Footsteps Academy officially launched the Cambridge Professional Development Qualification (PDQ) in Early Years, becoming the first accredited center in Sri Lanka to offer this globally recognized certification. The launch was held at the Liberty Ballroom of Ramada by Wyndham Colombo, and the event drew a distinguished audience of educators, academic leaders, and institutional representatives.

Ms. Fazra Irfan, Head of Operations of Footsteps Pre-school and Program Leader for PDQ Early Years, delivered the welcome address, followed by a keynote speech from Dr. Akash Raut, Head Academic Adviser for Cambridge International Education. A thought-provoking panel discussion featured on elevating early childhood education in Sri Lanka, with Dr. Akash Raut (Academic Adviser for Cambridge Education South Asia), Ms. Zahara Ansary (Country Manager, Cambridge Education – Sri Lanka and Maldives), Ms. Emma Cook (Head of Junior School, British School in Colombo), and Mr. Avanka Fernando (Principal, Wesley College). The event concluded with a Q&A session, tokens of appreciation, and an invitation to network over refreshments.

Ms. Fazra Irfan – Program Leader for Cambridge PDQ and Ms. Razana Muzni, – Principal of Footsteps Preschool, in an interview with us offered a closer look at the vision, structure, and impact of the program on Sri Lanka’s early childhood education landscape.

1. What is Cambridge Professional Development Qualification for Early Years?

This qualification is offered by the University of Cambridge in the UK. We are proud to be the first professional development center in Sri Lanka to provide this program. While Cambridge University offers a range of PDQ qualifications, at present, only the ‘Early Years’ qualification is available in Sri Lanka. In the future, we aim to expand our offerings by introducing additional qualifications.

2. Why did you pick the Cambridge Professional Development Qualification Early Years?

With over 20 years of experience in Early Years education across Sri Lanka and the UAE, we recognized upon returning to Sri Lanka the growing importance of proper licensing and accreditation for smooth operations. As the pioneers in establishing Sri Lanka’s first Cambridge Early Years preschool, we successfully completed six years with Footsteps Preschool. This journey highlighted the need for formal qualifications in the field.

Through recruiting teachers, we realized the importance of structured training and guided experience in teaching. This led us to introduce teacher qualifications not only to elevate teaching standards but also to give back to the community by equipping educators with the right skills and knowledge. Our goal is to ensure teachers are on the right track while maintaining high-quality early childhood education.

3. What kind of value does this qualification add to someone’s career?

We have launched a four-month certificate program designed to equip educators with a recognized qualification for teaching in any Early Years setting. This certification not only enhances your credibility but also opens doors to teaching opportunities across the globe.

The program serves as a stepping stone. Successful completion leads to the Diploma level and eventually paves the way for a Degree in Early Years education. Additionally, this training is internationally recognized, with South Asian regional representatives also participating, ensuring a global perspective and high standards in early childhood education.

4. Can you tell us about the Footsteps Academy?

We take immense pride in being the first and only Cambridge PDQ (Professional Development Qualification) Centre in Sri Lanka to offer the prestigious Certificate in Cambridge Early Years Good Practice. This Certificate is designed to equip teachers and early childhood practitioners with cutting-edge knowledge and modern teaching strategies. With an experienced team of mentors and trainers, our PDQ Centre offers a unique opportunity for educators and leaders to refine their expertise, engage in professional growth, and be part of a transformative journey in early childhood education. Together, we are driving excellence in early years education across Sri Lanka.

5. How does PDQ Early Years impact the quality of teaching and learning?

Our approach is entirely play-based, moving away from traditional books and paper-based learning. Instead, it focuses deeply on each child’s development guiding teachers on how to engage young minds, spark curiosity, and help children connect with real-life experiences. Every child is unique, with individual strengths and learning paces, and this qualification equips educators with the tools to assess and nurture development effectively.

Milestones vary for each child, and through this program, teachers learn to work with diverse developmental stages. Subjects are often integrated in creative ways for instance, teaching math through hands-on activities rather than textbooks. The PDQ Early Years qualification broadens perspectives, encouraging educators to explore innovative methods and move beyond conventional teaching styles.

What sets this program apart is its emphasis on practical skills, hands-on experience, and collaborative learning including paired tasks to understand different teaching approaches. Unlike traditional training, mentors observe teachers in real classroom settings, offering personalized feedback and holistic guidance. This dynamic, interactive approach makes the qualification truly unique, empowering teachers with adaptable, child-centered strategies that go beyond standard methodologies.

6. What is the course structure like?

This is a four-month program, with one month dedicated to assignments. To further enhance practical learning, we also offer an optional six-month internship. While not part of the official Cambridge certification, this internship provides invaluable hands-on classroom experience, allowing participants, specially those new to teaching to apply their learning in real-world settings. All assignments are assessed directly by Cambridge examiners, ensuring an objective evaluation. Since the final grade is based entirely on the candidate’s submitted work, success depends on their dedication and effort throughout the course.

7. What are the eligibility criteria to join PDQ Early Years Certificate course?

This program is open to school leavers who have completed either Advanced Level (A/L) or Ordinary Level (O/L) qualifications, with a minimum ‘C’ pass in English. Above all, we seek candidates with a genuine passion for teaching and the drive to make a meaningful difference ineducation.

8. How does bringing down this qualification align with the vision of the Footsteps Academy?

Sri Lanka deserves exceptional educators, yet we’ve witnessed a concerning decline in teaching quality in recent years. Our mission is to reignite the joy of teaching transforming it into a fulfilling daily pursuit that educators are truly passionate about. By nurturing a new generation of skilled and inspired teachers, we aim to lay a stronger foundation for our children’s futures.
The early years, from birth to age sevenare a critical window of rapid brain development, where a teacher’s influence shapes a child’s lifelong learning journey. That’s why equipping educators with the right training, mindset, and dedication isn’t just important, it’s essential.