Driven by a desire to better understand children’s behavior, teaching methods, and what causes distress, Hend Al Hammadi enrolled in the National Academy for Childhood Development (NACD) over a year ago.
Although a mother of two for five years, it wasn’t until she joined the academy that she truly grasped child development.
“I was raising my children with love but without understanding their development scientifically,” said Hend. “I studied science in university, but it didn’t help me understand what children really go through.”
During her time at the academy, Hend learned that every behavior has a hidden reason that must be understood. She also learned to design educational games that address specific needs.
Hend, 31, is one of 81 graduates, including both men and women, who are earning their childhood development diploma from the academy. They have trained at various childcare facilities in Abu Dhabi, including the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, public schools, and women’s shelters.
The program covers child psychology in various situations, like parents separating, the arrival of a new sibling, or moving to a new school. It offers practical learning methods to understand the full spectrum of a child’s life, from infancy to adulthood.
The academy even uses sensor-equipped dolls to teach students how to address basic childcare issues like soothing a crying baby. Maryam Mubarak, 27, demonstrated how they use realistic baby dolls that cry and weigh the same as a real infant. These dolls only stop crying once the student has solved the issue causing the distress.
Maryam and her peers also developed interactive storybooks that teach Islamic practices and local traditions to children, featuring puzzles, 3D figures, and art activities. One of these books, for example, helps teach young readers about Muslim fasting and its traditions.
Focusing on Arabic Language and Social Skills
“We focus a lot on strengthening the Arabic language and social skills,” said Dr. Fadi Bani Mostafa, head of the academic department at NACD. He noted that many young people today are more familiar with English and may lack social etiquette as they don’t interact with extended family members or older relatives as much.
Upon graduation, students receive a vocational diploma, having completed 1,350 credit hours of theoretical and practical training over 18 months. After their internships, most graduates find jobs with the institutions where they trained. NACD also provides specialized training for doctors, teachers, social workers, and family members.
“Teachers benefit the most from our programs,” said Muna Al Blooshi, head of training and education at NACD. “Even though teachers are educated, they often lack the skills to truly understand and manage children.” Recently, 63 teachers completed NACD’s training programs.
“We also train pediatricians to spot signs of abuse, which not every doctor knows how to do,” she added. To date, 30 pediatricians, nurses, and midwives have been trained by NACD.
Positive Parenting Approach
Al Mothana Abu Deiab, who previously worked in humanitarian aid at Queen Rania’s Royal Health Awareness Society, discovered NACD’s program on LinkedIn.
“I saw the program and immediately decided to leave my job and sign up,” said Al Mothana, 32, from Jordan.
Before joining NACD, Al Mothana organized activities that taught positive parenting but lacked the scientific and academic foundation. Over the past year, he learned that even simple childhood toys, like a bubble-blower, have a purpose in a child’s development.
“For example, blowing bubbles helps a child relax by practicing deep breathing. I never realized that a simple toy could serve a therapeutic purpose,” he explained.
Al Mothana completed his theoretical training a year ago and is now interning at Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, where he hopes to continue working after graduation.
The NACD diploma program is available to Arabic-speaking high school graduates aged 18 to 40.
