Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced a new system that allows early childhood centres to offer home-based learning for children aged up to six years, when regular in-person classes cannot take place.
The new rules apply during special situations, such as bad weather, health emergencies, or other times when distance learning is officially required.
Under the framework, early childhood centres can operate through two models. These include:
Centre-Led Home Learning (CLHL) Hubs: These are nursery-style services hosted in approved homes and can accommodate up to eight children from multiple families under centre oversight. These sessions are led by staff from KHDA-licenced early childhood centres.
Centre-Led Home Learning Educators: This model provides a more individualised approach, where a qualified, KHDA-registered teacher is deployed directly to a family’s home to work with a single child or siblings. This is more feasible for families seeking a more tailored experience or those who prefer to avoid group settings altogether.
Who Can Avail These Services?
The services are intended for children aged up to 6 who are enroled in Dubai’s private nurseries and early childhood centres.
KHDA clarified that these services are not permanent alternatives to regular nursery provision. They may only run during periods when KHDA or the Ministry of Education mandates distance learning, and must stop within five working days of that requirement being lifted.
What Safety Measures Are In Place?
While the idea of group-based home learning can raise concerns about safety, KHDA has introduced a clear regulatory framework built around seven core requirements.
These include formal licencing approval, comprehensive risk assessments, signed parent agreements, robust child protection policies, verified staff records, ongoing supervision and monitoring, and appropriate insurance coverage.
KHDA also reassured parents by ensuring that all home-based learning is delivered under the supervision of licenced centres and qualified educators.
Further details on the services are available on the KHDA website.