Examining the Role of P5 Activities in Promoting Character Development in Early Childhood Education

This study investigates the role of P5 (Projek Penguatan Profil Pelajar Pancasila) activities in supporting character development in Group B children at TKIT Syeikh Abdurrauf, Banda Aceh. P5 is a project-based learning approach within the Merdeka Curriculum designed to cultivate Pancasila values in students. This research employed a qualitative descriptive method, with data collected through in-depth interviews and documentation involving the school principal and three Group B teachers across four consecutive semesters (2022–2024), selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis followed Miles and Huberman's model through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with validity ensured through source and method triangulation. The findings indicate that P5 implementation has facilitated the emergence of six dimensions of the Pancasila Student Profile—faith and piety toward God Almighty, appreciation of global diversity, mutual cooperation, independence, critical thinking, and creativity—with critical thinking being the most prominently observed trait. Positive outcomes were identified across multiple stakeholders: children showed improvements in cooperation, independence, and creativity; the institution gained recognition as a model school; parents demonstrated increased enrollment interest; and teachers enhanced their professional competence in designing contextual learning activities. This study offers practical insights for early childhood education institutions seeking to adopt project-based character education aligned with Pancasila values.