KHDA introduces home-based learning model for children aged up to six in Dubai
Nursery-led structured learning now extends into approved residential environments for families
DUBAI – Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has introduced new regulated home-based learning services for children aged up to six years in private early childhood education settings.
The initiative expands how nurseries can support families by extending structured learning beyond traditional classrooms during specific circumstances. It has been designed to ensure continuity of education while maintaining strict oversight of quality, safety and delivery standards across all participating centres.
The newly launched services introduce two distinct learning models, each tailored to different family needs. Under the framework, nurseries may operate CLHL Hubs or provide CLHL Educators to support learning at home under defined conditions.
Learning models
CLHL Hubs are nursery-style group sessions conducted in approved home environments, with each hub accommodating up to eight children from different families. These sessions are supervised by staff from early childhood centres to ensure structured learning and appropriate oversight. Alongside this, CLHL Educators provide one-to-one or sibling-based tutoring at home, delivered by a qualified, KHDA-registered teacher deployed by the centre.
KHDA has clarified that both services will only be activated during government-mandated distance learning periods and will not be available outside those timelines. This ensures the model is used strictly as a continuity mechanism during disruptions rather than a permanent alternative to classroom education.
Safety framework
The services operate under a detailed regulatory structure built around seven key requirements. These include licensing approval, risk assessments, parent agreements, child protection policies, staff record verification, supervision and monitoring mechanisms, and insurance coverage. The framework places strong emphasis on safeguarding children while ensuring educational consistency.
Authorities have also highlighted the importance of maintaining trust between families and education providers, with parents positioned as key partners in the learning process. All home-based delivery remains under the supervision of licensed centres, ensuring accountability remains firmly with the institution rather than individual arrangements.
Education vision
Under the new guidelines, early childhood centres continue to hold full responsibility for maintaining educational quality and child safety, even when learning takes place outside their premises. KHDA has stressed that relocating learning into home environments does not reduce expectations regarding structure, care or teaching standards.
Dr Amna Almaazmi, CEO of Growth and Human Development at KHDA, said the initiative supports a flexible and future-ready education system aligned with Dubai’s long-term vision under the Dubai Education 33 Strategy. She noted that the introduction of CLHL Hubs and CLHL Educators ensures children can continue learning in all circumstances without compromising on quality or care.
“The introduction of the CLHL Hubs and CLHL Educators services reflect our commitment to ensuring children continue learning in all circumstances through a flexible and future-ready system, without compromising on quality or care. This gives families more choice and confidence, while ensuring children receive a safe and well-rounded learning experience,” she said.
Further details on the initiative have been made available through KHDA’s official channels.