American School of Bahrain

ASB provides social-emotional support through dedicated School Counselors for Early Childhood/Elementary and for Middle/High, as well as a University Counselor. The school emphasizes pastoral care and wellbeing as central to student life, with staff attuned to students' wellbeing. Social and emotional development is a core focus within ASB's holistic approach to education. Wellbeing is embedded in student life through the Extra-Curricular Activities program, which includes a Wellbeing category (e.g., Yoga Club). The school's messaging and culture highlight happiness and wellbeing as foundational to learning and belonging.

ASB provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) services, with Kathryn Adams (Curriculum Coordinator and English Teacher) and a team of Learning Support staff (e.g., Natasha McGlade, Jennifer Morrissey, Eimear Peoples, Hiruni De Silva). Leadership for Learning Services includes Caryn Pelletier as Head of Learning Services (Early Childhood and Elementary) and Natasha McGlade as Head of Learning Support (Middle and High School). Hiruni De Silva is presented as Learning Support and EAL teacher. Natasha McGlade holds a Post-Graduate Certification as an Inclusion Specialist, indicating inclusion-focused expertise within the Learning Services team. The school runs Muzdawaj, a dual-language program expanding to KG1 and KG2, to support bilingual language development (Arabic-English).

ASB provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support through dedicated staff, including Hiruni De Silva as Learning Support and EAL teacher. Kathryn Adams serves as Curriculum Coordinator and English Teacher, contributing to English language learning and literacy development. The Learning Services leadership includes a Head of Learning Services and a Head of Learning Support to coordinate EAL and related language needs. Hiruni De Silva explicitly holds an EAL teaching role at ASB. Muzdawaj is a dual-language program (Arabic-English) that enhances language development for bilingual learners.

Wellbeing is a central facet of ASB's approach, with pastoral care and a focus on students' happiness and confidence. School Counselors support mental wellbeing across campuses; Early Childhood/Elementary and Middle/High counselors exist, plus a University Counselor. Wellbeing is integrated into ASB's activities program, including a dedicated Wellbeing category in Extra-Curricular Activities (e.g., Yoga Club). Wellness is a core pillar of the campus design, with facilities and programs to promote physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. The school communicates a culture of happiness and wellbeing as a foundational aspect of its learning environment.

ASB adopted a Child Safeguarding Policy in August 2022, defining child abuse and neglect and outlining preventative measures and the school's response to suspected cases. The policy outlines four components: a Preventative Program, a Child Safeguarding Management Team, a Core Response Team, and a Multi-Disciplinary Team. All staff are required to report suspected incidents of abuse or neglect, with processes for investigation and contact with local authorities as needed. The policy includes age-appropriate safeguarding curricula for students from K to Grade 12, plus annual staff training and parent information sessions. The policy aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Bahrain's laws (e.g., Decree No. 4 of 2021; Child Law No. 37 of 2012), with ongoing commitments to training and safeguarding practice.