Nurseries surpass nannies: Dubai's early learning enrollment is increasing
In the last 12 months, the number of children registered in the city's nurseries has exceeded 23,500, an increase of 3,000 annually.
The latest data from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) reveals a notable shift among parents in the emirate, as an increasing number are choosing to enroll their children in nurseries rather than opting for home-based nanny services.
With a surge of 3,000 enrollments compared to the previous year, more than 23,500 children are now attending the city's nurseries. This shift is attributed to the opening of 27 new nurseries in the past year, bringing the total count of early childhood centers in Dubai to nearly 250.
Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, the director-general of KHDA, emphasized the importance of early childhood centers, stating, "They are not only about today's children; they are about tomorrow's innovators and changemakers." The 15% increase in enrollment reflects the efforts made by these centers to enhance quality, earning parents' trust in providing enriching learning experiences for their children.
Faten El Hajj, owner and director of Canadian Kids Nursery in Business Bay, noted that parents prefer nurseries due to concerns about leaving their children with nannies at home. The heightened supervision, trained staff with Dubai authorities' approvals, and the socialization opportunities for children make nurseries an attractive choice. Financial considerations, including the cost-effectiveness of nurseries compared to hiring a full-time nanny, also play a role in this trend.
Parents appreciate the benefits of early learning centers, such as fostering learning, self-esteem development, and enhanced social and emotional skills in children. Additionally, nurseries provide a community environment for children to interact with peers.
In Dubai, parents can select from various centers offering 14 curriculums and learning approaches, with language options including Arabic, English, French, Spanish, or Russian. The majority of enrolled children, 66%, fall between the ages of two and four, with nearly 80% attending nursery five days a week.
Sarka Hadermayerova, a mother who chose Canadian Kids Nursery for her one-year-old daughter, highlighted safety and the desire for her child to be around family when at home as reasons for opting against hiring a full-time nanny. She believes that exposing children to different learning approaches from trained professionals is more beneficial than traditional methods.
While some parents may have concerns about potential illness exposure in nurseries, others like Hadermayerova emphasize the positive impact on children's immunity through interactions with different people. The growing demand for nurseries in Dubai underscores a shifting preference among parents for organized early learning environments over traditional childcare approaches.
