Holistic-Integrative Program Management for Islamic Early Childhood Education: A Conceptual Synthesis for Strengthening Religious Character

Abstract

Islamic Early Childhood Education has a strategic role in building the foundation of children’s religious character from the earliest stages of development. However, strengthening religious character in PIAUD institutions is still often understood merely as routine religious activities and has not yet been managed as a planned, integrated, and sustainable program. This article aims to formulate a conceptual synthesis of holistic-integrative program management for Islamic Early Childhood Education in strengthening religious character. This study employs a qualitative approach using library research through a conceptual synthesis design. Data were obtained from academic literature, scholarly journal articles, policy documents, and previous research relevant to PIAUD program management, holistic-integrative early childhood education, Islamic early childhood education, and religious character education. Data analysis was conducted through reduction, thematic categorization, critical interpretation, and conceptual synthesis. The findings indicate that holistic-integrative PIAUD program management is constructed through five main components: Islamic value orientation, integrated program planning, implementation of religious learning and habituation, sustainable family partnerships, and authentic assessment of children’s character development. This article concludes that strengthening religious character in early childhood needs to be managed through a planned, consistent, participatory, and sustainable Islamic education ecosystem