UAE’s Leading Reggio Emilia Nurseries

Learning and development through self-discovery

Progressive early-learning environment designed to cultivate independence through joy and freedom

  • Reggio Emilia
    learning methods
  • French, English and
    Arabic language
Limited Availability
Book Nursery Tour

Our friendly team will arrange a tour of your local Odyssey nursery.

    The Odyssey Methodology

    Welcome to Odyssey Nursery.

    Bienvenue à Odyssey Nursery.

    .مرحبا بكم في حضانة أوديسي

    We are a trilingual nursery that follows an American curriculum incorporating the globally renowned Reggio Emilia approach.

    We are leading the way in children’s early-learning education in UAE. We offer a full-service, all-inclusive child development facility that cares for children aged 4 months to 4 years. Children’s early years are so precious, magical and full of little discoveries which lay the foundation for life.

    As a result, our preschools follow Washington State Early Learning Developmental Benchmarks that set standards for learning, development and care for and are recognised as a progressive and accountable system for early years’ development.

    We believe that each child learns differently, which is why we personalize our curriculum for each child depending on his or her capabilities. This system stimulates the child as much as possible.

    Give your child the best foundation in life and register with Odyssey today!

    LEARN ABOUT OUR AGE GROUPS Call 800-ODYCHILD
    An inspirational place to learn
    A natural environment designed for learning through self-discovery and social play
    View Gallery
    Happy Parent Quote

    “At all times, I find Odyssey Nursery Burj a very welcoming place for me and my kids, and I always feel fully confident that my children will be cautiously cared for. Noah has learned and progressed tremendously since the day he joined at 3 months old. I am so happy from the Reggio Emilia approach the nursery follows academically and on top of that the extreme hygiene level being applied. To all nursery staff, thank you. Big thanks to Noah and Ryan’s teachers who always communicate everything about the kids smoothly to me and take care of them to the utmost detail and special thanks to the nursery Director for always understanding my concerns as a parent and accommodating my demands.”

    Nathalie
    Noah and Ryan’s mom.

    Age Groups
    Select the age group of your child to discover what they will experience at an Odyssey Nursery
    Encouragement and first experiences

    Youngest babies at Odyssey are encouraged to mimic numerous actions such as the sounds of animals, moving vehicles, saying good morning and good-bye.

    We have dedicated baby units that cater for babies from 3 to 12 months. These natural and warm rooms are located in our main building for additional safety. Our early childhood specialists provide only the very best care and developmental skills needed for your baby. You can go about your day reassured that your baby is being cared for in just the same way you would care for them at home.

    Snowdrops - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 1 sink and changing table – in the classroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Raindrops - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Direct access to own baby outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our baby room
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and baby change facility inside the classroom
    • + Baby cots
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    • + Sensorial play area
    Lily - Odyssey Living Legends

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Sink and baby change facility inside the classroom
    • + Refrigerator and bottle warmer
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Baby cots for sleeping
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to indoor role play area
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Seashells - Odyssey Mushrif

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows with garden view
    • + Toilet, sink and baby change facility
    • + Baby cots
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Baby room - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Sink and baby change facility inside the classroom
    • + Refrigerator and bottle warmer
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Baby cots for sleeping
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Development through Discovery and sensory play

    Infants are discovering what is inside of the treasure sensory baskets filled with everyday items like bubble wrap, aluminium foil, newspaper, sponges, soft and hard wooden items, which helps them to refine their tactical senses, so important for the brain connections and overall development.

    We know that children learn best through hands-on experiences. Our monthly themes are fun-filled activities that target each developmental domain. Each activity provides children with the confidence needed to grow both cognitively and socially. Classrooms have prepared centres to explore a different theme every day.

    Tulip - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 1 Sink and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Cots for babies
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Sunflowers - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 1 Sink and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Cots for babies
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Poppies - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Green plant
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 3 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Cots for babies
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Seashells 1 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and toddler change facility just outside the classroom
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    • + Learning centres
    Seashells 2 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and toddler change facility just outside the classroom
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    • + Learning centres
    Dragonflies - Odyssey Living Legends

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, Sink and baby change facility inside the classroom
    • + High chairs for meal times
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + Access to indoor role play area
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Twiglets A - Odyssey Mushrif

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows with garden view
    • + Toilet, sink and baby change facility
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Tournesol 1 - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Sink and baby change facility inside the classroom
    • + High chairs for meal times
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Building independence and confidence

    Young children tend to become more independent with high self-esteem. Our nursery school curriculum supports their confidence by providing activities to help three- and four-year-olds to become problem solvers and develop the love for a lifelong learning.

    Through independent investigation, structured and child-led activities and hands-on learning, children will improve variety of skills and knowledge in areas such as early literacy, mathematics, science, languages, communication and social skills.

    Twiglets 1 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Large windows
    • + AC unit
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
    • + Learning centres
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    • + Sensorial play area
    Twiglets 2 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Large windows
    • + AC unit
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
    • + Learning centres
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Blossoms 1 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Direct access to own baby outdoor garden area – this part of the garden is only used for our Blossom’s 1 room
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    • + Learning centres
    Blossoms 2 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    • + Learning centres
    Daisy - Odyssey Living Legends

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility inside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + Access to indoor construction play area
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Twiglets B - Odyssey Mushrif

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows with garden view
    • + Toilet, sink and baby change facility
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Tournesol 2 - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows with garden view
    • + Toilet, sink and baby changing unit just outside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Lilas - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility right outside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Iris - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility right outside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Capucine - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility right outside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Bouton D’or - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility right outside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Lavender - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility right outside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to indoor role play area
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Marguerite - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility right outside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to indoor role play area
    • + CCTV inside the classroom (not for external use)
    Roses - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Green plant
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 2 sinks in the classroom
    • + 3 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Stackable sleeping beds
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Getting ready for School

    Our highly-qualified and experienced teachers help make the transition from nursery to school as natural as possible. By following the Washington State early-learning and development benchmarks. We encourage the social, cognitive, physical, emotional and spiritual development of each child.

    Our practitioners also continually update their professional qualifications to ensure they always provide the ‘Best Practice’ for your child.

    Lilies - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Green plant
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 2 sinks in the classroom
    • + 2 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Orchids - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Green plant
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 2 sinks in the classroom
    • + 2 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Stackable sleeping beds
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Lavender - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Green plant
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 2 sinks in the classroom
    • + 3 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Stackable sleeping beds
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Marguerites - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Real plant
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 2 sinks in the classroom
    • + 2 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Stackable sleeping beds
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Iris - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Real plant
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Mirror wall
    • + 1 sink in the classroom
    • + 2 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Lotus - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Green plant
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 2 sinks in the classroom
    • + 3 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Access to the large outdoor and playground areas
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Bluebells Class - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + Green plant
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 2 sinks in the classroom
    • + 3 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Stackable sleeping beds
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Daisies Class - Odyssey Burj

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + 2 sinks in the classroom
    • + 4 sinks and changing table – in the bathroom
    • + Air purifying machine
    • + Stackable sleeping beds
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Tulip - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility inside the classroom
    • + Access to indoor role play area
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Coquelicot - Odyssey Umm Suqieum

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility inside the classroom
    • + Access to indoor role play area
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Willows - Odyssey Mushrif

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows with garden view
    • + Toilet, sink and baby change facility
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Cocoon - Odyssey Living Legends

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility inside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + Access to indoor role play area
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Butterflies - Odyssey Living Legends

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet and sink inside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + Access to indoor role play area
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Caterpillars - Odyssey Living Legends

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and diaper change facility inside the classroom
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + Access to large outdoor garden and play areas
    • + Access to indoor construction play area
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    Pebbles 1 Bubble 1 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and toddler change facility just outside the classroom
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    • + Learning centres
    Pebbles 1 Bubble 2 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and toddler change facility just outside the classroom
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    • + Learning centres
    Willow 1 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and toddler change facility just outside the classroom
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    • + Learning centres
    Willow 2 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and toddler change facility just outside the classroom
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    • + Learning centres
    Pebbles 2 Bubble 1 - Odyssey Khalifa City

    Room facilities and features include:

    • + Natural light
    • + AC unit
    • + Large windows
    • + Toilet, sink and toddler change facility just outside the classroom
    • + Toddler sleeping mats
    • + Access to the nurse during operational hours
    • + CCTV inside classroom (not for external use)
    • + Learning centres
    Diana Zeidan

    Area Director
    Umm Sequim, Umm Al Sheif and Living Legends

    I’m a mother of 2 young girls: Yara who’s 15 years old and Yendi who’s 11. I have more than 17 years’ of experience as a Director of Education and as a founder and owner of nurseries, with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Roehampton University, UK.

