Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority awards Dhs1.2m to fund research projects

The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has announced awarding Dhs1.2m funding across five important research projects related to early childhood development (ECD).

Hamda Mohamed Al Suwaidi, a senior researcher at ECA, said: “The research projects will enable ECA and its partners to address challenges facing young children and their families in Abu Dhabi, thus developing effective and evidence-based solutions.”

“Through our collaboration with researchers from local and international universities and institutions, ECA seeks to address two ECD-related challenges in Abu Dhabi – chronic absenteeism and early intervention. This collaboration aims to deliver insights for policymakers, service providers and other stakeholders to take action to support the ECD sector,” she added.

Al Suwaidi affirmed that ECA is working on developing an integrated research ecosystem utilising new technologies, artificial intelligence applications, and robust scientific methodologies. The new ecosystem’s findings will mainly contribute to future decision-making, policymaking and planning processes.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the five awarded research projects include two studies on chronic absenteeism among young children in Abu Dhabi.  The second research study is also aimed at exploring the causes of school absenteeism in young children in Abu Dhabi.

The ECA will also fund two research projects aimed to evaluate health professionals’ knowledge and attitudes with regard to supporting young children of determination and their families in Abu Dhabi.

Another project is focusing on language assessment of Emirati children with atypical language development.

The authority is aiming to create a dedicated process for ECD-related policy and legislation development.  In addition, it is reviewing and adjusting current policies and legislation, as well as issuing new policies and/or legislation as required to fill existing ECD-related gaps and enhance its services.