S1 PG-PAUD UNESA Supports Human Resource Development Through Collaboration with the Madiun Regency Education Office
The Undergraduate Program of Early Childhood Education (S1 PG-PAUD) at Universitas Negeri Surabaya has strengthened its commitment to educational development through a strategic collaboration with the Education and Culture Office of Madiun Regency. The partnership was officially established on 15 August 2024 through a cooperation agreement between the Madiun Regency Education Office and the Institute of Education and Professional Certification of Universitas Negeri Surabaya. The agreement focuses on improving the quality of human resources and enhancing teacher competencies. Through this initiative, both institutions aim to provide greater educational opportunities for early childhood educators. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing educational quality and professional development.
One of the primary objectives of the partnership is to support early childhood education teachers in pursuing higher education through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) pathway. This program allows experienced educators to continue their academic studies while receiving recognition for their professional experience and prior learning achievements. The initiative is designed to increase access to higher education for teachers who have not yet obtained a bachelor’s degree. Through the RPL pathway, participants can accelerate their academic journey while maintaining their professional responsibilities. The program contributes to the development of a more qualified and competent early childhood education workforce.
The collaboration specifically targets PAUD teachers within Madiun Regency who meet the established eligibility criteria. Participants are required to have teaching experience, possess at least a senior secondary school qualification, and be at least twenty-two years of age. The program focuses on enrolling educators in the S1 PG-PAUD Study Program at Universitas Negeri Surabaya. Through this opportunity, teachers can enhance their academic qualifications and strengthen their professional competencies. The initiative is expected to create positive impacts on educational quality within early childhood education institutions throughout the region.
As part of the agreement, the Madiun Regency Education Office provides educational financial assistance for selected participants. The support is allocated in the form of tuition assistance to help teachers complete their undergraduate studies. This financial commitment demonstrates the local government's dedication to investing in teacher development and educational improvement. By reducing financial barriers, the program enables more educators to pursue higher education opportunities. Such support plays an important role in strengthening the professional capacity of early childhood educators.
The partnership also emphasizes continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure the successful implementation of the program. Universitas Negeri Surabaya is responsible for managing academic activities, determining student eligibility, and providing regular reports on participants’ academic progress. Meanwhile, the Education Office monitors the effectiveness of the program and supports participating teachers throughout their studies. This collaborative approach ensures accountability and promotes the achievement of program objectives. The cooperation serves as a model for strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions and local government agencies.
A total of 53 participants were enrolled in the S1 PG-PAUD Study Program through this initiative, demonstrating strong commitment from both institutions to educational advancement. The program is designed to be completed within four semesters, depending on the results of the Recognition of Prior Learning assessment. Throughout the implementation period, participants will receive academic guidance and institutional support to ensure the successful completion of their studies. The collaboration highlights the importance of investing in teacher education as a foundation for improving early childhood learning outcomes. Through this partnership, S1 PG-PAUD UNESA continues to expand its contribution to professional development, educational innovation, and human resource improvement in Indonesia.