What are the Academy’s Objectives?
The National Academy for Childhood Development aims to offer educational and training programs related to the fields of childhood development and care while preserving the Arabic language, Emirati heritage, and national identity as core pillars. The Academy provides an ideal academic environment designed to develop students' skills and equip them with the necessary knowledge and expertise, preparing them to work in fields related to childhood development, in coordination with relevant authorities and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations in the UAE, through:
Establishing a distinguished academic and training system by developing strategic curricula for the social sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Implementing academic and training programs according to best practices to enhance the scientific and practical skills of students within the Academy’s fields of specialization.
Granting certificates and academic degrees in accordance with applicable laws.
Providing advisory and informational services related to the Academy’s fields of work.
Conducting academic and applied research relevant to childhood development.
Building and developing partnerships, and signing agreements, memorandums of understanding, and fostering scientific cooperation and exchange with local and international entities.
Proposing improvements to academic and training programs provided across the UAE.
Promoting a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied projects in fields related to the Academy’s work.
Developing and retraining professionals, and enhancing the skills of specialists in childhood development through intensive training programs aimed at updating their knowledge and strengthening their capacities.
Drafting laws, policies, and strategies in collaboration with local and international partners.
Is the Academy a Public or Private Institution?
Established in 2023, the National Academy for Childhood Development (NACD) reflects the UAE’s wise leadership vision in advancing the childhood development sector and to build on the foundational efforts of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority in the field.
The Academy aims to strengthen the capabilities of professionals and caregivers, including parents, working with children from birth to 18 years of age, with a strong emphasis on fostering the Arabic language and instilling national identity.
Its offerings include the 18-month accredited Vocational Diploma in Childhood Development – level four, accredited by the National Qualifications Centre, as well as a wide range of training and continuing education programs. Key focus areas include positive parenting, child protection, health, nutrition, education, early intervention, and holistic family and community support.
What Programs Does the Academy Offer?
The National Academy for Childhood Development offers a Vocational Diploma in Childhood Development, accredited by the National Qualifications Center, with a duration of 18 months.
It also provides a variety of Training and continuing education programs targeted at families, practitioners and individuals interested in pursuing a career in the sector.
What Are the Details of the Vocational Diploma Program?
The Vocational Diploma in Childhood Development is an accredited 18-month program, divided into 12 months of theoretical and applied education and 6 months of field training at childhood development institutions.
The program includes 20 educational units that focus on core topics related to childhood development and care, in addition to Emirati culture, heritage, and the importance of preserving the Arabic language.
Is the Academy Involved in Teaching Children?
The Academy offers a wide range of Training and Continuing Education programs, alongside the accredited Vocational Diploma in Childhood Development. Through its courses and programs, the Academy targets caregivers and parents aged 18 and above, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly and effectively engage with children, contributing to the building of a generation capable of adapting to societal challenges and promoting holistic child development.
What Are the Tuition Fees and Is There Any Financial Support?
The National Academy for Childhood Development offers a full scholarship to all students admitted into the Vocational Diploma Program in Childhood Development. In addition, a monthly allowance is provided to support living expenses. Students from outside the UAE are also granted a residence visa and health insurance coverage.
Am I Eligible to Enroll in the Academy Program?
The Vocational Diploma Program is open to all nationalities, provided applicants meet the following criteria:
Be aged 18 years or above.
Be proficient in Arabic (reading, writing, and speaking) and possess a very good level of English.
Hold a high school diploma or higher qualification.
Have experience or passion for working with children, whether within the family setting or professionally.
Demonstrate good conduct and appearance.
For male UAE nationals, priority is given to those who have completed or have been exempted from national service.
Fully committed to the Diploma program
Commit to working for 18 months in the childhood development sector in the UAE upon graduation.
Is Remote Learning Available for the Diploma Program?
Students must commit to full-time, in-person attendance during the morning period, five days a week, from Monday to Thursday (7:30 AM to 3:30 PM) and on Friday (7:30 AM to 11:30 AM).
What Differentiates the Academy Diploma Program from Others?
