Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 251 THE ROLE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD TUTORS IN OPTIMIZING THE EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AT PAUD NOOR RAKHMAH BANDUNG Ria MaryanaIKIP Siliwangiriamaryana26@gmail.com ABSTRACTNon-formal Early Childhood is a symbol of the council school when viewedfrom the tuition fee that is voluntary and not mandatory, so do not imaginethis school has the good facilities. In terms of places, early childhood doesn'thave own building, mostly using village hall or other public facilities such asmosques or musholla. This limitation also has an impact on early childhoodspace for learning. Children cannot play and move freely and developthemselves. The environment of learning should be a lot of attention, theenvironment will affect the learning process and learning outcomes forchildren. This research is qualitative research with study descriptive. Thisresearch is based on the problem of various conditions of environmentalmanagement learning in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) Noor Rakhmahrelated to facilities and infrastructure. Tutors have an important role inoptimizing the management of early childhood learning environments. Thepurpose of this research is to obtain data that is: (1) The planning processconducted by Tutor PAUD Noor Rakhmah in optimizing the early childhoodlearning environment. (2) The implementation process conducted by TutorPAUD Noor Rakhmah in optimizing the early childhood learningenvironment. (3) The evaluation process conducted by PAUD NoorRakhmah Tutor on the utilization of early childhood learning environment. Keywords: Environmental Management Learning, Early Childhood INTRODUCTIONEducation is an effort to help reach the maturity of people. This effort demands aprocess to be achieved. Without such a process, the change will not happen also the goalwill not be achieved. Education should be instilled early on, the importance of EarlyChildhood Education (PAUD) is supported by research on children's brain intelligenceconsisting of 100 billion brain cells that must be stimulated (Direktorat PADU, 2002: 9).These brain cells need the right stimulation to connect together with the dense networkas a sign of an intelligent child. The educational stimulation provided and parentingpatterns, as well as educators, are one determinant for optimizing the use of this brain.Education environment is divided into three, namely education in the familyenvironment, school environment, and community environment. Because of educationis basically not necessarily in the form of formal education just like in the schoolenvironment, but non-formal education such as education in the family and communityis also very supportive (Dyah Fifin Fatimah, 2016). It is also disclosed in Undang- Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 252 Undang No. 20 Tahun 2003 on the National Education System Article 28 on EarlyChildhood Education which states that:1. Early Childhood Education is held before the level of basic education.2. Early Childhood Education can be organized through formal, non-formal and/orinformal education channels.3. Early Childhood Education in the formal education path is the form of kindergarten(TK), Raudlatul Athfal (RA), or other forms.4. Early Childhood Education on non-formal education channels is the form of PlayGroups (KB), Day Care (TPA), or other similar forms.5. Early Childhood Education on an informal education pathway is a family oreducational education organized by the environment. Based on the grouping of education units above, it can be seen that in addition to formaleducation, non-formal education also plays a very important role. To implement earlychildhood education requires a learning environment. Certainly, in this case, teachers ortutors have an important role in managing a learning environment. The role of theteacher as an inspirational learner, inspiring the teacher to be able to describe himselfas an inspirational person (inspiring teaching for students), learning and learningactivities can produce variations mind, imagination, creativity and new ideas (Ar-RaisulKarama Arifin, 2014). The learning environment should be more attention because ofthrough the environment will affect the learning process and learning outcomes forchildren. It takes the management of a good learning environment that children cangrow and develop according to the stage of its development. Management is the set ofmanagement, teaching is a process of teaching and learning. Thus, the management ofteaching can be defined an attempt to organize or manage the teaching and learningprocess in accordance with the concept and principles of teaching in order to achievethe goal of teaching effectively and efficiently (Rosyid Ridho, 2015).Anwar (2009: 10) argues that ”environmental stimuli will affect the formation ofrelationships between brain cells that coordinate various aspects of development,motor development, cognitive, language, social, emotional and spiritual. Ifenvironmental stimulation is lacking, unstimulated brain cells will gradually beeliminated”. Learning is an activity that requires a high concentration, a place thatcomfortable learning environment makes it easier learners for concentrate. Bypreparing the right environment, learners will get better results and can enjoy thelearning process that learners do. Gagne (Mariyana, 2005: 10) states that ”events in theenvironment will greatly affect the child's learning outcomes”. A systematic, plannedand orderly environment will help get the appropriate response from each child. This isconfirmed by Semiawan (Mariyana, 2005: 10) ”The better an environment is preparedthe higher of positive response we can take from the children logic”. Thus, there will bean increasingly relevant impact, tutor and parent are expectations too.Children born in the world in a state of incomplete, because of all instincts, physicalfunctions and spirituality have not been developed perfectly. Therefore the human childhas a long possibility for freely develop. What is meant by freedom developing here is tobe able to maintain his life and to be able to adjust to his environment (Murni, 2017) Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 253 METHODThe research method used is a descriptive method, with a qualitative approach. Datacollection techniques used are interview and observation techniques, data analysistechniques with data descriptions, data reduction and conclusions. Sources of data inthis study are four people informants consisting of one Early Childhood Education tutorin Noor Rakhmah, one headmaster and two parents of students. