​In the framework of its ongoing efforts to bring an educational experience par excellence to the Qatari community and enrich the labor market with efficient national competencies, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) celebrated the graduation of the 7th and 8th Cohorts of its “Early Childhood Assistant Teacher” certificate program, under the patronage, and in the presence, of the Minister of Education and Higher Education His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al-Hammadi.

The ceremony was attended by CCQ’s Board of Trustees, the College President Dr. Mohamed Al-Naemi, and the Dean Dr. Abdallah Hazaimeh, along with a number of faculty members, guests and dignitaries.

On the occasion, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al-Hammadi congratulated the graduates, praising the role of CCQ in introducing advanced academic programs, in line with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s strategy, which is aimed at qualifying national competencies in the field of education, providing a suitable learning environment, and developing advanced curricula that meet the requirements of the 21st century, in the framework of the Ministry’s pursuit to achieve the highest levels of excellence in the field of early childhood education.

H.E. also highlighted the importance of the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher program, as it addresses the child's needs in many aspects, which contributes to enhancing the capacity of assistant teachers to communicate with children and perform their duties to the fullest. Moreover, H.E. pointed out that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, in cooperation with CCQ, has successfully developed the certificate program by launching the two-year Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program.

On his part, Dr. Al-Naemi expressed his appreciation to H.E. Dr. Mohammed Abdul Wahed Al-Hammadi for his generous patronage of the ceremony, and thanked the attendees for sharing the joy of celebrating the graduating students’ achievement, noting:
“Since inception, the Community College of Qatar has been keen to provide education and training opportunities across diverse fields and disciplines in line with the labor market needs, all while maintaining the highest standards of academic excellence. To this end, the College has forged close partnerships with national institutions, at the forefront of which comes the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, culminating in the development of the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher certificate program in November 2014. Since then, the program has achieved great success, with the total number of graduates reaching over 300 to date.”

He added: “On this occasion, it is my pleasure and honor to extend my warmest congratulations to our graduates, whom I encourage to take advantage of all opportunities for professional development and to contribute effectively to the progress of our nation.”
Elaborating on the role of the program in enhancing the capacities of Early Childhood Assistant Teachers, Early Childhood Program Coordinator and Instructor Dr. Merfat Fayez said:
“The physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of children has a direct effect on the kind of adults and community members they grow up to become. Hence, early experiences are considered the first steps in the learning journey of the individual and hold the key to subsequent school and professional success. This dovetails with CCQ’s holistic student-centered approach to education and acts as the seed for the Early Childhood Education programs at the College, which are all designed to provide students with critical knowledge and skills in the field, and qualify them for employment in kindergartens and early learning settings where they can offer young learners the support they need during their growth and development.”

During the event, the College also honored 16 schools and kindergartens in recognition of their outstanding collaboration in the practical training part of the “Early Childhood Assistant Teacher” program, and the resulting impact of this hands-on approach to teaching on achieving the objectives of the program and raising the efficiency of assistant teachers across the country.
It is worth mentioning that in addition to its “Early Childhood Assistant Teacher” certificate program, CCQ recently started offering its students the Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education degree program. The program’s curriculum discusses theories related to principles of child development, and equips educators with the technological means and methods to stimulate children's learning, manage classroom behavior, and utilize healthy, safe and age-appropriate educational practices that support their growth and development.