Transforming Early Childhood Education Management: Cognitive Development Strategies in Trilingual Schools of Jember Regency

Abstract

This study explores the impact of transformative early childhood education (ECE) management on cognitive development strategies within trilingual schools in Jember Regency, Indonesia. As trilingual education, integrating Indonesian, English, and Arabic, becomes increasingly popular, the research investigates how curriculum integration, teacher training, and parental involvement contribute to cognitive growth in young learners. The study employs a qualitative case study design, focusing on TK Tiga Bahasa Rukun Harapan, and uses interviews, observations, and documentation as primary data collection methods. Findings suggest that while effective management practices enhance cognitive flexibility, language processing, and memory recall, challenges such as insufficient professional development for teachers and a lack of individualized tasks remain. The study advocates for a balanced approach that incorporates both group-based and individual learning activities, proposing implications for policy-makers and educational leaders to optimize cognitive outcomes in multilingual early childhood settings.