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A. Tutor's planning process of the management of early childhood learning environmentPlanning in managing a learning environment must be implemented, so the learningobjectives can meet various aspects of child development. According to Sudjana (1992:38) “planning includes a series of activities to determine the general goals and specificgoals”. The purpose of the management of the learning environment is to stimulatechildren into the learning environment, to facilitate aspects of child development, and toprovide opportunities for children move (Mariyana, 2005: 17-19). Children are sensitiveto receive all stimuli, namely during the period of physical and psychic functions areready to respond to all stimuli provided by the environment. Thus, the environment as anelement that supplies or provides some stimulus needs to get serious attention. Specialplanning and selection are required in order to provide a suitable and necessaryenvironment for the child. The accuracy of the environment provided will have an effecton the process and results in the child's behavior either directly or indirectly (Susilowati,2014)Based on results, the planning process interview conducted by the tutor in themanagement of the learning environment in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) NoorRakhmah is by preparing the theme of learning and preparing components that will beused. Tutors should consider what components will be applied to the learningenvironment. Suitable components in the learning environment will affect the child'slearning outcomes, through appropriate compositions such as decoration, drawing, colorselection, and other components that can make the child focus on learning activities. Ifthe children bored with the learning environment, tutors should have a specific planstrategy for additional. Creating a new environment for children is one way to attractchildren into the learning environment. It will find a new thing to learn a new activity inthe learning environment.The planning process conducted by tutor in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) NoorRakhmah to develop the children potential is by preparing various components that canstimulate the sensory, motoric, cognitive and moral development of children. Childdevelopment and child learning are explained by the developmental theory of JeanPiaget, which over the last few decades has greatly affected the practice of preschool orpre-school education. According to this theoretical view, children develop cognitivelythrough active involvement in their environment; each stage of development isintertwined and integrated with each other (Susilowati, 2014). Things that are preparedby the tutor is through learning media such as educational game tools, and utilize theexisting components in the environment to be used as a source of learning. In addition,the learning environment tailored to the child's developmental stage that refers toPermendiknas No 58 Tahun 2009. Level of child development achievement byPermendiknas No 58 Tahun 2009 organized by age group of children: 0 – <2 years; 2 – <4 Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 254 years; and 4 – ≤6 years. Levels of child development achievement include religious andmoral values, motor, cognitive, language, and social-emotional.The planning process is done simultaneously with the preparation of lesson plan (RPP),every day tutor designing an environmental component based on the theme of learning.In addition, tutors involve parents in planning the learning environment. Parents alsoprepare the components that will be used in the learning environment.The learning environment is not only about the physical, but the efficiency of the learningenvironment, and how to build the atmosphere in the learning environment that thelearning process can run well. The learning environment that is built must be able toprovide opportunities for activity and creativity in children freely to develop the variouspotentials it has as well as aspects of its development. B. The Implementation Process Performed by Tutor in Environmental Management of Early Childhood LearningImplementation is an application of the results of the design that has been determined.Teachers are expected to facilitate children by creating a pleasant environment thatchildren can always keep the title as an active agent (Hidayatulloh, 2014). For combiningthe various components In managing a learning environment requires a high skill andcreativity. According to Mariyana that (2005: 130-138) “The ability of a tutor is needed increating and managing the learning environment”, including:1. Build and manage the learning environment.2. Organize and create a learning environment.3. Maintain the safety of the learning environment.4. Maintaining the health of the learning environment.5. Competence in communication relations.The implementation process of managing the learning environment is tailored to theconcept. According to Mariyana (2005: 130) “Establishing and managing a learningenvironment for children requires the ability of teachers to create a conduciveatmosphere that children can learn with fun”. Based on the results of interviews, theimplementation carried out in establishing and managing the learning environment tocreate a conducive atmosphere for children is to pay attention to security, comfort,tidiness, and cleanliness. The child feels comfortable with the learning environment. Thelearning environment should be created that make children feel at home.Organize in the learning environment is made children focused on the learning given.Structuring the learning environment in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) NoorRakhmah tailored to the child's tastes and interest. According to John Dewey that (Yus,2011: 6-7) “Children's interests become important to learn. This interest is a reference todetermining a topic