RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Kindergarten education is considered essential in developing children’s social skills from an early age. At this stage, children begin to interact beyond their family environment, learning fundamental values such as sharing, cooperation, and respect as preparation for primary school.

During the leadership of Minister, Bintang Puspayoga, Indonesia’s Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection affirmed that early childhood social-emotional development includes the ability to recognize one’s own emotions and those of others, manage emotions positively, and build empathy. These skills serve as a crucial foundation for social interaction and school readiness.

In addition, play-based learning activities in kindergarten help children develop communication skills. They are encouraged to express their thoughts, listen to others, and resolve simple conflicts.

These experiences contribute significantly to building children’s confidence and independence from an early age. Kindergarten also introduces children to structured routines and basic rules.

From following schedules to listening to teachers’ instructions, these early experiences help foster discipline. As a result, children are less likely to experience difficulties adjusting to the more formal learning system in primary school.

A study published in the Early Childhood Research Quarterly also found that children who attend preschool tend to have better social skills and higher school readiness compared to those who do not receive early childhood education.

In addition, Indonesia’s Minister of Education and Culture Regulation Number 137 of 2014 on Early Childhood Education Standards highlights that child development includes moral and religious values, physical-motor skills, cognitive abilities, language, social-emotional skills, and arts. These aspects need to be stimulated holistically from an early age to prepare children for the next level of education.

Despite this, some still perceive kindergarten as optional. However, various studies indicate that early learning experiences have long-term impacts on children’s readiness for school. Therefore, kindergarten should be seen as an essential first step in preparing children for a more complex educational journey.