    I have wanted to work in early years’ education for as long as I can remember as it has always been my dream job! I love what I do and will continue passing my love and passion for education to our children. At Odyssey we believe in putting the children back in touch with their senses, and not just their fingertips. For me, inspiring the greatness within each and every child is a calling to set the roots for adult happiness.

    Hoda El Naddaf

    Academic Director
    Burj, Um Suqueim, Living Legends

    Living in Italy for many years had given me lots of opportunities to visit the Loris Malaguzzi International Center in Italy, exchanging knowledge with pedagogists around the world. 

    After my experience in Italy, I relocated to Dubai willing to pursue my passion in early years Education and for the Reggio Philosophy. I have been with KFG group Since 2014.  I am currently the Academic Director at Odyssey Nursery Burj, celebrating my knowledge with our educators, conducting workshops, training, and coaching the Educators helping them to stay up-to-date with new trends, learn innovative strategies, techniques, methods for classroom challenges, observations, documentations, in order to make our children’s learning visible as well helping them to build skills for Life.  The best part of my journey is seeing the joy and happiness in each child in our Nursery, as well as encouraging our Educators to think outside the box, to alter their mindset from the traditional pedagogy to an innovative Reggio way. 

    Why we are different? Because our priority is the Reggio KFG child. His voices are heard, his choices are respected. Education for us is not only a tool to prepare the child for school, but to create a community of happiness and joy for learning. To build identity and future with the child, to give him or her every chance and opportunity not only to be, but to become who he or she should be.  Our KFG child is Ready for the Future, is a creative thinker, capable to face conflicts and solve problems, but the most important part, He or She is a good citizen. 

    I am preparing to Launch my Book about the Philosophy of Reggio Emilia Approach in Arabic and English, within this year.

    Rola Touckly

    Nursery Manager
    Umm Suqeim

    In line with the Reggio Emilia philosophies, I view children as capable, collaborative, co-constructors of knowledge. Our role as educators is to empower the children to take ownership of their learning. We facilitate their exploration, investigation, innovation, critical thinking and creativity. As the manager of Odyssey Nursery, I ensure that the children (and their families) are provided with lots of opportunities to grow and become life-long learners. My favorite time of the day is the morning drop off, when I get to welcome all the children and their parents into their second home.

    Jennifer Carswell

    Nursery Manager

    I have had 14 years and counting experience working within the childcare sector. During these 14 years I aim is to always support children within their early years by implementing good practice. Learning through play, supporting a child’s individual interest and allowing a child to express and be happy within nursery is at the heart of my management skills. I have been in Dubai for the last 4 years,  I spent 4 years in management within Al Noor Nursery which was based inside the government ‘Ministry of Education’ building where I catered for the Ministry of Education employees. I am originally from Scotland, United Kingdom.

    Before moving to Dubai I also done work in Johannesburg and Soweto (South Africa). I helped open childcare settings for depraved children to be giving the right to education. I Spent almost 6 months there volunteering.

    I am qualified with my CACHE level 5 in leadership for health and social care and young children and young people’s services. I am also studying my BA in early childhood studies.

    Nour Nehme

    Nursery Administrator
    Living Legends

    I have 5 years experience in early years education, and completed my Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the Lebanese International University of Beirut.

    Early years education is a path that I got into in 2014 and entirely fell in love with. As an educator I had the ability to connect with little children and create smiles on their faces as I discovered with them their new abilities and love for learning, and now I continue in his path by providing the support to our teachers and teams and help them deliver best child and education experience.

    Lizahn Geyser

    Nursery Manager
    Khalifa City A

    I have been in Abu Dhabi for 5 years and I live with my husband, 6-year-old son and 1 year old daughter, who also attends Odyssey Nursery. I have 12 years’ experience in Early Years Education from the EYFS British curriculum, CAPS curriculum, Montessori and Reggio Emilia.

    I started my childcare journey in the UK working with children, newborn up to the age of 5. I discovered that my true calling is to educate young children. In South Africa I continued my journey teaching Grade 1, working my way up to the Head of Department in the Foundation Phase. I expanded my experience working at a Montessori school in a little town called Heidelberg, finally moving to the magnificent United Arab Emirates where I obtained my Montessori Diploma through NAMC. I started my journey at Ladybird Nursery as a Teacher, later obtaining the role of Deputy Manager and then transferred to Odyssey Nursery, within KFG.

    It has been such an incredible adventure and privilege to have worked in different parts of the world and gaining the knowledge and experiencing the different approaches to learning. Each unique and forms the foundation of early development. With the brilliance, dedication, passion and devoted love from every educator, the key factor to the success of developing and scalping the young minds. As the Nursery Manager I will continue living out my passion and ensure the highest standards are met, so all our children can leave Odyssey Nursery with a smile and happy heart every day.

    Rana Turk

    Administrative Manager
    Khalifa City

    I have been in Abu Dhabi for almost 10 years, and I live with my husband and one daughter who is in 10th Grade while my older daughter is in her first year of university in Germany.

    I have over 10 years of experience in the education field with 9 years within Early Years Education. I started as a nursery schoolteacher and have now expanded my role. I have taken numerous training courses provided by EYES Middle East and received my CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Education in 2016, as well as a Bachelor’s in Music Piano in 1999.

    After being a stay-at-home mom and watching my girls grow up and go to school, I realized how important early years are to a child’s development and wanted to commit myself to help build strong foundations for as many children as possible, so they can see that anything is possible. I feel that with the proper support, nurturing and encouragement children can reach further to become the best version of their self.

    It’s very important to me that Odyssey Nursey provides a safe environment that promotes growth and learning. These years are so precious and valuable for our children and we want to make sure that they are provided with the proper tools and compassion, while taking part in continuously new and exciting learning and experiences. Each child is unique, and we want to make they let their uniqueness shine. As Administrative Manager, I aim to be the first point of contact for the nursery and want to make sure we are running as efficiently as possible and addressing all our parent’s needs, questions, and concerns, while making sure the nursery is staying safe and meeting or exceeding all required standards. We invite you to be a part of our family!

    Maddi

    Nursery Manager
    Mushrif

    I am passionate about small and big people, the Reggio Emilia Approach and children's development. I am looking forward to keep innovating and creating real impact through education at our wonderful nursery Odyssey!

    Manal

    Admin Manager
    Mushrif

    My friends would describe me as an easy going, a good listener, and a boxing lover. I don’t like routine, cold weather, spiders and children..

    JUST KIDDING! I don’t like any of those things except for children, they are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.

    Select an Odyssey Nursery and meet our wonderful team.

