Joint Evaluation of the Directorate of Early Childhood Education: A Strategic Step to Enhance Early Childhood Education

Joint Evaluation of the Directorate of Early Childhood Education: A Strategic Step to Enhance Early Childhood Education

• News
• August 03 , 2024

From August 1-3, 2024, the Directorate of Early Childhood Education (ECE) held a joint performance evaluation with SEAMEO CECEP to improve collaboration and the quality of early childhood education. Komalasari, M.Pd, the Director of Early Childhood Education, emphasized that the Performance Achievement Evaluation for the First Semester of 2024 is a crucial moment in the journey of the Directorate of Early Childhood Education to achieve excellent and competitive early childhood education. Through a high spirit of collaboration, we will find innovative solutions to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Directorate's programs.

In her speech, Komalasari, M.Pd, outlined the history of the Directorate of ECE, established in 2001 to manage non-formal ECE units. In 2002, an ECE consortium was formed to assist the government in policy formulation. The national ECE forum, established in February 2002, contributed to developing and expanding ECE in Indonesia, supported by various universities that established bachelor's programs in early childhood education.

The years 2003-2009 were significant with the issuance of Law No. 20 of 2003 on the National Education System, which for the first time specifically regulated of ECE. The National Seminar and Workshop held at IKIP Bandung in 2003 produced a blueprint for the development of PAUD in Indonesia. In 2005, HIMPAUDI was established to gather educators and ECE education staff throughout Indonesia, quickly expanding to provincial and district/city levels.

Between 2004 and 2009, the ECE unit became one of the priority programs of the Ministry of National Education. In 2009, the Ministry issued Regulation No. 58 on PAUD Standards. Since 2010, the integration of formal and non-formal PAUD under the Directorate General of Early Childhood, Non-Formal, and Informal Education (PAUDNI) was affirmed through Presidential Regulation No. 24 of 2010, as amended by Presidential Regulation No. 67 of 2010. Various ECCE units with unique characteristics such as TK, RA, KB, TPA, and SPS have now become part of Indonesia's education system.

This evaluation is also an opportunity to strengthen friendships and increase the spirit of togetherness among employees through various sports and arts competitions, which are expected to refresh minds and strengthen team synergy. Besides providing entertainment, these activities are also expected to build a sense of togetherness and cohesiveness among employees.

Prof. Vina Adriany, Ph.D, Director of SEAMEO CECCEP, welcomed this event and invited all parties to improve early childhood education further. "Let's enhance our insights, inspiration, and motivation to continue contributing to improving the quality of early childhood education, and make this moment of togetherness a strong foundation in realizing quality and character-based early childhood education, for a Golden Indonesia 2045," she said.

Each working team also presented the achievements of programs implemented by the Directorate of Early Childhood Education. The Deputy Director for Administration and the Director for Program of SEAMEO CECCEP also presented their achievements, including training for teachers at the national and regional levels, ethnoparenting research results, and the organization of webinars and international seminars.

Komalasari emphasized that this evaluation is not just a routine activity but a crucial moment in the journey to advance early childhood education. "Through comprehensive evaluation, we have the opportunity to measure the achievement of performance targets and identify challenges faced during program implementation. We will formulate more effective strategies for the second semester," she added.

With good collaboration and cooperation, the Director is confident that innovative solutions can be found to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of programs. "Let's use this opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and creative ideas. Our discussions and thoughts together are key to bringing positive and significant changes," she concluded.