THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHARACTER EDUCATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AT SEKOLAH ALAM UNGARAN

Abstract

Character education is an essential component of early childhood education, as it plays a crucial role in shaping children's attitudes, behaviors, and personalities during their golden age of development. This study aims to describe the implementation of character education for early childhood students at Sekolah Alam Ungaran, focusing on its planning, implementation, evaluation, supporting factors, and inhibiting factors. This research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, which consists of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data validity was ensured through source and technique triangulation. The findings reveal that character education at Sekolah Alam Ungaran is systematically integrated into all learning activities through habituation, teacher role modeling, and nature-based learning experiences. The character values fostered include religiosity, honesty, discipline, responsibility, independence, cooperation, environmental awareness, and politeness. The implementation of character education is continuously evaluated through observations of children's behavioral development. Its success is supported by the strong commitment of the principal and teachers, a nature-based learning environment, consistent habituation programs, and close collaboration with parents. However, several challenges remain, including differences in parenting styles, the diverse characteristics of children, limited parental involvement in reinforcing character development at home, and the considerable time required to cultivate consistent character habits. In conclusion, the implementation of character education at Sekolah Alam Ungaran demonstrates that nature-based learning, supported by habituation, teacher role modeling, and strong collaboration between the school and families, provides an effective strategy for fostering character development in early childhood and strengthening children's moral and social competencies.