The Aga Khan Early Learning Centre, Dubai

Welcome to AKELC

Parents as Partners

As children's first educators, parents are considered to be important partners in the development of positive learning outcomes for their children.

The AKELC is aware of the critical role of parents and we listen to their voices in order to understand and follow their children's learning journey. At the Centre, the educational process involves three equally important elements: children, parents and educators.

Parents are valued and encouraged to be active contributors in their children's development. We welcome all parents to be part of the Centre by helping in the class or sharing a special ability such as art, craft, music, carpentry, storytelling, etc.

We will communicate regularly with parents regarding the curriculum and centre activities via newsletters, parents' evenings, display boards, daily diaries and regular emails.

The AKELC Management team and staff also welcome and include parents and families in activities such Orientations, Parent Coffee Mornings, Developmental Screening sessions, Open House events and Book Fairs.

AKELC Parent Testimonials

"We just wanted to take a minute to share some information on Arha's progress at her new school. She … has started her second term now and is thoroughly enjoying it, though she really misses AKELC and keeps talking about Ms. Fazilat and Ms. Rima."

Arha has always liked going to school and she has settled in well in her new surroundings. A huge amount of the credit for that lies with AKELC and it's wonderful staff. AKELC and all the teachers have played a very important role in our daughter's life and helped to shape her into what she is today. I still remember her first day in school. I was so worried about her and was waiting around at the school in case she cried or wanted to go back home. But once she walked into the Creative Caterpillars classroom she never looked back. After about an hour of waiting I left for home. My daughter was thoroughly captivated.

In this day and age with so many schools around, different curriculums and tons of challenges, it is difficult for parents to identify and select schools with excellent teachers and good surroundings. The ethos or vision matters so much since most schools are just money making machines today. And moreover it's so difficult to judge a school or even compare it with others till your child has attended one and you have spent time in the institution itself and got the chance to interact with the teachers. Like every parent we wanted the best for Arha, the perfect place where she would learn new things, play and grow to be a more confident and happy child. But we were very confused and also a bit sceptical about all the choices out there. So we just decided to keep it simple. We reviewed a few schools based on other parent recommendations. Honestly I think we just got lucky with AKELC.

This is a very unbiased and honest feedback that we are sharing with you. Now that Arha is no longer with the institution we think we can safely put into words what we genuinely feel about AKELC without it sounding like flattery or false praise.

We really don't think any other nursery/ preschool has the kind of passion and dedication which you and your teachers have. A school is just a block of bricks, beautiful vintage bricks in this case no doubt but it's the people in it which make all the difference. Right from Irnesa sitting at the reception with her welcoming smile to you standing at the door every morning, monitoring every child, their parents, even nannies and remembering all the names (incredible) to all of Arha's teachers right from Ms Hina, Ms. Alaa, Ms. Rima to the brilliant Ms. Shafaq and Ms. Fazilat. I have had a chance to interact with the team and watch the school very closely during my days as a volunteer there and I have to say, in all honesty, you have a fantastic team.

Ashish and me are both so glad to have sent Arha to AKELC. It has set the tone for her love of learning and future progress. Even we as parents have learnt so much. All the initiatives taken by you and the school, the small details like the parent meetings, the conferences arranged to create awareness on various crucial topics like autism, childhood behaviours, even the transition to bigger schools, such significant and helpful topics.

This note is just a small gesture to convey a heartfelt thank you for all the wonderful things that we as parents, especially Arha, has learnt and experienced at AKELC.""

Samantha and Ashish


"Aga Khan Early Learning Centre gets a full vote from me, for being a premium, child-centered learning centre. Spacious, airy, and child-safe gym and classroom areas, daily nature walks with the most loving and nurturing set of teachers and volunteers, a daily log and record of the items and amounts consumed at breakfast, focus on hygiene, the songs they learn during circle time - what's not to love for a 16 month old and her mother! Plus, and this is a big one, they always have friendly faces at reception. :)"

Mary


"AKELC is the best thing that happened to us after our first son was born. They became our partners in raising our kid, providing the best care, knowledge and guidance which we believe will go a long way in our son's development and learning. Thanks AKELC."

Sandeep



"The nursery provides a very safe, healthy and engaging environment for my child. There are regular events and programs initiated by the nursery involving Parent, child and teachers.The content and the target of these events is to address the needs of young children and provide a great insight for us on parent - child interaction."

Deepak


"Extremely impressed with the balance of curriculum, the staff and the close interest taken with each and every child individually. Have seen great improvement in my child's development and the support provided is spectacular."

Anila


"I love this nursery because it's very spacious, has lots of natural light and a good amount of area to play outdoors too. Their emphasis on ensuring children of all ages get introduced to books is commendable. It's one of the few nurseries that has a library with a great collection of books. Their emphasis on healthy eating habits and independence from an early age is also appreciated by all parents. Having lots of extracurricular activities is another big differentiating factor. Have not seen many nurseries that hold soccer and yoga lessons for the little ones."

Archana


"I found a caring, loving team from the cleaner to the management. Never doubted their professionalism, transparency and flexibility!"

Shagufta


"The best educational nursery. I enrolled my son from 1.5 years ago. It is enough for me to wake him up every morning excited to go to meet his friends, teachers, helpers and spending beneficial time there. The staff and management cares a lot about the safety, hygiene of the spacious classroom sizes and I have never seen something like it in any other nursery in Dubai. They are so professional in guiding not only kids but parents as well in their journey to raise up responsible kids by organizing parents coffee morning to discuss an important topic. Staff are dealing with kids having a heart of gold."

Heba


"What attracted us to the nursery was the facility - purpose built classrooms, large, airy, natural light, hygiene and play grounds. What has delighted us is the quality and love of teaching staff, management, helpers and attention to curriculum. Parent involvement is encouraged through regular coffee mornings with parents, fun days for the family and systematic feedback on milestone development of the child."

Manik