Abu Dhabi: A new parenting program has been introduced by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) in collaboration with a group of institutions, including Zayed University, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), and the Emirates College for Advanced Education (ECAE).
The Consortium’s mission is to create a new evidence-based and culturally relevant parenting curriculum by bringing together eminent Emirati and international academics, professionals, and researchers.
Specifically for children under the age of 8, the curriculum will include a range of Early Childhood Development (ECD)-related themes, including health, nutrition, and early learning.
Dr. Christin Camia, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Zayed University, will collaborate with Ms. Antje von Suchodoletz of NYUAD and Dr. Michelle Kelly of ECAE as co-principal investigators.
This project is a result of the Early Childhood Parenting Strategy (ECPS) devised by the ECA last year. It aims to promote the health and well-being of Abu Dhabi’s parents and to assist them in performing their parenting responsibilities.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Camia said, “Zayed University is delighted to be participating in this important program with the Early Childhood Authority alongside our colleagues at New York University Abu Dhabi, and the Emirates College for Advanced Education.
Giving parents the tools to ensure that their children have the best possible start in life can have a multiplier effect as we seek to deliver the nation’s ambitious 2071 goals. Successful early child development frameworks can build the foundations for educational excellence, economic productivity, emotional intelligence, and long healthy lives.
Dr. Camia highlighted.
The Program’s design is expected to be completed in the next 18 to 24 months, following which it will be implemented in Abu Dhabi after a test period with 300 parents to evaluate its effectiveness. Facilitators will also receive training on how to conduct the program with the goal of upskilling the ECD personnel and tracking their results.