of learning”. The statement revealed that the arrangement of thelearning environment in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) Noor Rakhmah tailored tothe theme of learning. The learning environment should be able to create a fun learningenvironment. Such as an atmosphere of lively learning interaction, developingappropriate media, utilizing appropriate learning resources, motivating children toparticipate in the learning process, making the learning environment conducive. Creatinga learning environment in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) Noor Rakhmah is not doneevery day, it is done in accordance with the needs of the theme of learning. The learning Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 255 environment is usually done one hour before the learning begins. But, if the componentsthat will be used a lot and require a lot of time, then the management of the learningenvironment is done one day before the learning, which is at home, together with thepreparation of lesson plan for the next day.According to Mariyana (2005: 131) ”To organize and create a pleasant learningenvironment, the ability to choose, separate and put learning components together”. Thisis related to the essence of the learning to aspects of child development. All componentsused must have meaning for the child. Organize and create a learning environment doneby the tutor in accordance with the predefined learning theme. According to Yus (2011:84) “Theme determination based on child characteristics and learning materials. Inaddition, the tendency should make children's interest is also the basis for thedetermination of the theme”. Through the theme of learning is determined what mediawill be used later. Components that are used not only in the classroom, but tutors utilizethe conditions around the school environment that can be used as media/tools in thelearning process.Media commonly used in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) Noor Rakhmah iseducational game tools, print media, electronic media and utilize the existing potentialaround such as used goods and natural resources around.The learning environment is a place where children learn many things. The safety of thelearning environment is an important foundation for all teachers to have. Before alllearning activities begin, the teacher must ensure that each learning environment safe,Mariyana (2005: 132). The tutor exercises environmental control through the separationof objects that may endanger the child as well as objects that do not harm the child. Alsoaccording to Mariyana (2005: 137) “A healthy learning environment affects child health.The maintenance of learning media and familiarize children to wash hands after using themedia learning is one way to encourage children to do healthy living habits is a goodactivity that they usually do in the learning environment”.Managing the learning environment not only creates the appearance, but also the socialrelationships (1) in the learning environment need to be built. In addition to theinteractions that occur (2) the learning environment between tutors and learners, tutorsshould also be able to communicate with the school and parents of learners in managingthe learning environment. In this case, tutor's will collaborate with parents and theschool to create a good learning environment in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) NoorRakhmah. Activities are undertaken in the form of parenting programs. Parentingactivities carried out the making of learning media which later became school inventory.The activity is conducted once a month. By means of these activities components in alearning environment can be fulfilled. Parents, schools, and tutors should help each otheroptimize the management of the learning environment. C. The process of evaluation is conducted by Tutor in the management of early childhood learning environment.The condition of educational outcomes is strongly influenced by the variouscomponents. The position and role of teachers are often regarded as the mostresponsible component of the education system. The success of tutors in managing thelearning environment can be seen from the results that have been achieved based onthe goals that have been determined. According to Sudjana (1992: 39) assessmentrelated to the activities of collecting, processing and presenting information to be input Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 256 into decision making. The assessment results are feedback on the success of decision-making. The evaluation process conducted by the tutor is to see the results that can befelt directly about the management of the learning environment that has been created.In addition, the evaluation is conducted to see the impact on the management of thelearning environment on aspects of child development (Sunhaji, 2014; Anwar, 2009)The results of interviews as regards the evaluation process conducted by the tutor in themanagement of the learning environment that related to the results and impact. Thetutor performs the evaluation paradigm by observing, asking questions, drawing,coloring for the child to see the child's learning outcomes. Changes as a result of thelearning process can be shown in various forms such as changing knowledge,understanding, attitude, and behavior, skills and abilities, reactions, acceptance and otheraspects of the individual (Sudjana, 2000: 28)The management of the learning environment can be perceived directly by the child andthe tutor. Through the management of the learning environment, children need not beforced to enter a learning environment. The ideal learning environment affects thelearning outcomes of children. The changes it can be seen children become more focus onlearning activities. If the place in learning environment makes children comfortable, sothe results of learning would be better. Through the management of the learningenvironment, the learning process runs effectively and efficiently, both in terms of timeand appropriately to the content of the learning given. Good preparation andarrangement make it easy for tutors in the learning process.The impact out of the management conducted by the tutor was able to develop aspects ofchild development, through various components created by the tutor