President issues Decree establishing Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

 President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has issued a Decree establishing Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, ADECA.

The Decree stipulates that ADECA is an independent legal entity with the full legal capacity to practice its activities and follows the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

According to the Decree, ADECA is tasked with developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for early childhood development in the Emirate and reviewing and evaluating policies and programs related to early childhood in coordination with the relevant entities. Additionally, ADECA will propose legislation, policies, and regulations related to early childhood.

Early childhood is defined as the period from conception to eight years of age.

ADECA is responsible for managing and implementing all matters related to early childhood, as well as coordinating and collaborating with the relevant entities to create and implement plans to develop programs and provide services for children in their first years of life.

The Authority is also responsible for conducting research and specialized studies in the field of early childhood development, reviewing best practices locally, regionally, and internationally and proposing strategic solutions and recommendations.