BUILDING AN ECONOMIC SMART GENERATION: APPLICATION OF ISLAMIC ECONOMIC VALUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ECED) TO SUPPORT THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SDGS

Abstract

This study aims to examine the application of Islamic economic values in early childhood education (ECE) and its contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study was conducted in several PAUDs in South Tangerang through observation, interviews with teachers, parents, and school principals. The results show that the concepts of saving, sharing, and social responsibility have been implemented although still limited. The saving program is conducted regularly, while the concept of sharing is applied through weekly infaq and social activities. These values have a positive impact on children's character building and financial literacy from an early age. The application of Islamic economic values in PAUD also supports the SDGs, especially SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reducing Inequality), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Through SWOT analysis, it was found that the main strengths lie in parents' enthusiasm and support for Islamic based characters, while the main weaknesses are teachers' limited understanding and lack of teaching materials. Opportunities identified include collaboration with Islamic banks and increasing sharia-based financial literacy, while the biggest threat is the lack of training and socialization. This study concludes that Islamic economic value education in early childhood education has great potential in supporting sustainable development and forming a generation with economic intelligence and character. Integration of Islamic economics-based curriculum and improved teacher competencies are needed to optimize the application of these values.