Speech and Language Specialist (Early Childhood)

Organization: Sharjah Education Academy (SEA)Key Focus Area: Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN)About Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN)Sharjah Government Nurseries (SGN), operating under Sharjah Education Academy (SEA), provides exceptional early childhood education and care for children aged 0–4 years across the Emirate of Sharjah. SGN is committed to fostering a professional community built on care, collaboration, and excellence. We empower our educators and specialists through continuous development and evidence-based practices, ensuring every role contributes to shaping confident, curious, and compassionate young learners.Position: Speech and Language Specialist (Early Childhood)Role PurposeThe Speech and Language Specialist is responsible for diagnosing, treating, and supporting speech, language, communication, and early feeding challenges in children aged 0–4. This role ensures early detection, timely intervention, and high-quality therapeutic support within nursery settings. The specialist enhances communication development through evidence-based therapy programs, educator training, and strong family engagement. The position plays a central role in strengthening early intervention, inclusive practices, and developmental outcomes across SGN nurseries.Key ResponsibilitiesAssessment & Diagnostic ServicesConduct comprehensive assessments to identify speech, language, hearing, fluency, articulation, and social communication delays. As a member of a Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team, the Speech and Language Specialist contributes to the team-based decision of determining if the child has a developmental delay or disability in the area of communication skills).Use standardized and play-based diagnostic tools suitable for early childhood (0–4 years).Develop individualized speech and language therapy plans based on assessment outcomes.Monitor developmental progress and adjust intervention plans accordingly.Identify children with exceptional or gifted abilities and design enrichment strategies to nurture their advanced language, social, and cognitive potential in line with early years’ best practices.Early Intervention & Therapy DeliveryProvide direct one-on-one and small-group speech and language therapy sessions in nurseries.Address expressive/receptive language delays, articulation issues, sound production, phonological awareness, early literacy, and social communication.Implement strategies to support children with feeding difficulties related to oral-motor development.Ensure therapy approaches are child-centered, age-appropriate, and evidence-based.Educator Training & Classroom SupportTrain nursery teachers and assistants on:Early communication milestones.Identifying warning signs or risk factors for speech and language delays.Everyday communication-building techniques.Creating language-rich, inclusive classroom environments.Provide ongoing coaching, modeling, and practical strategies that can be embedded in daily routines.Supporting Nursery TeachersTrain and upskill educators on early communication milestones, identification of speech-language delays, and evidence-based strategies to support children’s communication development.Provide in-class coaching and modelling, demonstrating practical language-enhancement techniques during daily routines, play, and group activities.Develop teacher-friendly resources, such as communication boards, visual support, strategy guides, and individualized action plans to support children with speech and language needs.Collaborate with teachers to integrate intervention goals into the classroom environment and adapt activities to support inclusive communication for all children.Offer ongoing feedback and support, conducting classroom observations, reviewing progress, and guiding educators in creating language-rich, communication-supportive learning environments.Family Coaching & EngagementGuide and coach families on strategies to support speech and communication development at home.Conduct parent education workshops on early communication, play-based interaction, and typical developmental milestones.Maintain clear, supportive communication with families regarding progress and recommended follow-up.Program Quality & Case ManagementMaintain accurate therapy records, documentation, and developmental data aligned with SGN safeguarding standards.Evaluate the effectiveness of communication support programs and recommend improvements.Participate in multidisciplinary meetings to coordinate support, share insights, and ensure integrated service delivery for children needing multiple interventions.Collaboration & Professional PartnershipsWork with psychologists, special educators, and external medical/therapeutic agencies when needed.Support SGN’s inclusion framework by contributing expertise to early intervention plans and center-level strategies.Minimum QualificationsMaster’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology, Communication Disorders, or related field. (Preference will be given to candidates holding a PhD.)Minimum 10 years of experience providing early childhood speech and language therapy, preferably within nursery or early years settings.Demonstrated experience supporting children aged 0–4.Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English is mandatory, given the nature of family engagement, communication requirements, and the cultural context.Preferred (Additional Credentials) QualificationsUAE-recognized licenses or certifications (CDA - Community Development Authority (Dubai), MOE - Ministry of Education approval, DHA - Dubai Health Authority /DOH - Department of Health Abu Dhabi speech therapy license) – or any other UAE-recognized licensing or regulatory authority relevant to early childhood therapy, education, or clinical practice. (e.g. Ministry of Health)Experience working in GCC or diverse multicultural early childhood environments.Familiarity with UAE regulations related to safeguarding and inclusion.Key Skills & CompetenciesAdvanced clinical knowledge in early childhood speech, language, and communication development.Strong assessment and therapeutic planning skills.Ability to translate clinical knowledge into practical strategies for classroom use.Empathetic, family-centered communication skills.Excellent documentation, reporting, and case-management abilities.Strong collaboration skills within multidisciplinary teams.Commitment to child protection, ethics, and confidentiality.Why Join SGN?Be part of a leading government early childhood system.Contribute to meaningful, high-impact work that shapes children’s foundational learning.Access continuous professional development and career growth.Join a supportive, value-driven, and purpose-based professional community.Sharjah Education Academy / SGN offers an attractive salary package and excellent benefits.Application ProcessInterested candidates are kindly requested to submit the following in PDF only:Curriculum vitae (CV)Please submit these documents to careers@sea.ac.aeFor more information: please visit:www.sea.ac.aehttps://sn.ac.ae/en/