    Nejra Alispahic

    My name is Nejra and I'm proud to be a teacher in Odyssey Nursery Burj and part of our creative team. This is my 9th year in teaching children, our future creators, leaders, singers, community helpers, etc. I worked for 5 years in an International Montessori preschool in my home country and went through many courses and training related to the Montessori approach and curriculum.
After moving to Dubai I got an opportunity to develop new skills and meet different approaches in teaching in the early years. This is my 4th year as a part of the KFG family and I feel truly blessed to find my 2nd family here in Dubai. As a Reggio teacher, I believe that every child is unique and deserves a caring, inspiring, and engaging atmosphere in which to grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially.

    I have a true passion for working with our little ones. I strive to create an environment that nurtures a child's growth in a natural, positive and fun way. I believe that learning is a journey and adventure that should be presented to the children through daily play and activities.

    I enjoy preparing science activities for my children as well as fun math play. Children are curious explorers and our role as teachers is to ensure them an inspiring environment, guide them through the process of learning and be their partner in everyday play.

    Personally, I’m married for two years and I love to travel and explore new places. In my free time I’m managing my Instagram page related to early years development and activities. I also enjoy baking, music, relaxing on the beach, and spending time with friends.

    I look forward to working together with you as partner in our children’s growth and development.

    Dalal Wahid

    Preschool Teacher with 8 years of experience, teaching 3months to 5 years old in classroom setting of up to 20 children. I have a diploma Cache level 3 in child education.

    I’m a proud Mom of two Handsome boys Hamza and Youssof . Cooking and Teaching are my Passion.

    I have the ability to develop and implement activities that improves children’s learning and behavioral skills as well as confidence, self reliance and independent learning.

    I make sure to communicate with parents and administrators regarding children’s growth and well-being.

    I love to do activities in a fun way and let children learn through play.

    Donia Abdelghani Ismail

    I decided to make a career change from the airline industry to the childhood field because children and early years education are my passion and that is what I love to do every day. And I believe with doing what I love to do will lead me to the way of success and allow me to make the difference in my new field. With the Reggio Emilia approach, I see that all children have the opportunity to show their talent, use their imagination and creativity;

    My role as a teacher is to ensure health and safety of children and to provide them a safe and nurturing environment that promotes knowledge and inspires a life-long love of learning.

    My big satisfaction is when I see children happy during the day, feel secure in the setting, pronounce their first words in French and leave every day with a desire to come back again the next day.

    Jacey Hacking

    In line with the Reggio Emilia philosophies, I have learned how to adapt my teaching method to best suit the child’s learning style and sharing teaching idea with colleagues. I complete an array of activities each day which involves developing a concrete foundation for learners in their early childhood development stages through a number of thoroughly planned activities. I am highly skilled in using the various tools to make the teaching interesting and effective, and the Ability to create an effective teaching method for the children. I am able to plan, collect material and deliver the lessons in the class and to inspire the students for desired results in the language teaching task. I have worked with special needs children and regular children. For me working with children come’s easily as it’s my passion.

    My favourite part of the day is circle time I get to greet all my children and we get to learn new thing about the world together.

    Leah Farasoa Razafindramiadana

    As an early year teacher and a second parent of my student, help training preschoolers need patience, sensitivity and always makes sure to give love and gentle touch,  treating them the same way, and benefit from everyday learning skills. My favorite moment of the day is to see the kids excited when they enter the classroom, hugging their friends, sharing toys, calling each other names with a laugh, communicating even though they speak different languages seem to understand each other, showing that they are happy in the nursery as their second home.

    Mona Rashwan

    As a class teacher following the Reggio Emilia approach my role is to encouraging and exposing children to a wide variety of educational opportunities, that encourage self expression, communication,logical thinking and problems solving.. I see myself more of a guide than a leader to give the children the chance to be in charge of the direction they want to go and only enable the child to explore they way they want to explore. As a teacher in Odyssey Nursery I ensure that each child gets the chance to learn, explorer and grow in their own way. May favorite part of the day is when when the children play outdoors and see how each and every one of them has his/her own different interests and way of exploring the world around him/her.

    Sheyla Viana Kaminski Sanches

    As an early year’s teacher, I am responsible for creating a positive learning environment for my class.

    In this stage, children should be learning from the environment and experiences, providing, and creating different learning ways through play, helping them experience joy and satisfaction in learning, always making them feel free to be creative and express themselves.

    I have a true passion for working with Early Years, and I aspire to see children grow into adults who are independent, responsible, and compassionate innovators.

    Helping each child progress in all areas of their development is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily.

    Supporting children to achieve their highest potential has been very rewarding.

    Tima Khalifeh

    I believe that the Reggio Emilia approach allows children to explore the world differently; they get to live, explore and enjoy all the activities they do while feeling connected to the world and nature. This allows the child’s imagination to be as free and independent as it can be. As a teacher at Odyssey nursery, I ensure that the child feels loved, seen, accepted and heard. My favorite time of the day is when the children are doing an activity and they are exploring something new that provokes their imagination and they start expressing how they feel about it.

    Zeina Malhis

    I graduated from faculty of French litterateur from the university of Aleppo and early childhood education from LAU CEP in Beirut . I have 12 years of experience as an early childhood teacher. I’m also a Zumba instructor for adults and kids with 5 years of experience.

    I am confident with a proven record to provide a safe, positive, creative, and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers and toddlers.

    I love working with kids because for me the children make your life important.

    Amel Jelassi

    As a mother of 2, I found myself being attracted to the field of education, especially in nurseries, because it is a world were not only do the children learn, but we, as educators learn from the children as well. It is a reciprocal interaction. I have been working in this field for 11 years and my favorite part of my experience is to see the children grow and nourish from the seeds of education that we plant together.

    Basma Saidi Ep Glai

    I have a good experience in schools with 6 years of expertise in education and teaching of children, also with a diversity of educative language French, Spanish, Arabic and English.

    I always adopt a flexible method with the children that allows them to adapt, to integrate and actively participate in activities and programs prepared in advance.

    I am always listening to children I take care of them and my goal is to help them to develop and improve their skills and be more creative and responsible, share a good time with all children and teach them with a simple method of education.

    I transmit my motivation and my positive energy to the children, and I create a trusting and comfortable environment that they can be happy, play and learn at the same time and enjoy all time in the nursery.

    Farah Kaddur Massaoudi

    I have enjoyed working with young children for as long as I can remember. Over the years I have found my passion working in collaboration with children to experience the wonders of the world around us. Engaging in meaningful and integrated projects, thinking deeper about what makes a worm wiggle, taking a second look at a favorite book and experiencing a wild game of tag on a windy sunny day brings me joy. I look forward to the many adventures that teaching Kindergarten will bring over this year!

    Fella Dahman

    My name is Fella DAHMAN, I am 48 years old, ALGERIAN. I am a mother of 4 children.

    I studied in Algeria computer science in 1994. I have CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England) (QCF) on 2015.

    I have a Training Course Name: Diploma Montessori. I have a Training Course Name: Vocational Diploma in Child Care & Education of Young Children.

    I have Cache level 3 of early years education from theKIDZ INC institute of Dubai.

    Before joining Odyssey nursery, I have worked as a French teacher in (PETIT BOUT DE CHOUX Nursery), and POTENTIEL nursery.

    The time I spend for my children’s education lead me to find my reason for teaching.

    And now teaching is a pleasure. Sharing information and helping children to have a holistic development is my goal.

