Abstract:
This study aims to develop self-independence in preschoolers at home. During the pandemic, children played and learned at home accompanied by parents or other adults. However, there were some parents who were busy working, so they could not accompany children intensively. Besides, they did not have adequate facilities, sufficient time, lack of knowledge about child development and how to educate children according to their age needs, and parents' lack of ability to use technology. Furthermore, children become lazy to learn, were unable to operationalize technology, are always dependent on parents in carrying out tasks assigned by teachers, and were unable to improve socio-emotional development optimally. Therefore, we have a research question how to develop self-independence in preschoolers at home. We designed a model for developing independence in preschoolers during activities at home with a sample of 56 children at KSPA Kindergarten, Universitas Negeri Jakarta (Kampung Bandan, Kebon Baru and Rawamangun). We used research and development method with stages of 1) investigation, 2) preparation of theory, 3) empirical tests, and 4) process and results of documentation, analysis and reflection. The results showed that 90% of parents were able to develop a model of independence in preschoolers after 4 cycles according to the activities specified in this study, such as being a model, facilitator, motivator and giver of freedom. On the other hand, 85% of children are able to carry out independent activities (self-care and self-reliant) such as getting up early, bathing, brushing teeth, urinating and defecating, getting dressed, combing hair, shoes, eating alone, doing homework, tidying up toys/books and stationery, dispose of trash in its place, etc. We implied that parents can practice children's independence through self-care activities. Parental assistance can be done when children ask for help directly.
