PENINGKATAN KAPASITAS GURU PAUD DALAM MENGIDENTIFIKASI MASALAH PSIKOSOSIAL DAN EMOSIONAL ANAK PRA SEKOLAH DI KECAMATAN TEMBALANG, SEMARANG

Abstract

Background: The psychosocial developmental stage of preschool-aged children is Initiative vs. Guilt. Early childhood education (PAUD) teachers in the Wisnu Cluster, Tembalang Subdistrict, experience difficulties in distinguishing children with psychosocial and emotional developmental problems. As a result, these issues often go undetected and untreated. Objective: To improve teachers’ knowledge and skills in identifying and conducting early detection of psychosocial and emotional developmental problems among preschool-aged children in Tembalang Subdistrict, Semarang City. Methods: This community service activity involved 40 PAUD teachers in Tembalang Subdistrict, Semarang City. The teachers participated in a short training session on recognizing psychosocial and emotional problems in students. The training methods included discussions, lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, and supervision. The second activity was a parenting class on managing tantrums, attended by 30 parents of the students. Results: The results of this program showed an increase in the knowledge and skills of teachers in the Wisnu Cluster, Tembalang, in accurately recognizing psychosocial and emotional problems in children as an effort for early detection. Teachers also learned how to respond appropriately and provide guidance using the asah, asih, asuh (stimulate, love, nurture) approach for children with psychosocial problems. Furthermore, parents gained the ability to manage tantrums in preschool-aged children. Conclusion: This community service activity improved teachers’ ability to perform early detection of psychosocial and emotional problems in children, allowing early identification before these issues become more complex. It also provided parents with effective strategies to manage tantrum behavior in preschoolers.