    Phionah Nanono

    An enthusiastic and passionate teacher with a unique blend of visionary teaching for children from varying backgrounds and races across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. My teaching encompasses learning through play, stimulation and hands-on experience. I am organised and driven with innate ability to stay focused while identifying individual needs of each student. I have expertise in different curriculums, approaches and philosophies in the early years setting. As an experienced early years teacher, I believe that all children are unique and learn differently. This makes my teaching outstanding and enjoyable hence creating lifetime learners and well-rounded students. Ov I am a proud mother of two lovely children a boy aged 7 and a girl 11years old.

    Souhila Mezaguer

    My name is Souhila Mezaguer, I’m 52 years old, and I’m a French language teacher. I’m a mother of 2 daughters. I Graduated from University as a Civil-Engineer and got a British Diploma CACHE Level 3 of Early Years Education from Kidz inc.

    I have more than 14 years of experience in Children education, since March 2017, I joined Odyssey Nursery Umm Suqeim.

    I do believe that teachers are not only required to teach their students, but they are also expected to be motivators, leaders, life coachers, planners, performers, and negotiators.

    Yamina Hamdi

    Hi there, my name is Yamina Hamdi. I am 39 years old, from Algeria. I am married, I have three children.

    I studied in the UAE, I am a qualified early year’s teacher and have completed a CACHE Level 3.

    I have also completed an Early Childhood Education and Child Care Certificate and many more courses related to Early Childhood education. I have an experience of 14 years.

    My desire and passion for children and their development is visible in my day-to-day interaction and planning, it’s my mission to install a love for learning in my students. I attempt to teach with a passion so that my students develop a desire to become life-long learners.

    Kristel Sfeir

    With a business trade background and loving nature, I decide that negotiating with kids is more fun! Becoming a mum of two made me passionate about learning through play and search what is best for kids, it brings me back to think and create a small world for kids that must consider their interest and rhythm to make them most confident and cherish their uniqueness! I'm that person that will impact their future and making the best of it is my role. This is an important base in their early years to set up the tone to reach their goals, you make sure the roots of the tree is well take care of to allow it to grow well. Communicating with the parents allow a balance collaboration that will bring happiness for everyone.

    May Abou Ayache

    My name is May Abou Ayache, I am 39 years old, French Lebanese. I am a mother of 2 girls 12 and 14 years old. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business from the Lebanese American University LAU of Beirut in 2004. I have a diploma in French language studies from Poitiers University, France in 2006 and a British diploma Cache level 3 of early years education from the Arabian Child institute of Dubai.

    Before joining Odyssey nursery, I have worked at the French school of “Lycée Français International de L’AFLEC” for 6 years, 3 years in education and 3 years in the administration.

    Teaching is my passion and my philosophy is that every child is unique and can learn at his own pace through playing. Children are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them.

    Ranim Kabbas

    I am Ranim Kabbas and I come from Syria.

    I am 35 years old and a proud mother of two lovely children a girl aged 11 and a boy 5 years old. I have a Bachelor degree of Education. I have been working as a teacher for the last 13 years, 11 years of this was in the United Arab Emirates.

    My passion for teaching stems from my internal drive for sharing knowledge and witnessing the success of my students.

    My philosophy for learning is that each child is unique and each child learns in a different way. I believe in hands on experiences, learning creatively and learning through play.

    Ola Kimmins

    My name is Ola Kimmins, I am a mother of two amazing children my daughter Layla who is four years old and my son Leo who turned two in June this year. I have been working in Early Education Since 2012 in different countries as I was lucky to have the opportunity to travel the world with my husband. This experiences to work in different countries with mixed cultures enriched my knowledge and understanding of child development and teaching strategies. I worked in different teaching curriculums like the British, American, Canadian and the Montessori. All these curriculums enhanced my teaching techniques and strategies to make learning for children more fun and creative, my role is to facilities all models and resources to be child friendly and fun to use to make the learning journey of a child enjoyable and play based.

    I learned that we must respect every child identity and choice of what he wants to do and make. Give children the freedom of choice and respect their sensitive areas.

    Language in the early childhood is a key to open a lot of opportunity for a child to discover the world around him. Nature is the real teacher for each child. I learned to let the children explore the world around them and through their interest they will lead me to what they are interested to do.

    Souria Bireche

    Je m’appelle Souria Bireche , j’ai 35 ans , je suis maman de jumeaux une fille et un garçon qui ont cinq ans ,je suis Algérienne , je suis Technicienne Supérieure en Architecture , j’ai fais mes études primaires et collège en arabe et français comme langue secondaire, et j’ai fais le lycée et études supérieures en français, donc je parles français et arabe literature parfaitement , j’ai le cache level 2 diploma de l’école “Ques eye Dubai”.

    Avant de travailler autant que maîtresses de français chez “Odyssey” j’ai travaillé 8 ans autant que chargée des études d’architecture , j’ai décidé de me convertir depuis que je suis maman car j’ai découvert en moi une patient en vers les enfants de bas âge ,j’adore m’amuser avec eux, leurs donner de l’amour et de la tendresse et les initier à faire leurs premier pas vers le cursus scolaire et à développer leurs capacités d’apprendre et être autonomes.

    Comme j’ai étudié de l’architecture, qui est en quelques sorte un mixe d’art et de technicité je suis très confortable et inspiré par l’approche “Reggio Emilia” j’ai les capacités de mettre l’enfant dans un environment d’inspiration et d’enthousiasme en quelque gestes simples et efficaces.

    Mary Ngoiri Kinyagia

    My name is Mary Kinyagia, I am from Nairobi, Kenya. I spent 12 years in England where I fell in love with teaching.

    I have more than 5 years of experience working with children from the ages of 6 months to 5 years old and have enjoyed every single bit of it. I hold a CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce.

    I am very patient, full of energy, driven and focused person with a passion for providing rich experiences to children. I’m also a very positive person and this helps me maintain a friendly and cheerful learning environment that promotes the development and wellbeing of children.

    In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new places, reading, fitness, travelling, cooking and cycling.

    But teaching is my greatest passion.

    Petronella Venter

    My name is Petro. I proudly bring with me a wealth of experience both as a mother of 3 grown up sons as well as professional and experienced teacher. Education lies close to my heart and I have gained many years of valuable experience in the British system. I am a highly motivated and enthusiastic teacher. After teaching many years in South Africa, the International arena afforded me the opportunity to excel and live my passion for teaching in a cultural diverse environment. I was committed to ongoing professional development by obtaining the highest Level 5 TEFL Certificate for Business English. My high level of fluency in English stands me in good stead with a proven ability to achieve learning outcomes successfully.

    I love to encourage children and help them realise their full potential and equip them with the necessary skills to excel in their future endeavours. Teachers with passion inspire children and passionate children’s’ study more.

    Zahra Segulle

    My name is Zahra. I am 32 years old. I have a GNVQ Early Years Child Care (2006-2008) Early Years Education Diploma Level 4. I am a sociable, positive individual with excellent people skills, and have a diverse work experience range. My role is to encourage children to believe in themselves in an environment where they feel secure and loved and where, most importantly, they have fun. Providing a holistic environment, where young children can learn to develop through hands on activities. My role was to appreciate the fast pace of change that characterizes our world, and we understand the importance of teaching children’s skills that will enable them to engage actively within our increasingly diverse and exciting society.

    Rakotoarimanana Sitrakiniaina

    My name is Rakotoarimanana Sitrakiniaina. I am 22 years old from Madagascar. I am mother of one daughter who’s 4years old. I have a Bachelor of French Literature from Madagascar in 2017. As a child growing up in family of educators, I knew at a young age that teaching was my passion, Children are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them.

    Aya Ayoubi

    I am so excited to be part of your child's learning journey adventure.

    I am from Syria, my passion for art, books, history, and music started when I was so young and impacted all the aspects of my life.

