THE LEADER WHO TOUCHES SOULS: CREATING A POSITIVE CULTURE AND MEANINGFUL LEARNING IN EARLYCHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Sari Wahdati, Ahmad Suriansyah, Ratna Purwanti

Abstract


Leadership in Early Childhood Education environment play a key role in creating a positive, warm, and meaningful learning environment. The purpose of this study is to describe the role of leadership in shaping a school culture. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews with PAUD principals, teachers, and parents, observations, and documentation at PAUD in North Banjarmasin. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques, namely by identifying key patterns and themes that emerge from the qualitative data. This process includes data reduction, categorization, drawing tentative conclusions, and strengthening validity through triangulation of techniques and sources. With a conceptual approach supported by field studies, this article highlights that meaningful learning in PAUD can only be created if leaders are able to facilitate contextual learning experiences, based on children's interests, and humanize students. Implementation strategies such as teacher capacity building, family engagement, and character-based evaluation were also discussed. The results of this study indicate that leadership that touches the soul not only improves the quality of learning but also builds a strong, inclusive, and empathetic institutional culture. These findings can serve as a reference in developing a humanistic and transformative leadership model for early childhood education.


Keywords


Early Childhood Education, Leadership, Positive Culture, Meaningful Learning

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20527/e-chief.v5i2.15992

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