The Academy offers the first accredited Vocational Diploma program in the UAE specializing in childhood development. It is an intensive, Arabic-language program that focuses on reinforcing national identity and Emirati culture, while providing students with essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Is the Diploma Program Officially Accredited in the UAE?
Yes, the Vocational Diploma in Childhood Development is officially accredited at Level 5 by the National Qualifications Center in the United Arab Emirates.
Where is the Academy located?
The Academy is located in the Al Dana area, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
What Facilities Does the Academy Provide?
The Academy offers a comprehensive educational environment that includes:
Fully equipped classrooms and lecture halls.
Specialized training rooms.
Work environment simulation rooms for practical assessments.
A library with a diverse collection of educational resources.
Prayer room
What Support Services Are Available for Students Coming from Outside the UAE?
Support services include:
Assistance with residence visa processing.
Coverage of travel ticket costs to the UAE.
Provision of temporary hotel accommodation for two weeks upon arrival in Abu Dhabi city.
Is Housing Provided for Students?
Students are provided with a list of recommended applications to assist them in finding suitable housing options.
How Can I Apply to the Academy?
Interested applicants can submit their applications through the Academy’s official website: www.nacd.ac.ae
What Is the Admission Process?
The application process includes:
Creating an account through the Academy’s official website.
Attending an introductory virtual webinar.
Passing Arabic and English language assessments, along with a self-development session and a group evaluation session.
Submitting required documents, including academic degrees, qualifications, work experience history, and personal information.
For more information about the admission process, please visit NACD’s official website: www.nacd.ac.ae
What Are the Post-Graduation Requirements?
Graduates are required to work for 18 months in the childhood development sector within the UAE after completing the program.
What Are the Career Paths for Graduates?
Potential career paths include:
Teacher’s Assistant
Shadow/Inclusive Education Teacher
Activities Facilitator
Childhood Development Entrepreneur
Caregiver for Children
Caregiver for Families
Caregiver for People of Determination
Caregiver in Specialized Foster Programs
Other childhood development-related roles
Can I Pursue Further University Studies After Completing the Diploma?
Currently, diploma credits cannot be transferred toward university degrees. However, credit transfer may become possible if the Academy or other institutions offer a professional bachelor’s degree program in the same field in the future.
When Does the Registration Open?
Registration dates are announced via the Academy’s official website and social media channels, through posts and media alerts. Please visit NACD’s official website and follow NACD’s social media channels to stay up to date with latest announcements.
Can Students Work While Holding a Student Visa?
The diploma program is an intensive, full-time, in-person program. UAE regulations do not permit students to work while holding a student visa.
Can I Apply for Employment at the Academy?
Applicants with relevant experience supporting the Academy’s goals may submit their CVs along with a brief cover letter to: jobs@nacd.ac.ae
How Can I Contact the Academy?
For inquiries and suggestions, please contact: info@nacd.ac.ae or call: +971-2-3337400
Does the academy provide transportation?
No. Annual public bus pass is provided for use within Abu Dhabi.
Does the Academy have other branches?
No, the Academy's headquarters is located in Abu Dhabi, and it has no other branches.
Are employers of employees wishing to join the Academy contacted to request full-time employment?
No, those accepted will be provided with a "To Whom It May Concern" letter confirming their acceptance and receipt of the scholarship. The student is responsible for coordinating with their employer.
Can I sponsor my family members?
The Academy provides a visa for students only. Family members require separate sponsorship procedures and are at their own expense.
Can I obtain health insurance for my family members?
The Academy provides health insurance for students only. Family members must obtain private health insurance at their own expense.
What does the Academy offer to those who do not wish to enroll in the 18-month, full-time, in-person professional diploma program?
The Academy offers a wide range of short courses, specialized training programs, and internationally accredited qualifications in various topics related to child development. You can visit the Academy's website for program details.
Can my family accompany me? Are they allowed to stay with me in the hotel?
Yes, your family can accompany you, but they must book hotel accommodation independently and at their own expense. The Academy only provides hotel accommodation for students for two weeks.
When will the applicant move on to the testing phase after the orientation seminar?
The assessment will be held shortly after the orientation seminar, and applicants will be sent an email with the specific dates.
