Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in the UAE

A learning support assistant (LSA) is a trained professional who works one-to-one with a child who has special educational needs inside a mainstream classroom. In the UAE the same role is also called a shadow teacher, and both terms describe the person who sits with your child during the school day to help them follow lessons, manage behaviour, and take part fully alongside their classmates.

Schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates regularly ask families to provide an LSA as a condition of admission or continued enrolment for a child with additional needs. ShadowTeacher UAE is where parents find verified, qualified LSAs and contact them directly.

What does a learning support assistant do?

An LSA's day is shaped by the child's individual education plan (IEP) and the class teacher's instructions. Typical responsibilities include:

Sitting with the child in class and re-explaining instructions in simpler steps
Adapting worksheets, reading material and activities to the child's level
Supporting communication, turn-taking and friendships with classmates
Helping the child regulate emotions and follow classroom routines
Recording progress against IEP targets and reporting to teachers and parents
Gradually stepping back so the child becomes more independent over time

LSA vs. shadow teacher vs. SEN teacher

"Learning support assistant" is the term most UAE schools, KHDA and ADEK use in policy documents and job titles, while "shadow teacher" is the everyday name parents use for the same one-to-one role. Some schools also say "individual assistant" or "inclusion assistant". A SEN teacher or inclusion teacher, by contrast, is a qualified specialist employed by the school who oversees provision for many students and does not shadow one child all day.

When does a school ask for an LSA?

UAE schools operate under inclusive-education policies, but many still require a family-funded LSA when a child needs consistent individual support to access the curriculum safely. This is common for children with:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Global developmental delay or intellectual disability
Speech, language and communication needs
Dyslexia, dyscalculia and other specific learning difficulties
Behavioural, emotional or sensory-processing challenges

What qualifications does an LSA need in the UAE?

There is no single licence for LSAs in the UAE, but schools typically look for a degree or diploma in education, psychology, special education or early childhood, plus hands-on experience with children with additional needs. Many Dubai schools prefer candidates who have completed a KHDA-approved LSA training course. On ShadowTeacher UAE every LSA submits education certificates, a CV, Emirates ID and police clearance, and an administrator reviews each profile before it becomes visible to parents.

How much does a learning support assistant cost in the UAE?

LSA fees in the UAE depend on qualifications, experience, the number of school hours required, and the emirate. Because the family and the LSA agree terms directly, ShadowTeacher UAE does not add a placement or agency fee: browsing profiles and messaging teachers is free for parents, and you discuss rates and availability with each candidate before committing.

How to hire a verified LSA in the UAE

Browse verified learning support assistants on ShadowTeacher UAE, filter by emirate, language, gender and specialty, review each candidate's credentials, and message them directly to arrange a school visit or interview. Every profile has been checked by an administrator before it goes live.

Browse verified LSAs

Dubai Abu Dhabi Sharjah Al Ain

Learning support assistant FAQs

What is an LSA in school?

An LSA (learning support assistant) is a trained adult who gives one-to-one, in-class support to a child with special educational needs, helping them follow lessons, manage behaviour and take part with their peers.

Is a learning support assistant the same as a shadow teacher?

Yes. In the UAE "learning support assistant" and "shadow teacher" describe the same one-to-one classroom support role. Schools and regulators tend to say LSA; parents more often say shadow teacher.

Do schools in Dubai provide an LSA for free?

Some schools employ their own LSAs, but many Dubai and Abu Dhabi schools ask the family to fund a dedicated LSA when a child needs full-time individual support. Check your school's inclusion policy and admission conditions.

How much does an LSA cost in Dubai?

Rates vary with the LSA's qualifications, experience and hours. Families agree fees directly with the LSA; ShadowTeacher UAE charges parents nothing to browse profiles or contact candidates.

What qualifications should an LSA have in the UAE?

Look for a relevant degree or diploma (education, psychology, special education), experience with children with additional needs, and, in Dubai, ideally a KHDA-approved LSA training course. Always verify identity and police clearance.

How do I find a learning support assistant near me in the UAE?

Browse verified LSAs on ShadowTeacher UAE, filter by emirate and specialty, and message candidates directly. We list LSAs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain.