Beyond Spiritual Growth: Leveraging Christian Early Childhood Education for Comprehensive Health Outcomes and Stunting Prevention
This study explores the integration of health education into Christian Early Childhood Education (CECE) centers to address childhood stunting while maintaining a focus on spiritual development. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research was conducted over 8 months across 5 CECE centers in Indonesia, involving 45 children aged 3–6 years, 14 parents, 15 teachers, and 5 administrators. The intervention incorporated health and nutrition education into daily lessons, monthly parent workshops, health monitoring, school gardens, and meal programs. Quantitative data, including anthropometric measurements, dietary diversity, and parental health literacy, were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, while qualitative data from interviews, focus groups, and observations underwent thematic analysis with NVivo 12. Results revealed a 15% reduction in stunting risk, a 22% improvement in dietary diversity, and a 45% increase in parental health literacy scores. Additionally, 93% of CECE centers successfully integrated health education, achieving an average adherence rate of 87%. Parents (89%) and teachers (92%) reported that the program enhanced spiritual teachings, aligning health education with theological principles of body stewardship. The findings highlight the potential of CECE centers to deliver holistic child development programs, leveraging their trusted position within communities. While challenges such as resource constraints and stakeholder resistance emerged, the study underscores the feasibility and scalability of faith-based health interventions. Future research should explore long-term sustainability, cross-cultural adaptation, and integration with broader public health systems to maximize impact and promote health equity.
Keywords: Early Childhood; health outcomes; spiritual growth
