Dubai introduces early childhood education quality framework focused on curriculum, wellbeing and leadership

Dubai has introduced a new quality framework for early childhood education services, setting a benchmark for service improvement, child outcomes and family engagement.

The framework, launched by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), is designed to guide early learning services across the Emirate in achieving consistent, high‑quality outcomes. It also aims to build community confidence in early learning, support continuous improvement and provide a shared language for quality.

The initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader Education 33 Strategy, which positions early learning as foundational to long‑term educational success.

The framework identifies five key areas that underpin high‑quality early childhood education:

1. Learning and curriculum – Promoting developmentally appropriate and inclusive programs that support all aspects of children’s learning.
2. Partnerships with families and communities – Encouraging services to meaningfully engage with families and local networks.
3. Learning environments – Creating safe, stimulating, and inclusive spaces for children to play and learn.
4. Health, safeguarding and wellbeing – Prioritising child safety, nutrition, emotional wellbeing and protection from harm.
5. System leadership – Ensuring effective governance, reflective practice, staff development and strategic improvement planning.

Each area includes a set of indicators designed to help services reflect on their current practices, identify strengths, and plan for improvement.

KHDA has positioned the framework as a developmental and collaborative tool, rather than a compliance mechanism. It encourages early childhood services to engage in honest self‑assessment and shared reflection across teams.

By articulating what quality looks like in an early learning context, the framework is expected to build capacity across the sector and ensure more consistent experiences for children and families.

The framework’s release aligns with international trends emphasising quality assurance in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Systems in Australia, New Zealand and the UK similarly incorporate standards and reflective tools designed to improve practice across early learning services.

For Australian providers, the Dubai model offers an example of how regulatory bodies can integrate curriculum, wellbeing and leadership into a cohesive framework that empowers rather than penalises services.

Download the Quality Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education.