SAIA4ECCD – South Asian International Association for Early Childhood Care and Development

Welcome to the South Asian International Association for Early Childhood Care and Development

International platform for all ECCD educators in South Asian countries to work together to improve quality of ECCD

About SAIA4ECCD
The South Asian International Association for Early Childhood Care and Development (SAIA4ECCD) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to advancing the quality of early childhood care and education (ECCE) across South Asia.
Our Mission
SAIA4ECCD is committed to enhancing the standard of early childhood education by:

Building the capacity of ECCE professionals and practitioners
Facilitating knowledge sharing and professional exchange in ECCE
Supporting curriculum development aligned with global standards
Promoting modern pedagogical approaches
Enhancing assessment and evaluation systems
Strengthening leadership and management in ECCE settings
Encouraging research and innovation in early childhood education
Addressing the needs of children requiring special education
Raising parental awareness and providing counseling support

Our Commitment to SDG 4.2

SAIA4ECCD prioritizes the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4.2, which aims to ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education, enabling them to be ready for primary education.
Regional Impact
The association currently operates across India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, working collaboratively with national and regional partners to implement impactful ECCE initiatives.
Our Role
SAIA4ECCD serves as a regional and international platform for educators, researchers, policymakers, and all stakeholders in early childhood education. Through collaborative networks and ongoing exchange of best practices, we strive to elevate the quality of ECCE and ensure equitable and inclusive access for all children in the South Asian region.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON QUALITY EDUCATION 2027

We are pleased to extend a formal invitation to you to participate in the International Conference on Quality Education 2027 and the Edu-Entertainment Sightseeing Tour (Ramayana Locations Tour), scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka from January 17–21, 2027. The tour will cover Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Bandarawela, and other selected destinations across the country.

The conference is organized by the International Association for Quality Education (IAFQE), Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Centre for Educational Development Foundation, India, and the International Academy for Educational Leadership and Research Foundation, Bangladesh, with the support of government organizations, universities, schools, and educational organizations across South Asia.

This prestigious international conference will bring together a distinguished group of educators from across South Asia, including keynote speakers, research presenters, panelists, resource persons, and active participants. Ministers and other esteemed VIPs from various South Asian countries are also expected to attend as special guests.

The conference will cover a wide range of important topics, including STREAM Education, curriculum development, innovative teaching methodologies, assessment and evaluation systems, capacity building, educational leadership, quality standards, research and innovation, technological transformation in education, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The primary objective of the conference is to enhance the quality of education and nurture well-rounded global citizens equipped with 21st-century skills and a strong sense of spiritual well-being. Participants will have valuable opportunities to share their expertise, present research findings, exchange innovative ideas, and showcase best practices through the main conference and pre-conference sessions.

Conference Details: https://iafqe.org/conference/

Apply Online: https://iafqe.org/application/

International Awards and Recognition
Educators will have the opportunity to receive international recognition for their excellence in education, subject expertise, research, leadership, and outstanding contributions to the field of education. Awards and recognition will be presented in the presence of distinguished guests and the Chief Guest.
Since 2022, IAFQE has continuously organized international conferences in Sri Lanka, with awards presented to delegates by distinguished dignitaries, including Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ministers of Education, and Governors of Sri Lanka.
This conference offers an excellent opportunity for educators to gain international recognition and receive awards in appreciation of their achievements, professional excellence, and valuable contributions to the field of education.
Educational Visits and Networking Opportunities
In addition to the conference sessions, educational visits to universities and schools will be arranged. Participants will also have valuable networking opportunities with senior political leaders, government officials, educational leaders, universities, schools, and educational organizations in Sri Lanka.
These activities will encourage international collaboration, professional development, knowledge sharing, and the establishment of lasting partnerships among educators and educational institutions across South Asia.
Edu-Entertainment Sightseeing Tour (Ramayana Locations Tour)
Following the conference, an Edu-Entertainment Sightseeing Tour (Ramayana Locations Tour) will be organized, covering selected destinations in Sri Lanka, including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Galle, and other places of cultural and historical significance.
Participants will have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and historical landmarks of Sri Lanka, including significant locations traditionally associated with the Ramayana.
This tour will combine educational experiences, cultural exploration, sightseeing, and professional networking, offering participants a memorable opportunity to discover Sri Lanka while building international relationships.

International Project for Capacity Development of ECCD Teachers

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The South Asian International Association for Early Childhood Care and Development (SAIA4ECCD) has implemented the “International Project for Capacity Development of ECCD Teachers” alongside its international conference series on quality early childhood education.
The main objective of the project is to strengthen the capacity of ECCD teachers across South Asian countries, with the support of educators from the global community.
Project Overview
The project includes a comprehensive online lecture series for ECCD teachers in South Asian countries, covering key topics such as:
ECCD teachers can participate in the following lecture series:

STEAM Education in Early Childhood Education
Modern Approaches in Early Childhood Education
Best Practices of STEAM in Early Childhood Education
Communication Skills Development in English

At the end of the lecture series, participants will be recognized as modern ECCD teachers, equipped with updated pedagogical approaches and the latest knowledge in early childhood teaching methodologies.
Outstanding participants will also have the opportunity to become master teachers and master trainers in STEAM education.
Professional Development Programs
Participants can complete the following certification levels:

Those who wish to obtain an international certificate may register for the final examination. Upon successful completion of all required assignments and the exam, participants will be eligible to receive an internationally recognized certificate at the International Awards Ceremony.

