Learning and Development Specialist

Learning and Development Specialist (Early Childhood) 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. Role Purpose The Learning and Development Specialist (Early Childhood) plays a critical role in early identification, assessment, and intervention for children aged 0–4 with (experiencing or demonstrating) learning difficulties or atypical learning and developmental strengths and challenges. The specialist designs, leads, and monitors specialized support programs, ensures high-quality inclusion practices across the network of nurseries (SGN), and builds staff capacity to meet the developmental needs of young children. This role ensures that children with learning difficulties atypical learning and developmental strengths and challenges receive appropriate, timely, and effective educational interventions in line with UAE national frameworks and international early childhood standards. Key Responsibilities include: Assessment & Early Identification Conduct comprehensive developmental assessments to identify children demonstrating atypical learning and developmental strengths and challenges in children aged 0–4. Develop and implement age-appropriate early screening tools aligned with UAE and international practices. As a member of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team, the Learning and Development Specialists contributes toward the early identification of children experiencing learning, behavioral, developmental, or communication difficulties and who are at-risk of developing a developmental disorder or are experiencing a disability as defined by the UAE National Classification of Disabilities and design appropriate enrichment strategies and targeted interventions in line with early years’ best practices. Prepare individualized support plans (ISPs) and monitor child progress through validated indicators. Intervention & Program Delivery Design and lead early intervention programs targeting cognitive, linguistic, motor, and socio-emotional development. Provide specialized support recommendations, strategies, and intervention plans for nursery staff and families. Ensure interventions are delivered consistently and effectively across SGN nurseries. Capacity Building & Staff Support Train, mentor, and guide nursery educators on early detection, intervention strategies, and inclusive classroom practices. Establish standards for staff working with children with learning difficulties and ensure ongoing professional development. Develop guidelines and tools to support high-quality inclusive education across nursery environments. Family Engagement Provide counselling, guidance, and developmental support strategies to families of children with learning difficulties. Organize workshops and awareness sessions to strengthen parental understanding and involvement in the child’s learning journey. Quality Assurance & Data Governance Monitor and evaluate intervention programs to measure impact and ensure continuous improvement. Maintain accurate records and databases in line with SGN’s data governance and safeguarding protocols. Prepare reports, progress summaries, and recommendations for senior management. Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, external specialists, and relevant government entities. Support community initiatives and awareness campaigns related to inclusion and early childhood learning needs. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in Special Education, Learning Difficulties, Early Childhood Education. (Preference will be given to candidates holding a PhD.) Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in early intervention, special education, or early childhood inclusion. Proven experience working with children aged 0–4 with learning difficulties. Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory. Additional Credentials: UAE-recognized licenses or certifications (CDA, MOE, DHA/DOH, Ministry of Health) relevant to early childhood therapy, education, or clinical practice. Experience in GCC early childhood sectors, particularly in inclusive or government nursery environments. Strong knowledge of UAE inclusive education policies, safeguarding frameworks, and child protection standards. Strong expertise in early childhood development and learning difficulties. Advanced assessment and diagnostic skills. Ability to design and evaluate intervention programs. Excellent communication, documentation, and report-writing skills. High cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with families and young children. Strong collaboration skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams. Why Join? 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 (SEA) offers an attractive salary package and excellent benefits. Sharjah Education Academy aims to spread a culture of continuous improvement in all educational institutions. #J-18808-Ljbffr