Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge warns of penalties for non-compliance
Institutions must ensure all facilities and transportation vehicles are equipped with appropriate emergency signage and equipment to ensure readiness
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has outlined eight measures to prepare for and effectively manage emergencies in early childhood education institutions. These measures are part of the Early Childhood Education Institutions’ Emergency Management Policy, to which full compliance is required by the start of the 2025–2026 academic year.
The policy addresses critical aspects such as evacuation plans, initial safety measures, and communication protocols. By standardising emergency response processes, the policy ensures that all stakeholders—early childhood education management, staff, parents, regulators, and service providers—are fully prepared and aware of their roles and responsibilities during emergencies.
Emergency preparedness measures
1. Signage: Proper guidance and emergency signs across facilities and transportation vehicles.
2. Emergency Equipment: Ensuring institutions are equipped with the necessary tools and supplies.
3. Role Allocation: Clear division of roles and responsibilities among staff during emergencies.
4. Emergency Action Plans: Detailed plans for managing medical emergencies, evacuations, lockdowns, shelter-in-place scenarios, and transportation-related emergencies if applicable.
5. Parent Involvement: Engaging parents in emergency planning.
6. Communication Planning: Establishing effective communication protocols for emergencies.
7. Staff Support and Training: Regular training sessions for staff, including emergency drills.
8. Emergency Contact Information: Maintaining updated emergency contact details for every enrolled child and staff member, as well as an emergency fund.
Policy requirements
Early childhood education institutions are required to establish and implement an emergency policy. At a minimum, the policy must include:
• Compliance with applicable laws, guidelines, and frameworks.
• Comprehensive planning and preparation for emergencies.
• Procedures for addressing specific emergencies (e.g., medical emergencies, evacuations, lockdowns, and shelter-in-place).
• Clear communication protocols during emergencies.
• Defined roles and responsibilities for all involved parties.
Institutions must ensure their emergency policies provide effective guidelines for responding to emergencies in accordance with UAE laws and regulations, including those set by ADEK, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority.
Staff training
Early childhood education institutions must ensure staff are trained to handle incidents effectively. The following steps are required:
1. Staff Training:
• Regular training on incident management policies (at least annually), covering incident identification, classification, required documentation, and procedures for different scenarios.
• Training staff on providing first aid to children in alignment with ADEK’s employment and medication administration policies.
2. Incident Reporting:
• Immediate reporting of incidents to the Early Childhood Education Head or another designated supervisor for assessment and classification.
3. Documentation:
• Maintaining accurate and secure records of incidents in compliance with Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety and Health System Framework (OSHAD).
When must parents be informed?
• Physical injuries or health issues caused by institutional or staff negligence.
• Serious injuries due to hazards such as tripping risks or inadequate supervision (e.g., heatstroke).
• Incidents requiring intervention from authorities (e.g., theft or property damage).
• Service disruptions (e.g., urgent repairs).
Penalties for non-compliance
Failure to comply with incident reporting requirements and other aspects of this policy will result in penalties, fines, or potential closure, depending on the severity of the violation. Examples of violations include:
• Failure to notify parents or authorities promptly or at all.
• Providing false or inaccurate incident reports.
• Non-compliance with investigation outcomes or corrective actions within the agreed timeframe.
