Optimizing the Role of Kindergarten Teachers in Early Detection of Child Development and Personal Financial Management

Abstract

Early Childhood Education (ECE) plays a crucial role in child development, particularly during the critical early stages of life. Kindergarten teachers are at the forefront of monitoring and supporting early childhood development. One effective tool for the early detection of developmental problems in children is the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire (Kuesioner Pra Skrining Perkembangan/KPSP). Early detection enables timely interventions, which can improve long-term developmental outcomes for children. Kindergarten teachers not only serve as educators but also as individuals who need to manage their personal lives effectively. Sound financial management is an essential skill that can help them achieve economic well-being. The partners of this community service activity were 10 kindergarten teachers from Sudha Kumara Sidakarya Kindergarten, Southern Denpasar. The main problems faced by the partners were limited knowledge regarding the importance of child developmental screening and personal financial management. To address these issues, educational sessions and training were conducted on child growth and development screening using the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire (KPSP) as well as on personal financial management. Support in the form of facilities and equipment to assist in the implementation of child growth and development screening, including weight measurement tools, first aid kits, and Stimulation, Early Detection, and Early Intervention of Child Development (SDIDTK) teaching aids, was also provided to the school. The results of the community service program showed a 25% increase in partners’ knowledge, as indicated by the comparison between pre-test and post-test scores.