Child Health Effects of Montessori-Based Early Childhood Interventions on Motor and Language Development in Children with Stunting: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Stunting remains a major global child health problem and is strongly associated with impaired neurodevelopment, particularly in motor and language domains. Structured early childhood stimulation, such as Montessori-based approaches, may enhance neurodevelopmental processes through sensory-motor and language-enriched activities. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a Montessori-based early childhood intervention on motor and language development among children with stunting. Methods: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted among 120 children with stunting in two community health centers (Puskesmas) in Indonesia from November 2024 to April 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention consisted of structured Montessori-based sessions targeting fine motor, gross motor, sensory, and language stimulation, delivered twice weekly for 12 weeks (30–45 minutes/session), with additional caregiver-guided home activities. The control group received standard child health services. Motor and language development were assessed using validated standardized instruments (e.g., Denver Developmental Screening Test II), with established reliability and culturally adapted use. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat principles and between-group comparisons. Results: The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in motor and language development scores compared with the control group (p<0.05), with large effect sizes, indicating clinically meaningful gains. Conclusion: Montessori-based early childhood interventions significantly improve motor and language development in children with stunting and offer a feasible, scalable strategy to strengthen community-based child health programs.