Publication Search

The purpose of writing this article is to find out and strengthen character and moral formation through the application of Pancasila values in children, where in this era of digital media development, the moral development of children whose daily lives are closely related to the digital world is greatly influenced. The method used in this research is qualitative, based on a literature study technique that collects a lot of information from previous research. The results of this study indicate that the application of Pancasila in the formation of children's morals and character should be more applied and realized in every action and daily action to become a good citizen in the future. So that the younger generation can go down in the community field, have ethics, morals, character, manners in the life of the state. Therefore, it is very necessary to apply the values of Pancasila in a child in the pandemic era to improve the character and morals of the nation's children.

The Islamic Literacy Program to Foster Religious Character in Early Childhood is a community service initiative aimed at instilling Islamic values through engaging and meaningful literacy activities. The program was conducted for two weeks in Timbang Langkat Village, Binjai Timur District, involving early childhood learners, PAUD teachers, and parents. This study employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach consisting of planning, action, observation, and reflection stages. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, then analyzed descriptively using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The findings showed a 31% average increase in children’s religious character aspects, including faith, discipline, honesty, responsibility, and social attitude. Furthermore, teacher and parent involvement played a crucial role in strengthening the internalization of religious values through enjoyable literacy activities such as storytelling of prophets, writing Arabic letters, and Islamic role-playing. The implications indicate that Islamic literacy effectively fosters religious character development in early childhood in a contextual and sustainable manner and can serve as a model for other PAUD institutions in developing Islamic character education programs.

Stunting in toddlers is a chronic nutritional problem caused by lack of nutritional intake due to feeding that does not meet basic needs. UNICEF data in 2024 shows that the infant mortality rate for toddlers is 48 per 1,000 live births and the neonatal mortality rate is 23 per 1,000 live births. Conditions that cause mortality and morbidity in infants and toddlers include malnutrition, sepsis, pneumonia, and premature birth (WHO, 2023). Factors that cause stunting include nutrition, health, environment, and socio-economy, such as malnutrition in pregnant women and children, recurrent infections, poor sanitation, and limited access to health services and nutritious food (Sari, 2023). The effects of stunting include brain development inhibitions, weakened immune systems, delayed psychosocial and motor development, and suboptimal physical growth. Based on a preliminary study at the Sungai Raya Dalam Health Center, there were 134 children under five who were stunted. This study aims to determine the relationship between maternal nutritional status during pregnancy and the incidence of stunting in toddlers aged 0–24 months. The research design used case control with a retrospective approach, involving 58 mothers with toddlers aged 0–24 months. The results showed that mothers with nutritional status with KELK had a higher risk of giving birth to stunted toddlers (72.7%) compared to mothers with good nutritional status (19.1%). The Fisher Exact test yielded a value of p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), which means that there is a significant relationship between the nutritional status of pregnant women and the incidence of stunting.

This study aims to analyze the influence of parental communication skills on the self-confidence of kindergarten children using a quantitative approach. The background of this research is rooted in the essential role of effective parental communication in shaping the psychosocial development of children, particularly in fostering self-confidence, which is crucial for children's social and academic success. The research sample consisted of parents and kindergarten children selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires designed to measure parental communication patterns and children's levels of self-confidence. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, including simple linear regression to examine the relationship and effect of parental communication skills on children's self-confidence. The results reveal that positive, supportive communication skills characterized by democratic communication patterns have a significant positive effect on increasing children's self-confidence. Effective and empathetic communication creates a conducive environment for children to express themselves, boosting their self-esteem and social-emotional potential. The study concludes that enhancing parental communication skills is a vital strategy for family guidance and early childhood education to optimally support the development of children's self-confidence.

