1. Understanding the UAE Inclusion Framework
🏛️ Know the Authorities
- KHDA (Dubai) – Knowledge and Human Development Authority
- ADEK (Abu Dhabi) – Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
- SPEA (Sharjah) – Sharjah Private Education Authority
⚖️ UAE Inclusion Laws
- Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 guarantees education rights for “Students of Determination.”
- Schools must provide inclusive learning opportunities and access to support staff.
- Each school should have an Inclusion Champion or SEN Coordinator responsible for coordinating LSAs.
💡 Ask the School
- Does the school employ LSAs directly, or must parents hire their own (often called “shadow teachers”)?
- Who supervises the LSA’s work — the teacher, SEN coordinator, or parent?
👩🏫 2. LSA Qualifications and Credentials (UAE-Specific)
✅ Preferred Certifications
| Certification | Issued By | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| RBT – Registered Behavior Technician | BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, USA) | Globally recognized; ensures training in applied behavior analysis, ethics, and student safety. |
| ABAT – Applied Behavior Analysis Technician | QABA Board (Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board) | Highly respected in UAE; focuses on autism, behavioral intervention, and classroom data collection. |
| SEN / Special Education Certification | KHDA- or ADEK-approved institutions or universities | Demonstrates understanding of inclusive education and learning differences. |
| Autism, ADHD, or Inclusion Training Workshops | KHDA-approved training centers or MOE-licensed institutes | Adds local, practical experience aligned with UAE inclusion guidelines. |
🧠 Desirable Skills
- Experience creating and implementing IEPs (Individual Education Plans)
- Familiarity with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies
- Knowledge of assistive technology and communication aids
- Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers and parents
- Empathy, patience, and consistency
⚖️ Legal & Compliance Checklist (UAE)
- ☐ Valid UAE residence visa (school or parent sponsored)
- ☐ Police Clearance / Good Conduct Certificate
- ☐ Child Protection & Safeguarding Training (mandatory in many emirates)
- ☐ First Aid or CPR certification preferred
- ☐ If hired through a centre, ensure it’s licensed under KHDA, MOE, or CDA
💬 3. Before Hiring or Assigning an LSA
- ☐ Meet the teacher and Inclusion Coordinator together with the LSA.
- ☐ Request references from previous UAE employers or families.
- ☐ Clarify the LSA’s role and limits – academic support, behaviour support, or both.
- ☐ Discuss communication frequency and progress reporting.
- ☐ Ask if the LSA will attend IEP or review meetings.
📑 4. Contract and Payment Agreement
💼 Define the Terms
- Employer (school or parent)
- Working hours, holidays, and extracurricular involvement
- Salary and payment method (preferably via transfer, not cash)
📜 Must-Include Clauses
- Confidentiality and data privacy
- Replacement policy for absence or resignation
- Termination notice and handover procedure
- Code of conduct aligned with school policies
🧠 5. Collaboration During the School Term
- ☐ Review progress every 4–6 weeks with the teacher and Inclusion Champion.
- ☐ Encourage joint planning and consistency between teacher and LSA.
- ☐ Monitor independence — the goal is inclusion, not dependency.
- ☐ Allow the LSA to attend professional development sessions organized by the school or KHDA-approved centres.
🚩 6. Warning Signs (When to Reassess Support)
- Frequent lateness or absenteeism
- Weak collaboration with teacher or parents
- Poor record-keeping or lack of feedback
- Student dependence or regression
- LSA performing teaching duties without supervision
Action: Discuss concerns with the Inclusion Champion or SEN Coordinator and review the plan.
📚 7. Useful UAE Resources
- KHDA Dubai Inclusive Education Policy Framework (2017)
- ADEK School Inclusion Policy
- SPEA Inclusion Guidelines (Sharjah)
- Federal Law 29 of 2006 – Rights of People of Determination
- Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination
- FindLSA.com – UAE’s dedicated LSA and Inclusion Support Directory
✨ Conclusion
Selecting the right LSA in the UAE requires awareness of qualifications, inclusion laws, and school collaboration. Parents who verify credentials like RBT, ABAT, or SEN certifications and maintain open communication with schools can ensure the best outcomes for their children.