Establishing Foundations for Early Childhood Education: A Comparative Curriculum Perspective of Indonesia, Mexico, and Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Each curriculum possesses its own uniqueness and distinctive approaches, emphasizing child-centered learning that involves authentic learning experiences. The objective of this study is to ascertain commonalities, differences, and best practices that can be adopted to enhance the effectiveness of early childhood education. The research methodology employed a literature review approach, where relevant information was gathered from various sources such as scholarly journals, reference books, educational policy documents, and official publications. The data obtained from the literature was systematically analyzed to identify commonalities, differences, and best practices in early childhood education curricula. The findings of this study reveal that Early Childhood Education Curricula in Indonesia, Mexico, and Brunei Darussalam share a common focus on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children. These three countries promote holistic learning by emphasizing essential aspects such as character development, creativity, and religious education. In Indonesia, the Early Childhood Education Curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka) emphasizes meaningful learning through play, while Mexico's Programa de Educación Preescolar focuses on child development and motivation for learning, and Brunei Darussalam's National Education System - SPN21 encourages high-level skills and preparation for subsequent levels. Continuous evaluation, review, and collaboration are crucial for enhancing the quality of early childhood education globally.