Application of the Independent Curriculum in Early Childhood Education in Kindergarten Plus Al-Aqhso

Abstract

Early childhood education serves as the primary foundation for shaping children's character, spirituality, and intelligence. In line with the government's efforts to implement the Merdeka Curriculum across various levels of education, TK Plus Al-Aqhso, located in Tuk Karang Suwung Village, Lemahabang District, Cirebon Regency, has adopted this curriculum since 2022. One form of implementation is the integration of the 2013 Curriculum with the Merdeka Curriculum as the basis for learning. This study is motivated by the need to evaluate whether the Merdeka Curriculum has been effectively implemented in early childhood education, particularly in terms of lesson planning, instructional practices, and assessment by teachers. The aim of this research is to analyze the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum at the early childhood education level in TK Plus Al-Aqhso. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The research subjects include a class A teacher, with the principal serving as the key informant. The findings reveal that lesson planning, instructional implementation, and learning evaluation are essential components that must be thoroughly prepared and executed to ensure the successful application of the Merdeka Curriculum in early childhood education.