This study aims to analyze in depth the role of drumband extracurricular activities in developing motor and cognitive abilities of early childhood at Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal 50 Kindergarten, Surabaya. This study uses a qualitative approach with data collection methods through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and the distribution of questionnaires involving teachers, parents, and students as research subjects. The results show that drumband activities provide a positive contribution to the development of gross and fine motor skills of children, especially through rhythmic movement exercises, hand-eye coordination, and body control when playing musical instruments. In addition to motor aspects, drumband activities also play a role in improving children's cognitive abilities, such as concentration, memory, the ability to follow instructions, and understanding musical patterns and rhythms. Children's active participation in drumband activities also helps shape discipline, the ability to work together in groups, and increases children's self-confidence. Thus, drumband extracurricular activities can be used as an effective and enjoyable learning medium to support the motor and cognitive development of early childhood holistically and sustainably.  

Childhood obesity has become an increasingly significant health and education problem in various countries, including Indonesia, influenced by unhealthy eating patterns, lifestyle changes, and low nutritional literacy within families. This article aims to examine the lack of balanced nutrition in obese early childhood from the perspective of family education as part of non-formal education. The research method used is a literature review by reviewing national and international literature related to nutrition, child growth and development, and the increasing trend of obesity. The results show that obesity has physical, cognitive, psychological, and social impacts that can hinder a child's holistic development. Parents play a crucial role in establishing healthy eating habits, monitoring food consumption, and fostering an active lifestyle. Improving nutritional literacy within families, synergizing with early childhood education institutions, and supporting public health policies are considered crucial to preventing the long-term risk of obesity. Therefore, family education about balanced nutrition is a crucial strategy in supporting optimal growth and development and creating a healthy and competitive generation of early childhood children.

This study aims to describe the application of SOLO Taxonomy-based early childhood development assessment instruments at Al-Huda Kindergarten in Gorontalo City. The research approach uses a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques in the form of observation, interviews, and documentation. The focus of the research includes teachers' understanding of the assessment instruments, the filling process, and the suitability of the instrument application with the principles of SOLO Taxonomy. The results show that the school has implemented four assessment instruments, namely anecdotal notes, checklists, work results, and serial photos as part of formative assessment. In general, the assessment implementation was in line with the children's development, but there was a discrepancy in the use of anecdotal notes, which should have been written one sheet per child but were used for several children at once, thereby reducing the accuracy of the children's development data. The SOLO Taxonomy helped teachers classify the level of complexity of children's understanding from pre-structural to extended abstract, making the assessment more meaningful. This study emphasizes the importance of applying appropriate and individualized assessment instruments so that information on child development is more accurate and can be used to design appropriate follow-up learning activities.

This article analyzes the challenges and solutions surrounding funding for Early Childhood Education (ECE) institutions in Indonesia, with a particular focus on the high dependence on parental fees and the limited availability of external support. ECE plays a crucial role in supporting children’s development during their early years; however, many institutions struggle with financial instability due to inadequate and inconsistent funding sources. This study uses a literature review approach by synthesizing relevant books, journal articles, government regulations, and institutional reports to provide a comprehensive understanding of the funding landscape. Findings show that most ECE institutions rely heavily on parental contributions, causing financial vulnerability, limiting program development, and reducing access for low-income families. Government assistance through the Operational Education Assistance (BOP) remains insufficient and often delayed. Meanwhile, collaborations with the private sector, CSR programs, and community-based support are still minimal. Financial challenges negatively affect institutions’ ability to provide adequate facilities, ensure teacher welfare, and implement holistic-integrative learning programs. The study suggests several solutions, including strengthening financial management capacity, applying participatory budgeting, diversifying funding sources, and initiating creative economic programs such as school bazaars and community partnerships. These strategies are expected to improve sustainability and enhance the quality of ECE services in Indonesia.

