IMPROVING MOTHERS' KNOWLEDGE REGARDING TODDLER GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH IBU CERDAS (MOTHERS LEARN CAREFULLY IN STIMULATING CHILDREN'S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FROM AN EARLY AGE)

Abstract

Monitoring child growth and development is an essential strategy to support optimal child development. However, many mothers still have limited understanding of age-appropriate developmental stimulation. This community service program, entitled Ibu CERDAS (Smart, Responsive, and Active in Child Development Stimulation), was conducted at Posyandu ILP Cenderawasih, Jogoyudan, Lumajang, Indonesia, to improve mothers' understanding of child growth, development, and early developmental stimulation. The program employed a participatory educational approach consisting of health education, interactive discussions, demonstrations, and practical sessions on age-appropriate developmental stimulation. The activity was carried out by lecturers and students from the Diploma III Nursing Study Program, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Jember Lumajang Campus, in collaboration with Posyandu ILP Cenderawasih. The results showed that participants actively engaged throughout the program, participated enthusiastically in discussions, and were able to perform developmental stimulation techniques correctly based on direct observation during the activities. Educational leaflets were also distributed to support continuous learning for families and community health volunteers. This community service activity contributed to strengthening family empowerment and enhancing the role of community health posts in promoting child growth and development through community-based health education. Keywords: child development; community health education; developmental stimulation; growth monitoring; integrated health post