<![CDATA[This study addresses the challenges in implementing the Independent Curriculum (Kurikulum Merdeka) in early childhood education, particularly the persistent reliance on rote learning and insufficient support for children’s social-emotional development. The research aims to explore how an experience-based approach under the Independent Curriculum fosters social-emotional growth among early childhood learners at PAUD Sofela in Ambon. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive design, data were collected through classroom observations, in-depth interviews with teachers and the school principal, and document analysis. The findings reveal that the experience-based approach significantly enhances children’s social-emotional competencies, including communication, collaboration, empathy, emotion regulation, and independence. Teachers effectively transition from traditional instructors to facilitators who create meaningful, play-based learning environments aligned with children’s developmental stages. Despite positive outcomes, challenges such as limited teacher training, inadequate learning facilities, and inconsistent parental involvement remain. The study concludes that the Independent Curriculum, when implemented through authentic experiences and supportive classroom environments, substantially promotes holistic social-emotional development in early childhood. Continuous professional development, improved infrastructure, and stronger home-school collaboration are recommended to optimize its implementation. These insights contribute to early childhood education practices and policy development in Indonesia.]]>
