Learning Everywhere, Learning All The Time

Children learn while they play. It is when their curiosities are answered, their imaginations shared, and their identity reflected and grown.

HEI UAE Early Learning Centres are meticulously designed to encourage children to interact, explore, rest and unwind while discovering the joys of learning in every little detail, for there is always something to gain in every little step.

KHDA approved curriculum from Finland

The HEI UAE Curriculum has been localised to the UAE and is fully approved by the KHDA. Our curriculum embeds the UAE’s culture, heritage and values by offering Arabic language classes, social and moral education, cultural studies, as well as Islamic studies for Muslim children, and a celebration of all national events in the UAE.

We Do It The HEI Way

Our core principles of our education, pedagogy, and curriculum

CURIOSITY & CREATIVITY

SUSTAINABLE
WAY OF LIVING

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

LEARNING
EVERYWHERE &
ALL THE TIME

CULTURE
OF TRUST

The HEI Pedagogy

Inspired by Finland’s approach to early childhood education, we take the best that Finland has to offer and combine it with other best practices in our progressive, emerging pedagogy. We continuously update our pedagogy based on the latest in educational research, which is provided by our academic partner, the University of Helsinki. Together, we educate children who are not only capable of adapting to the changing world, but of changing the world themselves.

At HEI UAE, we promote the joy of learning and support the freedom of failing, encouraging growth through experiencing both. The pedagogy and curriculum are designed to provide purposeful play, to nurture with guidance from highly qualified teachers, and to offer opportunity to adopt learning as a natural process shaped by one’s interests. The HEI concept enhances the child’s perspective, active participation, curiosity, creativity, embodying the importance of play and exploring.

Class Arrangement

Infants

45 days - walking stage

Toddlers

18 - 24 months

Nursery

2 - 3 years

Pre-school (FS1)

3 - 4 years

KG1 (FS2)

4 - 5 years

KG2 (Year 1)

5 - 6 years

KHDA Student Cut-off Age

Grade / Year level

Age requirement

Early Learning Stage

45 days - 3 years old

Foundation Stage 1 or Pre-KG

3 years old by Aug 31

Foundation Stage 2 or KG1

4 years old by Aug 31

Year 1 or KG2

5 years old by Aug 31

Grade 1 or Year2

6 years old by Aug 31

Grade / Year level

Early Learning Stage

Foundation Stage 1 or Pre-KG

Foundation Stage 2 or KG1

Year 1 or KG2

Grade 1 or Year2

Age requirement

45 days - 3 years old by Aug 31

3 years old by Aug 31

4 years old by Aug 31

5 years old by Aug 31

6 years old by Aug 31

Academic Calendar

Terms

Start of Term

End of Term

Term Break

Term 1

September

December

Winter Break

Term 2

January

March

Spring Break

Term 3

April

June

Summer

Summer

July

August

Day at HEI UAE Early Learning Centres

This is a typical day at HEI UAE Early Learning Centres. Each day varies according to the curriculum activities. Our days have been designed with great thought to ensure the right balance of lessons and free play, movement and rest, excitement and calmness, group activities and individual time indoors and outdoors.

8:00
Arrival

8:45
HEI Time

9:30
Snack
Time

9:00
Physical Activities

13:00
Nap/ Rest

12:00
Lunch

10:00
Activity
Based
Learning
Session

12:45
Story Time

14:00/17:30
Pickup
Time

8:00
Arrival

8:45
HEI Time

9:00
Physical
Activities

9:30
Snack
Time

10:00
Activity
Based
Learning
Session

12:00
Lunch

12:45
Story Time

13:00
Nap/ Rest

14:00/17:30
Pickup
Time

Curriculum Framework

Exploring and interacting with the world around them

Exploration and curiosity are key elements of learning. We promote children’s natural abilities to observe, analyze and understand the world around them. We support the development of children’s linguistic and mathematical skills through different everyday activities. We strengthen children’s relationship with nature and the surrounding environment through science and environmental education.

Linguistic Skills

Mathematical Skills

Science & Environmental Education

Understanding the world we live in

We support children in understanding the diversity in their local community, as well as the practices that activate respect for diversity. We support children’s growth as conscious human beings and help them to understand what it means to be an ethically responsible member of society.

Cultural
Competance

Ethics Education

Learning forms of expression

We familiarize them with different art forms and their cultural heritage. We offer children opportunities to express themselves through musical activities, visual arts / crafts and bodily /verbal expression.

Musical Activities

Crafts & Visual Expression

Verbal & Physical Expression

Practicing a healthy way of living

We focus on building a strong foundation for a healthy way of living which consists of physical activity, nutrition, rest, self-care, and care of others. This learning area supports other learning areas and helps children manage their daily life and routines.

Socio- Emotional Competence

Physical Wellbeing