Psychologist Early Childhood

Organization: Sharjah Education Academy (SEA)

Key Focus Area: Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN)

About Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN)

Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN), operating under Sharjah Education Academy (SEA), delivers high-quality early childhood education and care for children aged 0–4 across the Emirate of Sharjah. SGN is dedicated to nurturing a professional community founded on care, collaboration, and excellence. We support our educators and specialists through ongoing development and evidence-based practices, ensuring each role contributes to shaping confident, curious, and compassionate young learners.

Role Purpose

The Psychologist supports the psychological, behavioral, and socio-emotional development of children aged 0–4 across SGN nurseries. The role provides expert assessment, early intervention, consultation, and guidance for three key groups:

• Children – psychological assessment, emotional/behavioral support, early intervention.
• Teachers – training, classroom guidance, behavior management strategies.
• Parents – counselling, positive parenting support, developmental guidance.

The Psychologist ensures that all children’s developmental needs are understood and supported using evidence-based early childhood psychology practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct Support for Children (Primary Role)
• Conduct psychological, developmental, and behavioral assessments for children aged 0–4.
• Identify developmental delays, behavioral challenges, emotional regulation issues, and social-emotional needs.
• Develop individualized psychological support plans and implement early intervention strategies.
• Deliver one-on-one or small-group sessions to promote emotional, social, and behavioral development.
• Monitor and document progress using validated early childhood assessment tools.
• Support and Capacity Building for Teachers
• Train educators on early childhood development, emotional regulation, behavior guidance, and early warning signs.
• Provide classroom coaching and model child-centered behavioral strategies.
• Assist teachers in managing challenging behaviors using proactive, positive approaches.
• Help create inclusive, emotionally supportive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environments.
• Guidance, Counselling & Engagement for Parents
• Offer counseling and guidance to support children’s growth and well-being.
• Conduct workshops on positive parenting, emotional support, early childhood development, and behavior strategies.
• Communicate professionally with families regarding assessments, interventions, and progress.
• Strengthen home–nursery partnerships for consistent child support.
• Safeguarding & Child Protection
• Identify and address concerns related to child well-being following SGN safeguarding protocols.
• Provide guidance on trauma-informed and child-safe practices.
• Participate in case reviews and child-protection processes in line with UAE regulations.
• Program Development & Multidisciplinary Collaboration
• Work closely with speech therapists, inclusion specialists, and external agencies.
• Contribute to SGN’s early intervention and inclusive education initiatives.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and provide expert recommendations.
• Documentation, Reporting & Data Governance
• Maintain accurate psychological records, case notes, and developmental data.
• Prepare progress reports, summaries, and recommendations for internal use and families.
• Ensure all documentation complies with ethical, confidentiality, and UAE safeguarding standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, Developmental Psychology, or a closely related field (PhD preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of experience working with young children in clinical, educational, or early intervention settings.
• Expertise in early childhood socio-emotional and behavioral development.
• Bilingual in Arabic and English (mandatory).

Additional Preferred Certifications / Credentials:

• UAE-recognized licenses or certifications (CDA, MOE, DHA/DOH, Ministry of Health).
• Experience in nursery/early childhood or GCC educational settings.
• Knowledge of UAE safeguarding and inclusion policies.

Key Competencies:

• Advanced assessment and diagnostic skills for early childhood.
• Strong knowledge of socio-emotional development and behavior management.
• Excellent communication and counseling skills with both adults and children.
• Ability to support teachers through coaching, modeling, and practical strategies.
• High ethical standards, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and confidentiality.
• Effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

Why This Role Matters?

The Psychologist plays a foundational role in promoting children’s emotional well-being, supporting teachers, and empowering parents to foster healthy home–nursery connections. By providing assessment, therapy, and counseling across children, educators, and families, the role ensures a holistic, integrated approach to early childhood support. This position is central to SGN’s mission of creating safe, supportive, and developmentally enriching environments for Sharjah’s youngest learners.

Why Join?

• Be part of a leading government early childhood system.
• Contribute to high-impact work shaping children’s foundational learning.
• Access continuous professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Join a supportive, values-driven, and purpose-led professional community.
• Enjoy a competitive salary package and comprehensive benefits offered by SEA.