This study examines the role of the Pustaka Prima Community Reading Park (TBM) as an alternative learning space that provides non-formal educational experiences for children and adolescents, especially in communities with limited access to educational facilities. Through a descriptive qualitative approach, this study explores the contribution of TBM in developing creativity, literacy skills, self-expression, and independent learning of participants. Data was collected through participant observations, semi-structured interviews with managers and participants, and documentation of program activities. The results of the study show that TBM Pustaka Prima plays a significant role in strengthening cognitive, social, and emotional development through various activities such as reading literacy, storytelling, basic entrepreneurship training, and other creative activities. These programs have been proven to increase reading motivation, the ability to understand texts, confidence in communication, technology awareness, and the ability to innovate. An inclusive and collaborative learning environment allows participants to explore knowledge, work together, and optimize their potential. These findings confirm that TBM not only functions as a provider of reading materials, but also as a community-based education center that provides meaningful learning experiences outside the formal education system. The implications of the research emphasize the importance of strengthening collaboration, developing sustainable programs, and improving resources and infrastructure to maximize the role of TBM in community empowerment.

Bullying remains a serious issue in elementary school environments that has negative impacts on children’s mental health, social relationships, as well as emotional and character development. Recognizing the importance of early prevention efforts, students of the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata/KKN) from Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) initiated and implemented an anti-bullying outreach program for children in Nagari Harau. This program aims to increase children’s awareness, understanding, and sensitivity toward various forms of bullying, including physical, verbal, and non-verbal bullying, as well as to introduce the impacts caused and simple strategies to deal with and prevent such behavior. The outreach activities were carried out using participatory and interactive methods to ensure the material was easily understood by children, supported by PowerPoint presentations, educational quizzes, light discussions, and simulations of everyday situations relevant to their lives. The target participants were elementary school students in the Nagari Harau area who are vulnerable to bullying practices in school and social settings. The evaluation results showed a significant improvement in participants’ understanding of bullying, where only about 30% of participants understood the material before the activity, increasing to 85% after the program was implemented. Positive responses from children, teachers, and the local community emphasize the importance of this program as an effective form of social intervention. This program demonstrates that child-friendly educational approaches can contribute to creating a safer, more comfortable, and bullying-free learning environment.

This study aims to analyze the forms of collaboration between teachers and parents in following up on the results of observational assessments of early childhood self-regulation development. The study employs a qualitative approach with a case study design in a non-formal early childhood education (PAUD) setting. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and analysis of assessment documents. The findings indicate that observational assessment serves as an initial foundation for identifying children’s abilities to manage emotions and behavior. The assessment results are then followed up through collaborative practices in the form of regular communication, exchange of information regarding children’s development, and agreements on guidance strategies between teachers and parents. The role of parents is evident in the consistent implementation of guidance strategies at home, aligned with the stimulation provided by teachers at school. This alignment of roles has been shown to strengthen children’s self-regulation development, particularly in impulse control, behavioral regulation, and the ability to follow rules. The study emphasizes that structured and continuous teacher–parent collaboration is a key factor in the effectiveness of follow-up actions based on observational assessment results in supporting early childhood social-emotional development.

The rapid growth of the digital era significantly reduces children's physical activity, thus having an impact on decreasing gross and fine motor development in elementary school-age children. The habit of excessive use of gadgets causes children to tend to be passive and less involved in structured movement activities. Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS), as the basis of motor competence which includes locomotor, non-locomotor, and manipulative skills, shows increasingly less than optimal development in early childhood and school age. This study examines the contribution of FMS to children's motor development and evaluates the effectiveness of FMS-based learning media, especially modified snake and ladder games, in improving students' basic movement skills. The study used a descriptive-correlational quantitative design involving 40 students aged 6–9 years who were selected through purposive sampling techniques. Data collection was carried out using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2) instrument, structured observation rubrics, and supporting documentation. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation tests to see the relationships between variables. The findings of this research are expected to be the basis for the development of more innovative, adaptive, and fun physical education programs to support children's motor development in the midst of the challenges of the digital era.

