Dubai tightens approval rules for Islamic education teachers in early childhood centres

Dubai has introduced stricter approval requirements for teachers delivering Islamic education to Muslim children aged four to six, making specific authorisation from the education regulator mandatory across private schools, kindergartens and early childhood centres.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has issued a new framework, titled Guide to Implementing Islamic Education in Early Childhood, setting out requirements for teacher qualifications, language of instruction, curriculum delivery and the assessment of children's learning.

Under the guidelines, teachers must obtain an appointment notification from KHDA explicitly authorising them to teach Islamic education, irrespective of their academic specialisation or previous approvals. Those responsible for both Arabic and Islamic education must secure approval for each subject. The framework prescribes minimum qualification levels for teachers, requiring Level 3 qualifications for those working in early childhood institutions and Level 6 for teachers delivering the subject at the same age level in schools.

Teachers must be Muslim, possess adequate knowledge of the Ministry of Education's Islamic education curriculum and have relevant early childhood teaching experience or training. Institutions unable to recruit teachers who meet the prescribed qualifications must approach KHDA for approval of alternative arrangements.

Language of instruction

The guidelines also establish language requirements based on children's backgrounds, seeking to ensure that Islamic education is delivered in a language appropriate to their needs.

Muslim children holding passports issued by Arab countries must receive Islamic education in Arabic. Non-Arab Muslim children, however, may be taught in the language adopted by their institution. Parents of children holding non-Arab passports can request Arabic-language instruction, subject to the institution's approval. Schools and early childhood centres may organise Arab and non-Arab Muslim children into joint or separate learning groups, provided the prescribed language requirements are observed.

Learning outcomes and monitoring

The framework requires institutions to follow learning outcomes approved by the Ministry of Education, maintain records of children's progress and provide appropriate learning accommodations for children of determination.

At the start of each academic year, institutions must share details of their teaching arrangements and student groupings with both KHDA and parents. They are also required to maintain supporting documentation, including teachers' qualifications, appointment approvals, lesson plans and student assessments. KHDA may examine these records through compliance reviews, either independently or in coordination with the Ministry of Education, to ensure institutions adhere to the prescribed standards.