Applied Behavior Analysis Center (ABA) in Mainstream Schools

Welcome to Small Steps Center

Established in 2016, Small Steps Center partners with schools across Dubai to provide individualized inclusion programs that combine 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy with behavior therapist-supported inclusion in mainstream classrooms. Each program is built on evidence-based practice and close collaboration with teachers, school inclusion teams, and allied professionals to promote meaningful learning and participation.

Our intervention plans begin with comprehensive assessments using standardized, norm-referenced, and criterion-referenced tools, ensuring that every goal targets socially significant and developmentally appropriate outcomes. Goals are individualized, data-driven, and continuously monitored to promote measurable progress and functional skill development. Through termly progress updates, annual assessments, and ongoing data analysis using advanced ABA software, we ensure each learner’s growth is continuously supported, documented, and celebrated.

Our multi-national, multi-lingual team is supervised by Certified Behavior Analysts (BACB, IBAO, and QABA), ensuring adherence to the highest international standards of ABA practice. As a KHDA-approved training provider, Small Steps also offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and certification training for prospective ABA professionals.

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Since 2016
Helping children with learning difficulties thrive through ABA Therapy in Dubai.
@gems_education
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Why Small Steps

Integrity

Small Steps adheres to the professional and ethical compliance code for behaviour analysts. We seek to always operate in a truthful and transparent manner that serves the best interests of the families we serve.

Quality focus

Small Steps is built on a commitment to excellence. We hold ourselves to the highest professional standards of evaluation, improvement, and innovation.

Social Impact

Social Impact: Small Steps recognises the unconditional value of all persons and we aim to make our society more acceptable and least challenging for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We believe that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and sensitivity.

Collaboration

Smalls Steps maintains a culture of collaboration (both internally and externally). Our strength as a community grows when we work together, support one another’s development, and accommodate our individual goals and aspirations in a collective setting.

Family Centric

We believe in building programmes that enhance the quality of life of our students and their families, whom we always put first.

Secure Environment

Secure environment is the key ingredient to maximum learning. Children become more confident and meets their potential.

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GESS Education Awards 2020 Finalists – Best Initiative for Inclusivity & Wellbeing

Winner of GESS Education Awards
“Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity”

Small Steps is an approved
QABA coursework provider.

Our Reviews

Our Parents Says About Us:

Fantastic institution. Our son made a great progress there! Highly recommended

Mr T Schweizer
I am very blessed to have found the Small Steps Learning Difficulties Centre and Team.The programs offered are extremely well structured and comprehensive the immediately saw improvement in our son’s behaviour within the first few days of therapy.

Mr H Laz
I want to thank the team at Small Steps and GEMS Founders School for providing an amazing environment for our child.He learnt and flourished here more in a year than he did ever before. The positive changes in his behaviour and personality are so immense that teachers from earlier years feel he is a different child.

Adnan Khan
The process of enrollment and the support we had from Small Steps management was outstanding which made our move and Luqman’s transition from the UK to Dubai very smooth.Luqman loves Small Steps and GFS and enjoys every single day at school.

Khalid Hanish
Our son loves going to Small Steps—he has grown so much here. The staff is amazing and incredibly kind. They truly care about every child and understand each one’s unique challenges. They take the time to assess each child’s strengths and areas for growth, creating lessons that are both engaging and empowering. If you’re looking for a place that truly understands and supports children with learning difficulties, Small Steps is the perfect choice.

D.B. – GEMS Founders School Al Barsha
Highly recommended for all those parents who require support for their children who require assistance in activities in not only on day-to-day life but also academics. Wonderful trained staff and brilliant support provided. Learning made fun!

Z.Z. – GEMS Founders School – Dubai South
Small steps, big dreams really work well with my child. All the therapist and specialist collaborated well to meet the requirements of my child. Our child has shown a good progress in last 6 months. Thank you for all the support and encouragement.