International Research Competition for Quality Education

1. Introduction

In the rapidly evolving educational landscape, traditional teaching methods often fall short of preparing students for the complexities of the 21st century. The integration of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) provides a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that fosters creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.

This proposal outlines a research competition aimed at school teachers to inspire, empower, and support them in conducting research on modern pedagogical approaches that enable effective implementation of STREAM-based teaching methods in their classrooms.

2. Objectives

To promote a culture of academic research and innovation among school teachers.
To explore and evaluate modern pedagogical strategies aligned with STREAM education.
To encourage classroom-based research for real-world, actionable insights.
To support the development of teaching models that foster interdisciplinary learning.
To recognize and reward outstanding research contributions in education.

3. Target Audience

Primary and secondary school teachers from public and private institutions.
Preprimary Teachers
Educational coordinators and curriculum developers.
Teacher Educators, Principals, Faculty Members and researchers in teacher education
Undergraduates, Student Teachers

4. Scope of Research

Research papers submitted by participants may focus on, but are not limited to, the following areas:

1. STREAM in classroom for holistic development of students
2. Integrating technology and digital tools in classroom instruction
3. Cross-curricular lesson planning and implementation
4. TPACK for productive classrooms
5. Differentiated instruction for diverse learners in STREAM education
6. Classroom-based action research on STREAM engagement outcomes
7. Assessment methods suitable for STREAM-based activities
8. How can these teaching methods be applied in your subject to teach students in Grade …? (Select one teaching method and apply it to any subject in any grade.)

Experiential Learning (EL Method)
Project-Based Learning (PJL Method)
Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL Method)
Problem-Based Learning (PBL Method)
Collaborative Learning (CL Method)
Blended Learning (BL Method)
Flipped Classroom (FC Method)
Design Thinking (DT Method)
Real-World Application (RWA Method)
Gamification Learning (GL Method)

Transform your ECCD center into an internationally accredited institution that meets global quality standards.

SAIA4ECCD is dedicated to advancing early childhood care and development across South Asia by empowering educators and elevating the quality of ECCD centers and daycare centers. Our flagship Accreditation Program enables centers to:

Meet and exceed national regulatory requirements
Adopt internationally recognized best practices
Align operations with global quality standards
More Details: www.saia4eccd.org/eccdcenters
Apply for Accreditation: www.iafqe.org/accapplication/

International Platform for Educators to Showcase Their Excellence to the Global Society

The South Asian International Association for Early Childhood Care and Development (SAIA4ECCD) is a non-profit international organization dedicated to advancing the quality of education, specifically in South Asian countries. Over the past few years, numerous capacity development programs have been implemented across South Asia with the support of Indian educators and their counterparts in neighboring countries.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Sri Lanka and the provincial ministries of education, more than 4,000 teachers have received free training via an online platform focused on STEAM education and modern teaching methodologies.

As another major initiative, the International Conference Series on Quality Education is being organized by the IAFQE with the support of universities, institutes, and schools. This conference series aims to provide an international platform for educators across the globe. It offers a dynamic space for educators, researchers, and institutions to exchange best practices, share expertise, and present research findings. It also supports young teachers and learners by offering opportunities for professional growth and competency development on an international stage.

The “International Project for Capacity Development in Education : SDG 4: Quality Education” will be implemented starting in June 2025. This initiative provides educators with a unique opportunity to showcase their excellence and receive recognition and awards for their contributions.

Participants are invited to join an international virtual platform held in parallel with the International Conference Series on Quality Education. This platform is designed to empower educators, researchers, and institutions to share best practices, showcase expertise, and present research findings—fostering collaboration and earning international recognition for their contributions to quality education.

International Awarding Ceremony for Quality Education – 2027

In the evolving global education landscape, quality education remains a cornerstone for sustainable, inclusive, and progressive societies. Recognizing excellence in educational practices fosters innovation, encourages global collaboration, and sets new standards for educational success.

The International Awarding Ceremony for Quality Education – 2026 is a flagship initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating exceptional contributions by educators, institutions, and education leaders who are advancing the quality of education through STEAM integration, research-driven practices, and child-centered teaching methodologies.

Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, this initiative also serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement and professional development across the educational sector.

Project Objectives:

To recognize and honor schools and early childhood education centers implementing STEAM education and modern teaching methodologies.
To promote research-focused, inclusive, and innovative educational practices.
To provide a global platform for sharing best practices and success stories.
To motivate educators and institutions to continuously improve educational quality.
To strengthen regional and international networks for education development.

Speech of the Hon. (Dr.) Susil Premjayantha, Minister of Education, Sri Lanka.

Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena

Speech of the Hon. (Dr.) Susil Premjayantha, Minister of Education, Sri Lanka.

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