<![CDATA[This study is motivated by the importance of strengthening the transition period of students from early childhood education to elementary school as part of the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum through the development of six foundational competencies in the early phase of primary education. This study aims to describe the implementation of transition strengthening for first-grade students based on six foundational competencies at MI Manbail Huda Jenu Tuban and to identify supporting factors and obstacles in its implementation. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach. The research subjects consisted of first-grade teachers and students, while data collection techniques were conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was carried out through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the implementation of transition strengthening was carried out through religious habituation activities, adaptive and enjoyable learning processes, the use of varied learning media, and strengthening students’ social interactions oriented toward the development of six foundational competencies, namely religious and moral values, social and language skills, emotional maturity, readiness for literacy and numeracy, motor development and independence, and positive learning engagement. The implementation was supported by teachers’ commitment and a conducive school environment; however, several obstacles were found, including differences in students’ early literacy readiness and diverse preschool educational backgrounds.]]>
