1. Introduction

Education is one of the basic necessities of human life(Fihris, 2015). The Indonesian education system comprises three main categories: Formal Education, Non-Formal Education, and Informal Education(Nasional, 2003). Formal education in Indonesia includes various levels such as Early Childhood Education, Elementary School, Junior High School, Senior High School, and Higher Education. Early Childhood Education (ECE) is an educational effort aimed at children from birth to six years of age. This stage focuses on providing educational stimuli to support physical and spiritual growth and development, preparing children for further education in Formal, Non-Formal, and Informal settings(Nasional, 2014).

In education, there are several key factors, one of which is the children or students. Education cannot occur without students. As a means of education, students undergo various stages of physical and spiritual growth and development. Early childhood, defined as ages 0-6 years, is a period of remarkable growth and development, often referred to as the "Golden Age." This development includes both the physical and psychological aspects of children(Masganti, 2017). Childhood is a crucial period influenced by various factors, particularly the reception of stimulation and treatment from the environment. The development process for children includes physical motor skills, cognitive abilities, religious and moral understanding, social and emotional skills, language, and art. However, the child's psychological or psychiatric development is equally important. Early stimulation from parents is critical for the child's overall development. A lack of stimulation can hinder a child's growth and development, affecting their long-term well-being and potential.

Humans who cannot experience happiness in their lives are often those suffering from mental disorders and diseases. Health is a lifelong necessity, and mental health, in particular, is crucial. Mental health refers to a person's condition that allows for the optimal and harmonious development of all aspects—physical, intellectual, and emotional—enabling them to interact effectively with their environment(Fakhriyan, 2019). Maintaining the mental health of young children is essential to ensure their development progresses appropriately for their age, without lagging behind their peers. Mental health is critically important, as more than 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental disorders, with Indonesia having the highest number in Southeast Asia, according to the Global Health Exchange Survey.

Preserving mental health from an early age involves the combined efforts of teachers, parents, and families. The family is the first environment to influence a child's development, while teachers assume this role at school. Teacher professionalism is crucial in achieving educational goals by creating engaging learning experiences that consider children's learning situations and conditions. Effective emotion management is key to maintaining children's mental health, and this largely depends on the strategies teachers use to care for their students' mental well-being(Djayadin & Munastiwi, 2020).

Maintaining the mental health of young children, especially in school, is crucial during their emotional and social development. Mentally healthy children are better equipped to face challenges, form positive relationships with peers, and perform well academically. In today's digital age, children are more vulnerable to stress and anxiety due to social media exposure and academic pressure. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased psychological burdens with significant changes in learning routines and social interactions.

The impact of the COVID-19 virus on the education sector is evident from the government policies implemented(Gersons et al., 2020). In 2022, as the government began to manage the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively, a new policy was introduced in the education sector to implement limited offline learning. This policy requires the continuation of strict health protocols and the equitable provision of vaccinations to both educators and students.

During the pandemic, educational institutions across Indonesia were forced to switch to online learning(Fitri & Abdul Latif, 2021)(Formen & Waluyo, 2023)(Milla et al., 2021)(Shreenidhi et al., 2020). Although the situation is improving, the government has introduced limited offline learning in green zone areas. The Joint Ministerial Decree mandates that schools with fully vaccinated staff can conduct limited face-to-face learning, while still maintaining health and distance learning protocols. Despite widespread support for this move, some parents remain hesitant to send their children back to school(Kemendikbud, 2021). Therefore, it is essential for schools to create an environment that supports children's mental health. This can be achieved through programs that teach emotion management skills, provide counseling, and promote a culture of inclusion and empathy. These measures aim to help children develop into mentally healthy individuals who are ready to face various challenges in the future.

Children's development is highly dependent on how they understand the subject matter. Difficulties in comprehension can affect children's mental health, especially during the pandemic when home learning posed significant challenges. Even with limited face-to-face learning, parents continue to play a crucial role in supporting their children's learning at home. Maintaining children's mental health during the return to face-to-face learning is essential for their overall development.

Teachers need to understand the characteristics of early childhood and their responsibilities in humanitarian, professional, and societal aspects. Their nurturing strategies at school are critical to helping children understand and adapt to offline learning. Additionally, teachers must be aware of children's mental health issues, such as stress or trauma resulting from the pandemic.

Parents, teachers, and families play a major role in addressing children's mental health issues, as they are the primary environment that profoundly affects children's cognitive, social, and emotional development(Djayadin & Munastiwi, 2020). Creating a fair