Early childhood development assessment is an important process in obtaining a comprehensive picture of a child's growth and development as a basis for planning learning that is appropriate to the child's needs and characteristics. One of the most relevant assessment techniques for early childhood characteristics is observation, because it is carried out naturally through play and learning activities without putting pressure on the child. This article aims to examine the use of observation instruments as a basis for assessing early childhood development and to provide guidance to early childhood educators in conducting appropriate, systematic, and accountable assessments. The method used in this article is a theoretical study that examines the concept of early childhood assessment, assessment principles, and the process of conducting assessments through observation. The observation instruments discussed include daily records, anecdotal records, and children's work records. The results of the study show that the optimal use of observation instruments can help teachers understand children's development holistically, detect children's special needs, and serve as a basis for decision-making in learning planning and curriculum development. Thus, observation instruments play a strategic role in supporting the assessment process of early childhood development to be more meaningful and oriented towards children's needs.

Moral education is the core of Islamic teachings that emphasize the formation of noble character in human relationships with Allah SWT and with others. The phenomenon of moral deterioration that occurs in society, such as promiscuity, juvenile criminality, violence, and the loss of manners towards parents and teachers, shows the urgency of systematic moral education. This research aims to examine the content and content of the book Akhlak Lil Banin by Sheikh Umar bin Ahmad Baraja' and the strategy of the moral education concept contained in it. The research method used is a literature study with a qualitative-descriptive approach through content analysis. The results of the study show that Lil Banin's book of Morals contains fundamental moral values, including ethics with parents, manners with teachers, speaking ethics, honesty and trust, responsibility, and manners of eating and drinking. The moral education strategy in this book includes moral development towards Allah SWT, oneself, parents, teachers, fellow humans, the environment, and in all life circumstances. Thus, Lil Banin's book of Morals is not only a moral guideline for children and adolescents, but also relevant as a reference for character education in the modern era that is full of moral challenges.

Early childhood education is an important foundation in character building, because the golden age is a period when physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development occurs very rapidly, requiring planned and continuous stimulation. One effort that can be made is through the implementation of G7KAIH activities, which is a program of seven positive habits designed to instill the values of independence, discipline, cooperation, cleanliness, and responsibility from an early age. This study aims to describe the implementation of G7KAIH as a strategy for character development in early childhood at Sartika Kindergarten. The method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques in the form of semi-structured interviews with teachers directly involved in the program implementation. The results show that G7KAIH has been integrated into daily routines, although it is still in its early stages and does not yet have standard operating procedures. The children's responses varied; some were enthusiastic, but others still needed guidance due to differences in their social-emotional development. The obstacles that arose were related to the children's understanding and the limitations of the implementation guidelines, but these could be overcome through motivation and a variety of activities. Overall, G7KAIH made a positive contribution, especially to the children's independence and discipline.

First Language Acquisition is a crucial process influenced by various language learning theories. This research aims to comprehensively analyze the application of the main L1 theories, such as Behaviorism, Nativism, and Interactionism, and to thoroughly examine the concept, utility, and identification techniques of students’ prior knowledge within the context of child language acquisition. Employing a critical analytica l literature review method, the findings indicate that L1 Acquisition is not solely explained by one theory but results from the interaction between innate endowment (LAD) and environmental input. A key finding highlights that the identification of prior knowledge, encompassing cognitive, linguistic, and social aspects, is highly functional as a basis for determining appropriate scaffolding and providing comprehensible language input. The most relevant detection techniques involve direct observation and analysis of children’s spontaneous speech.It is concluded that a holistic understanding of L1 theories and the early identification of prior knowledge is essential for educators and parents. This finding has implications for formulating personalized language development strategies, thereby optimizing children’s language potential from an early age.

