Beyond the Formal Curriculum: Hidden Curriculum and Character Formation in Islamic Early Childhood Education
Keywords:
Hidden Curriculum, Character Education, Early Childhood Education, Islamic EducationAbstract
Early childhood character development requires learning environments that consistently reinforce religious and moral values beyond instruction. This study examines the implementation of hidden curriculum at RA Ar-Rahmat and its contribution to children’s development. A qualitative descriptive design was employed to explore everyday practices, supporting and inhibiting factors, and behavioral outcomes. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving the principal, teachers, children, and parents. Data were analyzed through data condensation, data display, and verification, while credibility was strengthened through source and triangulation and member checking. The findings show that hidden curriculum was implemented through religious habituation, teacher modeling, 5S culture, queuing, cleanliness, discipline, and school–family activities. Supporting factors included teacher commitment, positive school culture, principal supervision, and parental involvement, while inconsistent parenting, digital exposure, and limited teacher resources presented challenges. The study concludes that hidden curriculum contributes gradually to children’s aqidah, ibadah, and akhlak. Practically, schools should intentionally strengthen everyday routines and family collaboration to sustain character formation.
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