    I studied the Economy, financial markets in Syria after that I discovered my passion for teaching, so I studied in the European Institute for early years education and I worked as KG1, KG2 classroom teacher for 3 years in a Syrian school in my city Aleppo.

    I came to UAE in 2008 and I spend more time as a mother for lovely two kids.

    I returned to work again as a teacher in 2014 with the EYFS curriculum.

    Then I joined my lovely family in Odyssey Nursery in 2015 till now.

    In 2018 I finished my Cache level 3 in early years education from the UK.

    Karin Smith

    My name is Karin Smith, 28-year-old and the lead teacher of Willows classroom in Odyssey nursery Khalifa city. I have my own family with one 6-year-old daughter.

    I hold a CACHE Level 3 diploma in early years education, as well as a diploma in Psychology, currently furthering studies pursuing my BS in Health Science.

    After working in Early years for more than 4 years now and raising a pre-schooler of my own, seeing children grow, develop, and learn with my assistance motivated me to try again every day. I believe that children are very capable human beings and that we can learn just as much from them as they do from us, remembering to always be the best role model while children are looking.

    Catherine Youssef

    My name is Catherine Youssef and this is my fourth year as an Early Years Educator; my second year here in Abu Dhabi. Previously, I have worked in my home country, Canada, as a French teacher for 2 years and happy to be continuing to do so with the Odyssey family. Also, I have done advanced studies to be a greater practitioner with Direct Quest in Abu Dhabi, and graduated December 2019. I also attended several courses to expand my knowledge and professional skills in education, such as Supporting Children with Additional Needs. Being a mother of one myself, I know the importance of teaching our children and transmit our knowledge, but to always support them with love and happiness! I am passionate in seeing a child’s development and specially to see how their brain works; amazed on how much their imagination can expand! Being a teacher means I have the honour to be part of their growth and just this, makes me love my too! My son motivates me every day and reminds me how much I love to teach and be around children, around positivity and love.

    Adaobi Jennifer Onakpovhie

    My name is Adaobi Jennifer Onakpovhie. I am the classroom teacher in the Seashells bubble 1 class, Odyssey nursery, Khalifa city A, Abu Dhabi. I am a Nigerian, married to a wonderful husband and we have a lovely daughter. I have a degree in Microbiology from Igbinedion University, Nigeria, and I am also in the process of completing Cache Level 3 Diploma in early years education. I am Cpr/Aed and first aid certified.

    I have been teaching for 5 years and this is my 4th year at Odyssey Nursery. It has been an amazing experience and I have loved every bit of it. I provide activities and projects based on the interest of the children, watch, and observe children to know their strengths and areas of improvement. My goal is ensuring the children learn and develop skills that provide a strong base for lifelong learning. I believe that the first five years of a child’s life are the most important years as they are the foundation that shapes the child’s future.

    Izabella Modis Elsalhatne

    I am Izabella Modis Elsalhatne born and raised in Hungary in the late 70s. In 2005 I moved to the Arab Emirates with my husband and lived in Al-Ain. As a mother of four children, in 2010 I have decided to move to Canada where my children can complete their education and begin their lives as Canadian graduates. In those 7 years of living in Canada, I have earned a degree in social community services. As all my four children are in various stages of their lives, I have decided to move back and begin working with children in Abu Dhabi. As a teacher here I want to make sure I go above and beyond in making sure that I do everything in my power to guarantee that every child that I encounter has a better fighting chance of succeeding in the modern world.

    Having completed a degree in social services, I studied the different disabilities and difficulties that children face in the modern world. Throughout my years of working, I have been told that I show various traits such as compassion and love. My personal philosophy in life is “education is what gives a person purpose” staying true to my words I have just completed my EYFS \Chace level 2 and EYFS\Chace level 3 where are taught about the different developmental stages of the children. In this class, I not only hope to entertain but to teach kids and I am hoping to help show the kids that learning things, is a beneficially part of life, that learning is not a chore that you have to do but is a beautiful thing that helps us evolve and become better people.

    Chizoma Gina Agbaje

    My name is Chizoma Gina Agbaje and I am an early year teacher for the Willows bubble 2, Odyssey Nursery Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi. I have been working for Odyssey Nursery for the past 2 years 3 months. I have 5 years of experience in Early Years Education and with the Washington States Benchmark curriculum.  I am a well devoted early year practitioner with a passion for always delivering high-quality childcare and learning opportunities to children aged 3 - 5 by improving their skills, social-emotional abilities, cognitive skill, and their all-round development.  

    I hold a Cache level 3 diploma in early years for the work-based learner, a degree in banking and ongoing master’s in education.

    It is important to me and am passionate about providing a caring and safe environment where children can grow and develop at their own pace.

    Uma Joel

    My name is Uma Joel, and I am the lead teacher for Twiglets Class, Odyssey Khalifa city A Branch. I have been in Abu Dhabi for 15 years, and I live with my husband and two children, who are also studying in Abu Dhabi. I have six years of experience in Early years Education and with the Reggio Emilia Approach.

    I started my career as a banker way back in 2005. Holding a graduation degree in Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA in finance just seemed the right choice. I worked in a bank and an exchange house in Abu Dhabi before taking a break in the year 2011 to raise my children, who are now 13 and 8. During this break and motherhood stage, I became interested and passionate about early years development and decided to pursue it. I started training in the nursery, gained my CACHE 2 and 3 in childhood studies, and developed into a lead teacher's role. This was such a fantastic experience, and I loved every minute of it. I came to Odyssey in 2017, and this has been the best move I have made.

    As an early year's childhood educator, I believe I am responsible for providing young children with a positive learning experience that will encourage them to be lifelong learners. I firmly believe that every child is unique and different, so one size does not fit all; I will always be willing to cater to the child's needs.

    Alueshima Jennifer Shaapera

    My name is Alueshima Jennifer Shaapera, and I am the curriculum coordinator at Odyssey Nursery Khalifa city A. I have been in Abu Dhabi for the past six years, and I live with my husband, my eight-year daughter and my six-year-old son. I have close to 8 years of experience working in the early years and with the Reggio Emilia Approach and Washington state Benchmarks.

    After I had my daughter and did a career change from retail banking to early years education, I started my journey childcare industry. I fell in love with the Reggio Emilia approach when I started working as a teaching assistant in Odyssey Khalifa in 2016, and I have not looked back ever since. I gained my Cache level 3 Diploma in early years and a Cache level 5 diploma in leadership for health and social care and children and young people’s services. I developed to the role of the curriculum coordinator. It has been such a fantastic experience for me.

    It is important to me that Odyssey Khalifa provides a rich learning environment where the children’s interests are respected to explore, grow, and blossom. As the curriculum coordinator, I aim to partner with the teachers to implement a curriculum that creates an environment that provides learning opportunities where educators can collaborate with children to make learning happen.

    Chane Murphy

    I finished a Management and Marketing Diploma from the University of Monash and went on to complete a Teaching diploma through AIMS Middle East in Early Childhood Education and completed a, Teaching children with Special Needs and disabilities course through Centre of Excellence UK. I have taught in early years for just less than six years, though I have worked with grade 1-4 earlier in my life.

    I have lived in the UAE for 12 years on and off. I completed my schooling in Al Ain, moved to Dubai after coming back after studies and worked as cabin crew for a year. I had my daughter after a year of flying and decided to go back to teaching and specialize in early years while she was still so small. I moved to Abu Dhabi about 5 years ago and really enjoy it here more so than the other Emirates. I am interested in reading and always looking to take on a new challenge. In my class, I believe in creating learning opportunities and for children to be independent, self-sufficient, resilient, kind, mannered and critical thinkers. I have lots of love and care and passion for this job. I believe in constant improvement on self to create the best learning opportunities for all my little ones!