N.S. – GEMS Founders School Al Barsha
I am a grateful parent to this amazing partnership that create hope and make a difference in our children’s learning journey and family daily life. I am proud of the choice I make for support my special child and not only, and I will choose it again if I have to go back. Wishing all the best and many years of team work from now on!

A.M – GEMS Founders School – Dubai South

Partnership

Principal message

“At GEMS Founders School we truly believe in inclusive education and feel it is our moral imperative to support all children. With this in mind we have engaged with Small Steps Learning Difficulties Centre so that we have the ability to support children who would find it too challenging to be fully integrated into a Mainstream school, at least initially. I was touched by the story of how Small Steps came to life and convinced that every member of their highly trained team shared the same belief as us which is that all children have the right to enjoy being in school.

Small Steps are fully integrated into our school and all of the children are enrolled at GEMS Founders School. Most importantly the Small Steps team and the school team will work hand in hand to share best practice and ensure that the children have the best experience of school possible. We are thrilled that Small Steps will be an integral part of GEMS Founders School from September 2017 onwards.”

Matthew Burfield

Principal, GEMS Founders School – Al Barsha
“GEMS Founders school Al Mizhar is committed to the inclusion of all students including those with special educational needs or disabilities. Our vision embraces a culture of life-long learning in which all members of our community matter and where both endeavour and achievement are celebrated.

I am proud to be working with the Small Steps centre from September 2020. Our partnerships will be forged through an intense commitment to provide the best possible instruction for learners to reach their full potential.

Our collaboration with our Small Steps team we will ensure everyone at GFM can learn, regardless of diagnosis or needs. We know everyone has something to work on, whether sharing or shyness, patience or paying attention. Learning to accept and enjoy friends with differences prepares young learners to succeed at GFM and in our society. ”

Mr. Akram Tarik

Principal, GEMS Founders School – Al Mizhar
“At GEMS Founders School – Dubai South, we fully embrace inclusive practices and believe that every student has unique strengths, talents, and potential. Our partnership with Small Steps is a testament to our shared commitment to nurturing and empowering each child to thrive in an environment that values diversity, equity, and belonging.

We are excited to work closely with your dedicated team to create an atmosphere where students from both our communities can learn from one another, grow together, and celebrate the diversity that enriches us all. Together, we will build a foundation of understanding, respect, and mutual support that will help every child reach new heights.

We look forward to the wonderful experiences and achievements that lie ahead. Thank you for trusting us with this partnership, and I am confident that, together, we will make a positive impact on the lives of our students.”

Ian Plant

Principal/CEO GEMS Founders School – Dubai South
“At GNS, we are deeply committed to nurturing the unique potential of every child and empowering them to become responsible, compassionate global citizens.
At the heart of our mission is the delivery of a world-class British education that respects and reflects the rich cultural values and traditions of the UAE. Our school ethos HAWIATEE—Hard work, Agility, Wellbeing, Innovation, Ambition, Trust, Empathy, and Excellence—serves as the guiding framework for all that we do. These core values are woven into every aspect of our curriculum and school life, laying a strong foundation for our students’ growth and success.
We are proud to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their personal best. In line with this vision, we have partnered with Small Steps Learning Difficulties Centre to extend our ability to support children who may initially find full integration into a mainstream school environment challenging. Through this collaboration, students benefit from the expertise of a highly trained team that shares our mission and values, helping them transition at a pace that suits their individual needs.
GNS and Small Steps work closely together, sharing best practices and striving for the best possible outcomes for each student. Our shared goal is to ensure every child reaches their full potential in a nurturing and empowering environment.
It is a privilege to play a role in shaping the future of our students, and I am excited about the exceptional educational experiences we are creating together. United in purpose, we are building a brighter future for our learners and our community.”

Michelle Thomas

Principal/CEO – GEMS Al Barsha National School

Our Presence – Small Steps Across Partner Schools

Gems Founders School Al Barsha

Gems Founders School Al Mizhar

GEMS Founders School Dubai South

GEMS Al Barsha National School

Wesgreen International School

Cedar School Al Warqa