INOVASI PENGELOLAAN KURIKULUM PADA KELOMPOK BERMAIN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS PEMBELAJARAN ANAK USIA DINI

Abstract

Curriculum management in playgroups is a crucial process in supporting the growth and development of early childhood. A well-designed and structured curriculum can optimally stimulate children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, thus serving as a foundation for character building and readiness for the next stage of education. This study aims to analyze the impleme ntation of curriculum management in playgroups and examine its impact on the learning process and out comes of early childhood education. The research employed a qualitative approach with data collected through in-depth interviews and participatory observations involving administrators and educators in several playgroups. The data were analyzed thematically to identify key patterns in curriculum mana gement. The findings reveal that curriculum management based on children’s needs, flexibility in implem entation, and integration with local values significantly contribute to creating an enjoyable, meaningful, and effective learning atmosphere. Furthermore, collaborative strategies among administrat ors, educators, and parents were found to strengthen curriculum implementation and enhance children’s engagement in learning activities. Challenges identified in curriculum management include limited resou rces, variations in educators’ competencies, and the need to adapt to the changing developmental needs of children. These findings imply that improving the quality of curriculum management requires continuo us training for educators and administrators, the provision of adequate resources, and regular curricul um evaluation to ensure its relevance to children’s development. Therefore, effective curriculum manag ement in playgroups not only supports the achievement of early childhood education goals but also plays an essential role in building a generation is characterized, creative & adaptive to future social dynamics.