<![CDATA[Early Childhood Education (ECE) plays a crucial role in shaping the foundation of a child’s long-term development. Various studies indicate that children who receive early education possess stronger memory retention (Hurt), develop reading abilities between the ages of 4–9 years (Bloom), and have cognitive systems and intellectual processes that differ from those of adults (Piaget). This study employs a literature review method to examine the implementation of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) within Indonesia’s ECE curriculum. DAP is a holistic learning approach that aligns with children’s cognitive, motor, socio emotional, and linguistic development, emphasizing hands on experiences and social interaction. From the perspective of Tarbiyah Islamiyah, the application of DAP not only aims to optimize child development but also represents an educational trust (amanah) grounded in divine values as reflected in Q.S. Al-Ahqaf [46]:15, which highlights the responsibility of parents to nurture a faithful and righteous generation. Therefore, integrating DAP into the ECE curriculum is expected to enhance the quality of joyful and meaningful learning while fostering children’s character to be well mannered, God conscious, and balanced between their fitrah and intellect. The main recommendations of this study include developing contextual guidelines for DAP implementation and providing continuous training for ECE teachers to integrate DAP principles with Islamic educational values.]]>