    Noela Kandzuh

    My names are Noela Kandzuh and I am an Early years Educator at Odyssey Nursery Khalifa City. I have been leaving and working in the UAE for the past six years with my husband and three daughters. I have eight years of teaching experience, five of those years in the EYFS British curriculum and two in Reggio Emilia inspired setting.

    I began my journey after I left college and spent three years at the University where I obtained a Bachelor of Education in curriculum studies and Teaching. I moved to the UK where I took a bachelor’s in business administration, while I was studying, I did an NVQ level 2 so I could qualify to work at a nursery as an assistant. I moved to the UAE in 2015, I got a job 3months after in an EYFS setting as a preschool teacher and while I worked, I decided to get certified as an Early Year Practitioner, so I enrolled to study the Level 3 International Preschool Curriculum course which is equivalent to CACHE Level 3. I joint Odyssey in 2019, it was a new terrain for me, but I have since understood the principles of the Reggio philosophy and it has been a journey of learning and teaching which am loving every moment of it.

    It is very important to me now than before, that when I plan my lessons, I view children as being capable, competent, creative, curious, ambitious, researchers, passionate and much more. As a teacher I am enjoying learning alongside the children and immersing myself in the experiences as a guide and resource while observing and tracking the growth of children and the classroom community in collaboration with their parents.

    Jenel Sanchez

    My name is Jenel Sanchez and I am currently working as a Teacher in Odyssey Nursery Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi.I first came to this amazing country 10 years ago working as music performer as I hold a Gold Bachelor in Art since 2004 from my home country Cuba .Abu Dhabi is now my second home as I created my family with my beautiful daughter and sweet husband.

    By the time I decided in 2016 to retake my teaching passion here in Abu Dhabi I had almost 11 years experience teaching music to primary and secondary students back home in Cuba. The last 5 years working In Early Years education has opened up a magic and unique opportunity in my professional life and I am enjoying every second of it. I started training and gained Cache level 3 in childhood studies to deliver a high standard of care and education to each of the amazing little minds that I have the pleasure to teach and learn from.

    I am a passionate teacher with a challenge to develop and enhance skills to offer children the best possible learning experience and opportunities to support their bright and success future.

    Federica

    Ciao! My name is Federica  and I am a teacher at Odyssey Nursery in  Mushrif.

    I am 24 years old and I come from Italy. I have experiences as a teacher with children from 6 months to 12 years  old and as an educator with children with special needs. When I'm not at Odyssey Nursery, I enjoy my time with my family or  practicing Swing dance.

    Charleine

    I am Charleine and I am teacher at Odyssey Nursery Mushrif. I  have 20 years of experience as French Teacher and I am enjoying my  career every day! I always like helping kids learn and grow in a  wonderful environment like what we have at Odyssey.

    Saira

    I am Saira and I am the teacher at Odyssey Nursery in Mushrif. I  encourage children to learn by connecting with them and giving them a  high quality education. I am creative and passionate about helping  children learn, have fun and be the best they can be. I am glad to be a  part of this wonderful nursery Odyssey!!

    Francesca

    Hello, I am Francesca and I am a teacher at Odyssey Nursery in Mushrif.  I love kids and it fills my heart with joy to watch them grow. My  philosophy is that each child is unique with strong potential for  development and growth. I look forward to continuing to have a positive  impact on the children's lives. I am  excited and glad to be a part of  this wonderful team of teachers of Reggio Emilia Approach.

    Hadia

    I’m a teacher at Odyssey Nursery in Mushrif. I love supporting my children’s learning journey through innovative lesson planning and one on one teaching. I love opening a new world to the children as we explore and discover through play. Promoting verbal expression, developing socially, emotionally, and physically, and encouraging creative skills like drama, art and music of the children are also part of my daily routine. I’m happy to be one of the team at our wonderful nursery Odyssey!

    Reggio Emilia Approach

    Reggio philosophy and belief is that all children are born with unique competences, interests and knowledge. This is why children should have the control over the direction of their learning, be able to have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves, have a relationship with other children, and be able to learn through experiences of touching, moving, listening, and observing.

    The 5 key elements of the Reggio Emilia approach:

    • Children’s learning is based on their interests.
    • Teachers and parents are co-learners in the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.
    • The classroom environment is a "third teacher".
    • Children’s learning progress is documented.
    • Teachers focus on the many ways kids learn, because children "speak 100 languages".

    Trilingual Nursery

    There are many developmental benefits to learning multiple languages at an early age, such as improved executive functioning skills, the ability to think flexibly, demonstrate self-control, focus attention, and tune out distractions. Research has found that bilingual children have better working memory than children who speak only one language.

    Children learning a second language or two languages simultaneously will often "code switch" or use both languages in the same sentence. It is not evidence of a problem in the language-learning process. Instead, this shows that children understand the grammatical rules of both languages. Children typically use this strategy to clarify their meaning in a grammatically correct manner.

    Odyssey Nursery Dubai and Odyssey Nursery Abu Dhabi are currently offering French and Arabic as a second language in classrooms with English as a main language, as well as only French language classrooms. Since our French classrooms have been very successful and popular, we have decided to offer also Spanish language in Odyssey Nursery Burj. UAE is a country where people from all around the world meet and knowing more than one language will help children to become a successful member of any community.

    Washington State early-learning and development benchmarks

    It is without a doubt that the early years are the most extraordinary period of growth and development in a child’s life. In the early years children totally depend on adults, and now we know how important adults are and what difference can they make in children's’ lives.

    Structure and Content of the Benchmarks
    • Physical Well-Being, Health, and Motor Development

    The domain covers children’s physical health and ability to engage in daily activities.

    • Social and Emotional Development

    This domain addresses the emotional competence and ability to form positive relationships that give meaning to children’s experiences in the home, school, and larger community.

    • Approaches Toward Learning

    This domain refers to to a child’s disposition, rather than skill for learning.

    • Cognition and General Knowledge

    The domain includes children’s ability to understand and think about the physical and social worlds. The focus is mainly on the logic, mathematical knowledge, knowledge of social conventions and appreciation of arts and the world around them.

    • Language, Literacy and Communication

    This domain covers the understanding and use of language, emerging reading and writing skills and ability to communicate effectively.

    Parent communication on-the-go

    Wouldn’t it be great to know what your child’s day is really like, from the activities your child has engaged in, to what food they have eaten, when they slept and even how many times they went to the toilet. The Educore app sends out daily reports to parents containing around six photos a day of their child participating in the activities we have planned. The teachers do observations every two weeks and these are also shared on the app. Parents can send teachers messages and teachers can reply back.

    Observations and photos from Educore are used to put together a learning journal of the child's time at the nursery. Messages are sent out for upcoming events at the nursery or when something important has to be communicated to the parent. Parents are alerted by receiving notifications on their phones.

    Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1OrNZrrraY

    Our outdoor

    Select an Odyssey Nursery and take a look around:

    Stunning indoor and outdoor spaces

    Odyssey Nurseries offer to the little ones secure, loving and stimulating environment in cosy premises in prime locations, Odyssey is a place where happiness is organic.

    By incorporating Reggio Emilia approach, we try to use material we find outside in the nature and get creative! We reuse and upcycle and use our imagination and creativity while helping the environment!

    Stunning indoor and outdoor spaces

    Odyssey Nurseries offer to the little ones secure, loving and stimulating environment in cosy premises in prime locations, Odyssey is a place where happiness is organic.

    By incorporating Reggio Emilia approach, we try to use material we find outside in the nature and get creative! We reuse and upcycle and use our imagination and creativity while helping the environment!

