EFEKTIVITAS PENERAPAN PROGRAM PENGEMBANGAN KETERAMPILAN HIDUP SEHAT DAN BERSIH PADA ANAK USIA DINI DI SEKOLAH PAUD KIARA NAGORI BANDAR JAWA KECAMATAN BANDAR KABUPATEN SIMALUNGUN

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a program that helps early childhood children at PAUD Kiara Nagori Bandar Jawa School, Bandar Sub-district, Simalungun Regency, in developing healthy and clean living skills. Through various educational and enjoyable activities, the program aims to enhance children's knowledge and healthy behaviors. This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest model. The study involved thirty randomly selected early childhood children. Knowledge questionnaires and behavior observations were the tools used. The results of the study showed that the program improved children's knowledge and healthy behaviors. The average knowledge score increased from 65.2 to 85.7, and the average healthy behavior score increased from 60.8 to 82.4. The differences in pretest and posttest scores were significant (p < 0.05). The results indicate that a program teaching healthy and clean living skills can enhance awareness and healthy behaviors in early childhood children. Additionally, observations showed that children were more enthusiastic and active in each program activity; this indicates that they were more interested and engaged in healthy living practices. The study suggests that healthy living skills programs should be included in the early childhood education curriculum to build a foundation for sustainable healthy behaviors. To improve the health quality of children from an early age, policymakers should support and facilitate similar programs in other schools.