This research at TPA Siti Hajar aims to determine the impact of democratic parenting on the creativity of early childhood aged 4-5 years. The study found that 80% of respondents demonstrated good assessment results, while 20% achieved excellent grades. Democratic parenting, observed in this study, plays a significant role in fostering independence and confidence in children. This type of parenting is ideal for educating children, as it promotes responsibility, leadership, independence, and the ability to build healthy interpersonal relationships. Creativity, as defined in the study, is the ability to generate new ideas, solve problems, and produce innovative products. Using a quantitative approach with an experimental method, the research involved 10 out of 15 children from TPA Siti Hajar. Data was collected through observation and interviews. The results showed a significant correlation between democratic parenting and the development of children's creativity. Children exposed to democratic parenting exhibited increased independence and creativity, adapting well to their school environment. The study concludes that democratic parenting significantly influences early childhood creativity, fostering a safe and supportive space for children to thrive. This positive influence encourages independence while maintaining clear, consistent boundaries, which enhances their creative and developmental stages.

Early Childhood Education (PAUD) honorary teachers in West Sumatra face serious welfare challenges, with incomes far below the Provincial Minimum Wage (UMP). This condition affects work motivation, limits access to professional development, and reduces the quality of early childhood education services. This study aims to analyze the current welfare conditions of PAUD honorary teachers, identify the factors contributing to low welfare, and offer strategic solutions involving the government, PAUD institutions, the community, and the teachers themselves. This research employed a literature review method by examining scientific journals, educational department reports, statistical data, government regulations, and supporting theories such as Human Capital and Work Motivation. The findings indicate that low welfare is caused by limited regional government budgets, reliance on parental fees, weak legal status of PAUD teachers, limited certification opportunities, and insufficient CSR and community support. Recommended solutions include increasing government funding, expanding ASN/PPPK recruitment opportunities, strengthening institutional management, collaborating with private sectors, and enhancing teacher competence through continuous training. In conclusion, improving the welfare of PAUD teachers is an urgent step to strengthen the quality of early childhood education services and support the achievement of national education goals from an early age.

This study examines the increasing prevalence of premarital sexual behavior among Indonesian adolescents, including Catholic youths, which poses a significant challenge to the moral formation and faith development promoted by the Catholic Church. Using a qualitative method with a literature study approach, this research analyzes the phenomenon of adolescent free sex from the perspective of Catholic moral theology and family pastoral care. The findings reveal that the rise of free sexual behavior among adolescents is strongly influenced by curiosity, fragmented family structures, weak value-based sexual education, and the unregulated use of digital media. Moral theology views sexuality as a divine gift whose authentic meaning is realized only within the sacramental bond of marriage; therefore, premarital sex is considered a deviation from human dignity and the true nature of love. The study also highlights the essential role of the family as the Domestic Church in shaping conscience, character, and responsible sexual attitudes among youths. Pastoral strategies proposed include integral sexual education, strengthening parent–child communication in the digital age, and contextual pastoral accompaniment rooted in compassion, as emphasized in Amoris Laetitia. This research underscores the need for collaborative efforts between families, the Church, and educational institutions to guide young people toward a holistic understanding of sexuality, authentic love, and their Christian vocation in contemporary society.  

Malnutrition among early childhood remains a critical issue that hinders Indonesia’s efforts to realize its Golden Generation. This study aims to describe the current condition of child malnutrition, its impacts, contributing factors, and strategies for prevention involving families, communities, health workers, early childhood education institutions, and the government. This paper uses a literature review method by examining scientific sources related to nutrition, early childhood development, and governmental policies. The findings indicate that severe malnutrition significantly affects children’s physical, cognitive, socio-emotional development, and long-term health. Contributing factors include low nutritional literacy, inadequate parenting practices, poor sanitation, recurrent infections, economic limitations, and suboptimal implementation of nutrition programs. Effective prevention requires an integrated, multisectoral approach involving nutrition education, growth monitoring, improved access to nutritious food, and strengthened interventions during the First 1000 Days of Life. Sustainable collaboration across sectors is essential to reduce malnutrition rates and support the development of a healthy and competitive future generation.