    Stunning indoor and outdoor spaces

    Odyssey Nurseries offer to the little ones secure, loving and stimulating environment in cosy premises in prime locations, Odyssey is a place where happiness is organic.

    By incorporating Reggio Emilia approach, we try to use material we find outside in the nature and get creative! We reuse and upcycle and use our imagination and creativity while helping the environment!

    Stunning indoor and outdoor spaces

    Odyssey Nurseries offer to the little ones secure, loving and stimulating environment in cosy premises in prime locations, Odyssey is a place where happiness is organic.

    By incorporating Reggio Emilia approach, we try to use material we find outside in the nature and get creative! We reuse and upcycle and use our imagination and creativity while helping the environment!

    Stunning indoor and outdoor spaces

    Odyssey Nurseries offer to the little ones secure, loving and stimulating environment in cosy premises in prime locations, Odyssey is a place where happiness is organic.

    By incorporating Reggio Emilia approach, we try to use material we find outside in the nature and get creative! We reuse and upcycle and use our imagination and creativity while helping the environment!

    Nurse and on-site clinic

    The Nurse will visit each room daily and will be available to discuss and review any issues pertaining to sick or unwell children and any accidents/injuries sustained in the last 24 hours. In addition, the nurse plays an integral role in partnership with the practitioners to ensure your child comes to nursery in good health and during the day and at pick up remains healthy and safe.

    The primary role of the Nursery Nurse and clinic:
    • + To provide emergency or first aid care to sick or injured children by the Nurse.
    • + Administer nursing care appropriate to the identified needs of the children.
    • + To assist the doctor in conducting medical examinations for all children.
    • + Inform parents of any illness outbreaks at the Nursery,
    • + Implement health and safety policies throughout the Nursery.
    • + Maintain medical information for all children.
    • + Maintain and submit required records and reports as required by the Ministry of Health.
    Check the availability for your child

      Happy Parent Quote

      “To all Odyssey Nursery Burj staff, A big thank you for making Chloe’s experience at the nursery such a positive And enriching one, and for all the love, care, and affection you are giving her; especially through these difficult times of the pandemic… Our neighbour (Larissa’s mom) has moved her daughter to Odyssey after seeing how Chloe has developed so well and how happy she is at the nursery.
      Chloe has loved the time spent there so much and we couldn’t have asked for more.”

      Thank you from Chloe, Diala , and Patrick

      Our Exclusive Locations
      Take a look at the many great things your child will experience at Odyssey Nursery.
      Odyssey Umm Suqeim 2

      Villa #26, Al Riga'a, Umm Suqeim 2

      Telephone: 04 3488805
      Mobile: 056 520 3448

      Email Branch
      The Area

      It’s a great location for a family-based lifestyle and for those who want numerous amenities within a block area – it has lots of cafes, shops, restaurants and entertainment options.

      Residents are also able to choose from villas and townhouses that are close to Dubai’s hotspots and just a few minutes from the beach...Umm Suqeim 2 proves to be a good location for long-term expats and Emirati nationals.

      Highlights
      • + Family-based area
      • + Lots of local cafes, shops and restaurants
      • + Only 15 mins to Dubai International Airport
      Parking

      Parking available.

      Call 800-ODYCHILD
      Odyssey Burj

      10A Street, Umm Al Sheif,

      Telephone: 04 3384243
      Mobile: 056 520 3449

      Email Branch
      The Area

      Life in Umm Al Sheif is ideal for Emiratis and mid to high-income expatriates who prefer to raise a family in a peaceful, suburban neighbourhood with easy access to an abundance of amenities including healthcare centres, schools, retail, dining, spas, salons, gyms, and more.

      Residents of this community live in medium to spacious villas or townhouses, some of which are older but are nonetheless well-structured and luxurious.

      Highlights
      • + Family-based area
      • + Lots of local cafes, shops and restaurants
      • + Only 20 mins away by car to most of Dubai's central business and academic hubs
      Parking

      Parking available.

      Call 800-ODYCHILD
      Odyssey Living Legends

      Wadi, Dubai, UAE

      Telephone: 04 326 6879
      Mobile: 056 422 6613

      Email Branch
      The Area

      Located between Jebel Ali Free Zone and Al Maktoum International Airport, Living Legends is a gated community offers a calm and secure environment for its residents. The community have groceries, parks, mosques and hospitals are nearby. Within the community you can also find schools like Dunecrest American School, GEMS, Kings' and more.

      Highlights
      • + Family-friendly area
      • + Local cafes, shops and restaurants
      Parking

      Parking available.

      Call 800-ODYCHILD
      Odyssey Khalifa City A

      Street 20, Sector 42, Plot 41

      Telephone: 02 6655994
      Mobile: 056 484 5510

      Email Branch
      The Area

      Khalifa City A is on the main highway to Dubai, about 25 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, and is close to Abu Dhabi International Airport and Yas Island. Etihad Airways has its head office in Khalifa City A. Khalifa City A, which already has around 600-700 houses, will be adjacent to the prestigious Al Raha Beach project. This project will include residential and commercial units, as well as many international hotels. It is popular among renters.

      Khalifa City was subdivided into three areas: Khalifa City A, Khalifa City B, and New Khalifa City. They have since been renamed to Khalifa City, Shakhbout City, and Zayed City respectively. All of these are currently being developed into what will become three major new districts of Abu Dhabi.

      Highlights
      • + Close to international airport
      • + Great connections
      • + Adjacent to the prestigious Al Raha Beach
      Parking

      Parking available.

      Call 800-ODYCHILD
      Odyssey Mushrif

      5 Al Hattal St, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi

      Telephone: 02 447 0188
      Mobile: 056 422 6614

      Email Branch
      The Area

      Al Mushrif is a central neighbourhood in the city of Abu Dhabi zone one. It’s located in an area between Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street "Airport Road" and Arabian gulf Street, which extends to Mussafah Bridge. It contains the Al Mushrif Palace and Umm Al Emarat Park, as well as Mushrif Mall. It also contains the Women's Handicrafts Centre, demonstrating practices such as saddu (carpet weaving) and talli (embroidering).

      Highlights
      • + Al Mushrif Palace
      • + Women's Handicrafts Centre
      • + Mushrif Mall
      Parking

      Parking available.

      Call 800-ODYCHILD
      Odyssey Jumeirah Beach Residences

      Plaza Level, Rimal 5, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, UAE, Dubai

      Email Branch
      The Area

      The Nursery is in Plaza level, Rimal 5, The Walk, and 5 minutes from Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Located within Jumeirah Beach Road (JBR), a leisure complex with al fresco dining and sandy stretches. Smart cafes and pop-up craft markets line the waterside promenade of Dubai Marina Walk, while Dubai Marina Mall is packed with international chain and luxury fashion brands. Upscale yachts cruise through the large man-made marina, where activities range from jet-skiing to skydiving.

      Highlights
      • + JBR Beach and walk
      • + Dubai Marina Mall
      • + Marina Promenade
      • + Marina Quays
      Parking

      Parking available.

      Call 800-ODYCHILD
      Odyssey Meydan

      Unit CC01.03, Nursery Unit, District One, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Dubai

      Email Branch
      The Area

      Located in a purpose-built premises in District One of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City in Dubai. Built in the old camel track area in Nad Al Sheba adjacent to Meydan Grandstand and 5 minutes from Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai. We are located in close proximity to Business Bay, Nad Al Sheba and Al Quoz.

      Highlights
      • + Family-friendly area
      • + Local cafes, shops and restaurants
      Parking

      Parking available.

