Strong Foundations, Bright Futures

Gateway to Early Learning is a comprehensive early childhood education program in Columbia Falls, Montana, serving children ages 3 months to 5 years. We provide high quality infant care, nurturing toddler experiences, and intentional preschool programming designed to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

What We Offer

We are a year-round childcare program, offering Early Childhood Education services through the school year and summer! Below are our current rates for the 2026-2027 term. 

Infant & Toddler
Care


4 Days: $1,000 per month
5 Days: $1,250 per month

Preschool
Care


4 Days: $950 per month
5 Days: $1,150 per month

Part-Time
Care


3 Days: $750 per month
(any age)

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM-4:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

The program is closed annually during all major nationally recognized holidays.

Children working on a craft project with colorful paper, scissors, glue, and markers on a wooden table.

A Purposeful Learning Environment

ENROLL

This academic year, we are excited to implement the newly refreshed Creative Curriculum by Learning Strategies.

This research-based framework provides developmentally appropriate, real world learning experiences that prepare children for long term success.

Creative Curriculum allows children to explore meaningful studies, practice real life skills, and engage deeply with concepts that build critical thinking, language, literacy, mathematics, and problem solving abilities. Combined with our existing use of Frog Street, Second Step, Conscious Discipline, and Handwriting Without Tears, this approach ensures that children are developing both academic and foundational life skills.

Our classrooms are structured yet play-based. Children learn through centers, hands-on exploration, outdoor experiences, music and movement, guided instruction, and meaningful conversation.

A digitally illustrated plant with red leaves on a dark background.

Behavior Expectations and Emotional Growth


A safe environment is essential for learning. Unsafe behaviors such as biting, hitting, kicking, or inappropriate language are not tolerated in our classrooms. When challenging behaviors occur, parents are informed and an individualized behavior plan is developed to support the child’s growth.

Our approach to behavior is grounded in Conscious Discipline, founded by Dr. Becky Bailey. This philosophy equips children with tools to recognize emotions, make positive choices, navigate peer relationships, and strengthen self regulation skills. Rather than simply correcting behavior, we teach children how to understand and manage it.

Clear expectations, consistent responses, and individualized support create a learning environment where all children can feel secure. These early lessons in accountability and emotional awareness prepare children not only for Kindergarten, but for every classroom that follows.

Purple flowers with green stems and multiple buds, rooted in soil.

The Power of Relationships


Relationships are the foundation of our program. Our educators spend long days with your children during some of the most formative years of their lives. We take seriously the responsibility of building trust, safety, and mutual respect with each student.

We also value strong partnerships with families. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, our program thrives when families are engaged, invested, and empowered to help shape our future. We believe that understanding each child’s unique needs begins with knowing and supporting their family.

Our team remains committed to ongoing professional development and staying informed on current research and best practices in Early Childhood Education. Together, through strong relationships and shared expectations, we create an environment where children can confidently grow, explore, and prepare for what lies ahead.

Illustration of wheat stalks with multiple heads and long stems against a black background.

Communication and Partnership


Strong communication strengthens student success. We utilize the Playground childcare app to streamline billing, daily activity updates, classroom communication, and announcements. Families are always welcome to connect in person with their child’s teacher regarding progress, academic questions, or daily needs.

Direct program-level questions, concerns, or ideas to Samantha Cheetham to ensure clarity and consistency. Parent Teacher Conferences are offered twice per year following major assessment checkpoints. While optional, these meetings are highly encouraged as they provide valuable insight into your child’s academic, social, emotional, and developmental progress.

Consistent, respectful, and intentional communication allows us to collaborate effectively. Our shared goal is not simply to provide care, but to support each child’s long term educational success.

Children's hands reaching for painted rocks on a wooden table, with markers, drawings, and decoration supplies scattered around.