The Office of Academic Service, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Tha Krasoem Subdistrict Administrative Organization, organized the project “Promotion and Capacity Development of Early Childhood Development Center Personnel” during August 9–10, 2025, at Tha Krasoem Subdistrict, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province. The program was designed to address real challenges in the community, including issues in child development, oral health, and communication with parents, while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by nurturing quality citizens from the earliest stages of life.
The opening ceremony was honored by Mr. Prasit Klangklang, Chief Executive of Tha Krasoem Subdistrict Administrative Organization, who welcomed participants, and Asst. Prof. Surapon Nesusin, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Academic Services, Office of Academic Service, KKU, who delivered the opening address. In his remarks, Asst. Prof. Surapon emphasized the importance of investing in early childhood development, describing it as laying the strongest foundations for society, and reaffirmed Khon Kaen University’s mission to bring academic knowledge and innovation into service for the community.
The initiative arose from an in-depth analysis of the problems and needs faced by local early childhood centers. These included children’s excessive use of mobile phones, tooth decay, impolite speech, and short attention spans, alongside teachers’ need for continuous professional development and modern communication tools to foster stronger relationships with parents. In response, the Office of Academic Service designed a workshop-based curriculum tailored to these specific issues.
Over the course of two intensive days, teachers and childcare personnel received training from experts at the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Kindergarten Division). The sessions, led by Ms. Sukhuma Aekarum, Assistant Director for Academic and Research Affairs, and Ms. Thiparat Bangkom, introduced participants to essential knowledge and techniques for strengthening early childhood education. Teachers were guided to understand executive functions of the brain and apply this knowledge to create activities that enhance thinking skills. They also explored the role of play-based learning in fostering concentration and holistic child development, practiced positive communication methods to encourage discipline and cooperation, and engaged in innovative approaches to integrating oral health care into everyday teaching.
Reflecting on the project, Asst. Prof. Surapon explained that the Office of Academic Service is committed to proactive, community-driven initiatives. The goal, he said, was not merely to provide training but to create sustainable change, ensuring that teachers gain up-to-date knowledge, develop the capacity to integrate digital tools into communication with parents, and ultimately contribute to the expansion of lifelong learning programs in the future.
The project demonstrates strong alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It also reflects the joint commitment of Khon Kaen University and local organizations to building a better future for society. Funding for the initiative was provided by the Research, Innovation, and Academic Service Fund of the Office of Academic Service, KKU.
The project was led by Ms. Ueangfa Wansit with the support of Mr. Praphaporn Khanchai, Ms. Saowalak Racham, and Mr. Chanachai Ritsongmuang. News was reported by Ms. Saowalak Racham, with photography by Mr. Tiwakorn Kacharoen. The program was organized by the Office of Academic Service, Khon Kaen University.