      Call 800-ODYCHILD
      Odyssey Sheikh Zayed Road

      Villa 36, Street 61, Satwa, Behind Four Points Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE, Dubai

      Email Branch
      The Area

      Located in a large villa in the Satwa area. Close to the Sheikh Zayed Road, very accessible for working parents.

      Highlights
      • + Proximity to Downtown and DIFC areas
      • + Local cafes, shops and restaurants
      • + Schools
      Parking

      Parking available.

      Call 800-ODYCHILD
      Parents info

      At Odyssey Nursery, we focus on working with parents to understand more about their child’s development.

      We like parents to feel welcome into the nursery and we invite them to share their interests with the children.

      We like to work in partnership with parents to successfully settle their child into the nursery and continue this relationship throughout the child’s time at nursery.

      Parents are encouraged to share their child’s observations and to look at their child’s portfolio as parental involvement is beneficial to children’s learning and development of self-esteem.

      Odyssey week days

      Sunday to Thursday

      Odyssey session times

      Our session times are between 7:30am - 6:00pm

      At Odyssey Nursery, all tuition fees are payable when the child first attends the nursery and are in accordance with the fee structure established by Kids First Group under the guidance of MOE/ADEK’s established School Fee Framework.

      Sibling discounts - 5% & 10% savings

      Upon registering a sibling, you will be rewarded with a 5% discount off the term fee for the older sibling. Once there is only one of the siblings attending nursery, the discount will be retracted. In case of triplets, you will be rewarded 10% discount off the term fee.

      You will need to register online and then a representative from Odyssey will be in touch to help you complete your registration. This is when you will be able to select the days and times you wish to place your child into your chosen Odyssey Nursery.

      Selecting the days
      • Sunday
      • Monday
      • Tuesday
      • Wednesday
      • Thursday
      Selecting session times

      Our session times are:

      • 7:30am - 8:00am
      • 8:00am - 1:00pm
      • 8:00am - 2:00pm
      • 8:00am - 3:00pm
      • 8:00am - 4:00pm
      • 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • 8:00am - 6:00pm
      Documentation required

      The following documents are required to complete the registration process

      • + Registration Form
      • + Individual Prole & Care Plan Form
      • + Clinic Information Form
      • + Visual Media Consent Form
      • + Copy of Child’s Birth Certicate
      • + Copy of Child’s Immunization Records
      • + Copy of Child’s Medical Insurance Card
      • + Copy of Child’s Emirates ID, Passport with Valid Visa
      • + Copy of Father’s Passport with Valid Visa
      • + Copy of Mother’s Passport with Valid Visa
      • + Copy of Mother’s Emirates ID
      • + Copy of Father’s Emirates ID
      • + 4 Copies of Passport-sized Photographs
      • + Attached to the Appropriate Forms (child)
      • + Fees Information Policy

      At Odyssey Nursery, the safety and security of your children is our top priority

      + We offer a CARD ONLY entry system for parents as well as an intercom  visitor system.

      + CCTV cameras at the nursery are present within the building for internal  use only. These can be viewed at parent's requests.

      + Our qualified nurse conducts regular safety sweeps. She will identify any  dangers she may see in and out of the nursery building and check on  children's health.

      + The outside areas are all fenced to ensure that children cannot exit the  premises at all. We also have fences to separate the younger children from  the bigger children during play times, when chances of rough play could  happen.

      + If a parent is unable to collect their child and wishes to send a relative or  someone unknown to nursery staff, we must be given the secret password or have proof of rights to collect the child before they will be released.

      Purpose

      At Kids First Group Nursery we want children to feel safe, stimulated and happy in the setting and to feel secure and comfortable with staff. We also want parents/carers to have condence in both their child's wellbeing and their own role as active partners with the nursery.

      Policy statement

      We aim to make the setting a welcoming place where children settle quickly and easily because consideration has been given to the individual needs and circumstances of children and their families.

      Methods

      Children cannot play or learn successfully if they are anxious and unhappy. Our settling -in procedures aim to assist parents to help their child to feel comfortable in the nursery, to benefit from what it has to offer, to be happy to stay with their teacher and to be confident that their parents will return at the end of the session. We do not believe that leaving a child to cry will help them to settle any quicker; their distress will prevent them from learning and gaining the best from setting. It can also be disruptive and can contribute to triggering similar distress in other children who would otherwise be settled.

      At Kids First Group, we use the following methods to better integrate and induct the younger children into the setting:

      • Before a child starts attending the nursery, we use a variety of ways to provide his/her parents/carers with information via email and inviting you to visit the nursery and have a walk around the week before your child is due to start so the setting becomes familiar to them. *

      • We allocate a teacher to each child and his/her family. When your child starts to attend; the teacher welcomes, gets to know and looks after your child and his/her parents/carers and during the settling-in process. Please ask your teachers who is the allocated person for your child when you join.

      • When a child starts attending the setting, we explain the process of settling-in with his/her parents/carer and jointly decide on the best way to help the child to settle into the nursery. New children will be invited to attend the nursery for a maximum of 2-hour sessions for the first week of term. We also advise our returning children who have travelled to keep the first few days shorter as they are also settling back in.

      • We have an expectation that the parent, carer or close relative, will stay in the setting, but not in the classroom for long periods of times during these settling in periods. Children are encouraged to bring any special comforters, which may help them settle more easily, i.e. soft toy, dummy, muslin.

      • Depending on how freely the child moves around the room and if they have shown some acceptance of their teacher, the parent or carer may then, with the child’s knowledge, leave the room for a short period of time.

      • We encourage the parent/carer to leave their child after approximately 10 minutes if they feel their child is ready on the first day. In the event that your child may not be prepared to separate from you, we suggest you remain in the classroom for 20-30 minutes maximum and then remain in the nursery environment until the teacher shall mutually decide your child should leave with you and return the next day. If you have left your child and he/she becomes extremely unsettled, we will ask you to return to calm him/her down and make sure that your child leaves on a positive note.

      • We also may suggest you slowly increase your child’s time at the nursery, if he shows signs of anxiety. These periods of time can gradually increase as and when the child’s confidence grows until eventually the child stays in Nursery for a full day.

      • Parents/carers must be prepared to accept that it may take some time for their child to adjust to the nursery, but very few children fail to settle eventually. We find that parents staying with their child and then leaving him/her for short periods, eases the separation process. Please remember, the more your child comes and experiences the activities on offer and sees you interacting with the staff, the more settled he/she will feel.

      • Younger children typically take longer to settle, as will children who have not previously spent time away from home. Children who have had a period of absence may also need their parent/carer to be on hand to re-settle them.

      • We judge a child to be settled when they have formed a relationship with their teacher and settled in the environment. For example, the child looks for the teacher when he/she arrives, goes to them for comfort, and seems pleased to be with them. The child is also familiar with where things are and is pleased to see other children and participate in activities.

      When parents leave, we ask them to say goodbye to their child and explain that they will be coming back, and when. We advise parents not to leave their children on their own until at least their second visit.

      We reserve the right not to accept a child into the setting without a parent or carer if the child routinely and continually finds it distressing to be left. This is especially the case with very young children. Settling of such children will take time and the support and assistance parents and carers can give to the nursery staff will be instrumental in making the process as rapid and stress free for the child as possible.

      We do recognize every child is different and wherever possible we will work in partnership to ensure your child settles into the nursery.

      It is only when the child is happy and secure in the Nursery routine and also in the knowledge that their parent/carer will leave and return that their stay in Nursery can be lengthened.

      Enrol your child
      or book a tour

      Complete the form below and we will get back to you to organise a tour of your chosen Odyssey Nursery or to support the enrolment of your child.

        EnrolmentBook tour
        Don’t miss out, enrol today!