Great Minds: When Early Years Education Supports the Whole Child (and the Whole Family)

Choosing a nursery is about so much more than ABCs and playtime. For many parents, especially those navigating big emotions, separation anxiety, or concerns around screen time, the right early years setting can feel like a lifeline. That’s where Great Minds Early Childhood Center & Nursery in Al Wasl quietly stands out.

Founded in 2014 by Areti Panagiotou, an experienced early years educator with a background in speech and language therapy, Great Minds was created with a clear mission: to support children and parents in a truly holistic way. While the nursery follows a Montessori framework, nurturing independence, confidence, curiosity and a genuine love of learning, what really sets it apart is its in-house speech therapist, a rare and invaluable offering in Dubai’s early education landscape.

This specialist support goes far beyond speech alone. Families can access tailored, individual sessions designed to help with separation anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioural challenges and even navigating healthy digital habits in a screen-heavy world. These sessions sit gently between counselling and therapy, ensuring children and parents receive the right level of support without overwhelm. It’s a thoughtful, compassionate approach that recognises early childhood as a critical emotional foundation, not just an academic one.

Within the classroom, the Montessori philosophy comes to life in a calm, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore at their own pace, build self-esteem, and develop independence in a way that feels natural and empowering. Combined with the emotional and developmental support offered behind the scenes, the result is a setting where children feel safe, seen, and supported - and parents feel reassured and guided.

Located in Al Wasl area, Great Minds welcomes families from City Walk, Downtown, Business Bay, Jumeirah, Marina, Springs, and surrounding areas.

For parents seeking more than a traditional nursery, one that truly understands the emotional world of young children and the realities of modern parenting, Great Minds is well worth a visit.

To learn more or book a tour, visit greatminds.ae and discover an early years experience that puts wellbeing, learning, and family support at the heart of everything it does.