offered by licensed early childhood centres, which manage the entire process. Parents must contact their child's nursery to inquire about availability, as direct applications are not permitted. "The centre handles everything from application to KHDA, risk assessment, staffing, insurance arrangements, and parent agreements," she noted, ensuring a streamlined and secure approach.
Rigorous Approval and Monitoring Protocols
The KHDA has outlined a strict approval process to safeguard children's well-being. The authority does not inspect homes directly; instead, licensed nurseries are responsible for conducting comprehensive risk assessments. These assessments cover:
- Physical environment safety
- Health and hygiene standards
- Safeguarding arrangements
- Supervision protocols
- Age-specific considerations
Nurseries must submit these assessments to KHDA along with key documents, including safeguarding policies, staff registers with qualifications and clearance details, supervision plans, and signed declarations for insurance and hosting permissions.
Once approved, monitoring is a shared responsibility between centres and KHDA. Centres are required to implement robust supervision policies for off-site staff, featuring regular check-ins, line management structures, and access to a Designated Safeguarding Lead at all times. KHDA will review reports and take action if any safeguarding or compliance issues arise, ensuring continuous oversight.
In conclusion, Almaazmi reiterated that CLHL services are temporary and only permissible during official distance learning mandates. This policy reflects Dubai's commitment to adaptive education in the face of global and regional challenges, prioritizing child safety and learning continuity.