is able to stimulatethe development of children. The physical environment created makes the childinterested to enter into the learning environment. Through the environment, the stimuliare given able to develop aspects of child development.The management of the learning environment created in early childhood Noor Rakhmahhas an impact on child development aspects, including:1. Sensory DevelopmentThe learning environment affects the child's sensory development, through the objectsthey see and they feel capable of stimulating the senses of the child. Early ChildhoodEducation (PAUD) Noor Rakhmah used the surrounding environment as a learningresource such as plants, sand, stone, etc. can develop sensory in children.2. Motor DevelopmentThe environment will stimulate the physical growth of children, through the use of openland around the Early Childhood Education (PAUD) Noor Rakhmah able to provideopportunities for children to develop muscles, by running, jumping, tiptoe, and performother movements.3. Cognitive DevelopmentThe environment that is able to develop the cognitive aspects of the child is created bythe tutor, through the various components that exist in the learning environment. Thechild's ability to use his brain is thoroughly stimulated through remembering, grouping,recognizing and selecting activities. Such as the introduction are shapes, colors, patternsand other general knowledge. Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 257 4. Moral DevelopmentMoral development applied in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) Noor Rakhmah moreemphasized to religion. Through the learning environment created, the use of the mosqueas a place of learning is done by the tutor. Every day children are taught to performprayer activities before learning begins. Through a built learning environment thatencourages them to interact, ask, tell stories about the new environment they find. CONCLUSIONBased on the results of data analysis, It has been suggested that tutors in Early ChildhoodEducation (PAUD) Noor Rakhmah who became research samples is a good performer intheir role managing on learning environment. Even though they didn't have a higheducation background, they are able to manage a learning environment based on theirexperiences. Management of the learning environment needs to be done to facilitate thelearning process. In the process of teaching and learning, the environment is aninfluential learning resource in the process of learning and development of children. Thelearning environment is the place of learning activities, the environment that is thesource of learning has an influence on the learning process.1. Planning Process To Manage An Early Childhood Learning Environment by Tutor.Preparing learning resources related to the arrangement of the learning environment,selecting suitable media and adapted to the existing theme by the tutor, so themanagement of the learning environment can be done to meet the needs of the child.Through the designed planning can facilitate the tutor in creating a learningenvironment. The planning process is implemented every day together with thepreparation of lesson plan (RPP). Parents are also involved in the planning process tocreate a good learning environment.2. Implementation Process In Managing the Tutor Toward Environmental ManagementLearning Early ChildhoodBefore the learning begins, create a learning environment by the tutor. They have tocreate a conducive learning environment, so the children feel safe and comfortable. Theprocess of managing the learning environment is implemented through thearrangement of learning environment or area state. Each component applied by thetutor in the learning environment is chosen based on the child's need to develop thesensory, motor, cognitive and moral aspects of development. Selection of media as alearning resource selected tutors tailored to the theme of learning. Media used in theform of print media, electronic media, educational games, and utilization of thesurrounding environment to be a good source of learning for children. Implementationin managing the learning environment should always pay attention to environmentalcontrol for safety and cleanliness in the learning environment it can be maintained.That is important elements such as tutors, school, parents can be involved, themanagement of learning environment can work well. The ability of tutors inestablishing cooperation with the school and parents is able to optimize themanagement of the learning environment well. Disadvantages that exist in the learningenvironment such as facilities and infrastructure can be met through the cooperation.Tutors, the school, and parents together are doing activities to facilitate the learningenvironment in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) Noor Rakhmah. Jurnal Empowerment Volume 7 Nomor 2, September 2018 e-ISSN : 2580-7692 p-ISSN : 2252-4738 258 3. Evaluation processes conducted by Tutor in the management of early childhoodlearning environmentThe evaluation processes undertaken by the tutor aims to see results that can be feltdirectly, such as an impact on the child's development after managing the learningenvironment is made. The evaluation process is done by observing and conducting Q &A activities. Success can be seen from changes in children's attitude and learningoutcomes of children after applied learning environment. The management of thecreated learning environment is able to develop the sensory, motor, cognitive and moralaspects of the child's development. For example from the sensory aspect of the child canuse all the senses by way of learning media such as plants, from the motor aspect thechild is able to use all his muscles to run, utilizing open land around. Early ChildhoodEducation (PAUD) Noor Rakhmah, from the cognitive aspect of the child, is able to usethe whole brain as when receiving information, and from the moral aspect of the child isable to perform worship activities such as prayer. These things can be developed if onlythe existing learning environment is able to stimulate all aspects of child development. REFERENCESAnwar. (2009). Pendidikan Anak Dini Usia (PADU) Panduan Praktis Bagi Ibu dan Calon Ibu. Bandung: Alfabeta.Aqib, Z. (2011). 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