Unprepared management decreases education performance in kindergartens during Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the education sector, including kindergartens. Kindergarten principals and teachers make extra effort to maintain their education performance. This research aims to identify problems of the “learning from home” policy in kindergarten education and formulate possible solutions to overcome them. It involved 15 respondents from different regions in Indonesia. Data were collected through several methods, including face-to-face interviews, phone interviews, and online interviews through messaging services. The research result showed that many kindergarten management boards encountered difficulties in fulfilling planned education schedules and had the low achievement of objective targets. The problems existed in teachers, parents, and mainly students. Most teachers faced problems in creating interactive education materials and conducting an evaluation. Parents had hard times in assisting their children due to their busy activities and low pedagogical competence. Children had hard times due to limited resources for online learning. This research suggests solutions such as improving the mastery of information and communication technology (ICT), especially for teachers, parents, and children. However, the education system's long-term reform is needed to prepare for facing the possible catastrophe that affects the education system. It may include integrating online learning in the traditional education system and the development of supporting infrastructure and facilities.