IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM MERDEKA DALAM PENGEMBANGAN KARAKTER ANAK USIA DINI

Abstract

The Independent Curriculum (Merdeka Curriculum) is a transformation in

Indonesian education that provides flexibility for educational units to optimize

student potential, including at the Early Childhood Education (PAUD) level. The

primary focus of this curriculum is character development, culminating in the

Pancasila Student Profile. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the

Independent Curriculum in early childhood character development, the strategies

used, and the challenges faced. The research method used was descriptive

qualitative with a library research approach. The results indicate that the

implementation of the Independent Curriculum in early childhood character

development is carried out through two main channels: integration into

intracurricular activities (play-based learning) and the Pancasila Student Profile

Strengthening Project (P5) through contextual themes. Character development in

this phase focuses on the six dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile, tailored

to the child's developmental stage. The main supporting factors are teacher

creativity and parental involvement, while challenges lie in teacher pedagogical

preparedness and limited facilities in some PAUD units.