Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) proudly hosted the 7th International Conference on Early Childhood Education (ICECE), a landmark event that brought together leading educators, researchers, and policymakers from around the globe. The conference, organized by UPI’s Master’s Program in Early Childhood Education, focused on the theme “Innovations and Challenges in Early Childhood Education: Preparing Children for the Future,” fostering a platform for innovative ideas and solutions in response to the pressing challenges faced by the field, Wednesday (6/11/2024).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Euis Kurniati, M.Pd., Head of the Master’s Study Program in Early Childhood Education at UPI, expressed profound gratitude to all contributors who made the event a success. “We are deeply thankful for the collective efforts that enabled this conference to proceed smoothly,” she noted. This year’s ICECE coincided with the 12th anniversary of the Master’s Program in Early Childhood Education at UPI, marking a significant milestone in the program’s commitment to advancing early childhood education.
Held in a hybrid format at the 10th floor of UPI’s Faculty of Education Building, the event welcomed over 200 participants, including 73 onsite and 19 online presenters, along with 183 attendees in person and 20 virtual participants. This setup facilitated meaningful exchanges, with diverse insights shared on various topics that shape the future of young learners.
Three esteemed keynote speakers anchored the conference:
- Prof. Hsiu-Lan Shelley Tien from National Taiwan Normal University shared insights on pedagogical innovation in fostering holistic childhood development.
- Dr. Heny Djoehaeni, S.Pd., M.Si, from UPI, offered her research findings on the impacts of early education policies and practices in Indonesia.
- Prof. Hasina Banu Ebrahim, UNESCO Co-Chair in Early Childhood Care and Education from South Africa, captivated audiences with her presentation on “Wicked Problems and Possibilities for Change in ECCE,” underscoring the need for multi-dimensional solutions to complex challenges in early education.
Conference sessions covered a wide range of pivotal topics:
- Policy and Equity in ECE: Ensuring equal access and quality for all children.
- Ethnoparenting: Examining cultural influences on childhood development.
- Climate Awareness: Preparing young learners to face environmental issues.
- Children’s Mental and Emotional Well-being: Emphasizing foundational mental health in learning.
- Character Education: Instilling values and moral development.
- Digital Technology: Balancing benefits and challenges of digital tools.
- Child-Centered Pedagogy: Advocating inclusive, adaptable teaching approaches.
- Literacy and Numeracy: Strengthening early academic foundations.
- Transition Programs: Facilitating smoother ECE to elementary transitions.
- Gender and Social Inclusion: Promoting diverse and inclusive classrooms.
- Religious and Philosophical Integration: Infusing spiritual values in child education.
- Arts in ECE: Enhancing cognitive growth through music and creativity.
The conference highlighted the essential role of collaborative, innovative strategies in ECE as society adapts to technological and social changes. Participant Dian Ramadhani Padwika shared, “ICECE was a refreshing and enlightening experience. The expertise of the speakers and the connections I made were unforgettable. I am grateful for this extraordinary event and hope it continues to thrive in the coming years.”
The ICECE 2024 highlighted how collaborative, innovative approaches in early childhood education are essential to addressing future challenges. As ECE professionals come together to share expertise, the field stands ready to shape a resilient, well-prepared generation for the demands of tomorrow.