Is there a specific dress code?
Yes, we recommend wearing modest, formal attire throughout all admissions and testing phases, while maintaining a professional appearance that reflects seriousness.
What is the nature of the tests?
The admission tests include Arabic and English language tests, as well as a group assessment of a group of applicants through the performance of a task within a specified timeframe.
Will you proceed directly to the exams after the webinar?
No, you will only proceed to the exams after passing a short test on the online admissions platform. Instructions will be sent via email.
What is the timeline for the admissions process?
The admissions process proceeds in the following sequence: Registration > Virtual Webinar > Tests > Group Assessment > Results Announcement. Applicants will be notified of the results via email.
Why was my application not accepted, or why was I not admitted despite completing all admission stages?
Please note that the selection process is conducted based on highly competitive criteria, where all applicants are evaluated according to their performance across the assessment stages, the successful completion of all requirements, as well as their commitment to providing accurate and complete information and submitting the required documents in the proper format and within the specified timeframe.
Based on the results of the comprehensive evaluation, applicants who demonstrated the highest levels of performance compared to others have been selected.
We also encourage all interested applicants to apply for the 2026 admission cycle, emphasizing the importance of reviewing the user guides available on the portal before beginning any stage, and adhering to all instructions and guidelines outlined in the emails issued by the Admissions team.
Applicants are kindly advised to avoid accessing the admissions portal from multiple devices at the same time, and to use a single device only to ensure the process runs smoothly. They are also required to log out of their account after completing each stage.
What is the Olfa Program?
The Olfa Program is a pioneering initiative that strengthens the family and educational role in society, inspired by the wise leadership’s vision of positioning the family as a cornerstone of a cohesive and prosperous community. The initiative aims to empower parents and professionals, including teachers, counselors, and caregivers by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for effective parenting and family nurturing based on the latest educational approaches.
The program features a series of intensive and short interactive workshops and courses delivered by leading experts and specialists in childhood development, parenting, and emotional and psychological well-being. It is designed to provide parents with practical tools that strengthen family bonds, foster supportive environments for children’s personal and social growth, and promote sustainable family well-being.
What is the purpose of the program?
Olfa is a comprehensive parenting program that offers a leading model for positive parenting and effective child-rearing practices. It features a series of intensive and short interactive workshops delivered by a distinguished group of experts and specialists in child development, parenting, and psychological and emotional wellbeing.
The program has been designed to equip parents with practical, evidence-based strategies that strengthen family relationships, foster children’s personal and social development, and contribute to long-term family wellbeing.
What are the program tracks?
First Track: Family Awareness and Education Track
Online Workshop duration: 1 hour
This track is designed to provide parents, professionals, and anyone interested in parenting and family wellbeing with practical skills to support children and navigate common family challenges. Topics include conflict management, children’s developmental transitions, adolescence, and responding to unexpected family circumstances.
It also covers a range of essential parenting topics, including managing children’s screen time, protecting children from bullying, the fundamentals of age-appropriate topics with the aim of safeguarding children, building their awareness, and effectively supporting teenagers.
Second Track: The Comprehensive Family Management and Parenting Program
Workshop duration: 2 hours
Attendance in-person
This track aims to enhance parents’ and professionals understanding of positive parenting principles, children’s mental wellbeing, and effective parenting styles. It also equips participants with practical approaches to engaging with children across different developmental stages, strengthening children’s emotional resilience, and confidently addressing the challenges of raising children.
What are my options if I missed a workshop?
You are welcome to register for any of our upcoming workshops, which are listed in the Training and Continuing Education platform and announced regularly across our social media channels.
Are there any online workshops available?
Olfa offers a diverse range of both in-person workshops at the National Academy for Childhood Development and virtual workshops delivered online. Visit the Training and Continuing Education platform and follow the Academy’s social media channels to stay up to date with our latest workshops and programs.
Are there any in-person workshops available?
Olfa offers a diverse range of both in-person workshops at the National Academy for Childhood Development and virtual workshops delivered online. Visit the Training and Continuing Education platform and follow the Academy’s social media channels to stay up to date with our latest workshops and programs.