Evaluating the Effectiveness of Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Education Programs (PAUD HI) in Indonesia: Impacts on Education, Care, Safety, Health, and Nutrition Services

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Development programs in Indonesia. A comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Development programs is needed to ensure optimal benefits for child development. This study was conducted in Bogor district, Indonesia with a sample of 80 children divided into two groups, 40 children who attended the Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Development program and 40 children who did not attend the program. This study used descriptive quantitative method with comparative design. The analysis showed that the PAUD HI program had a significant positive impact on all aspects studied. Education services showed significant improvement with t = 6.40, p < .001; parenting services with t = 6.12, p < .001; safety services with t = 6.88, p < .001; health services with t = 7.07, p < .001; and nutrition services with t = 7.25, p < .001. The HI ECD group showed higher mean scores in all aspects compared to the Non Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Development group. This study confirms that the Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Development program is effective in improving the quality of essential early childhood services. The findings support the development and expansion of Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Development programs to reach more children in Indonesia and provide a basis for policy makers to improve and optimize the implementation of Holistic Integrative Early Childhood Development programs nationally.