"The first element is the quality of the learning process, second is partnership with parents, the third is supporting the fulfillment of essential early childhood services for aspects outside of education, including care and protection, and the last one is leadership and resource management," the ministry's acting director of PAUD, Komalasari, informed in Jakarta on Friday.
The four elements have indicators that are measurable and aligned with several ministry policies, such as school transformation in the pioneer school program, accreditation, the educational competency framework, and the norms, procedures, and criteria (NPK) of the PAUD Directorate, she said.
"In order to do that, it requires the role of various parties to realize quality PAUD," she added.
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Moreover, a member of the ministry's road map team, Rosfita Roesli, informed that each PAUD unit needs to establish a partnership with parents to maintain the continuity of the stimulation that children receive at PAUD units and home.
"PAUD units do not only provide learning and education services but also other essential services that need to be provided," Roesli said.
The essential services include holding parenting classes, monitoring child growth, monitoring child development, monitoring complete basic immunization, fulfilling nutrition and health, and implementing Clean and Healthy Behavior (PHBS).
They further include providing supplemental food (PMT) and/or nutritious food on a regular basis, monitoring the identity of students, and ensuring the availability of sanitation facilities and clean water.
In addition, PAUD must also provide essential facilities and infrastructure with a focus on student safety and create a safe, inclusive, and participatory climate, Roesli added.
"Teachers and education staff are the foundation of quality PAUD. Therefore, their capacity and welfare must be concerned to realize these four elements," she said.
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Translator: Suci Nurhaliza, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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