Frequently Asked Questions

What is our learning philosophy?

Children learn best through hands-on experiences with people, materials, events, and ideas. Hands-on learning experiences, both indoors and out, encourage preschoolers to interact with their peers, which promote social and emotional development.

We encourage our students to:

Work collaboratively with others
Share
Problem solve
Communicate one’s feelings appropriately

How do our students learn?

Selah’s students learn through exploration of a study, whether it may be the human body, dinosaurs, or the changing seasons. Our studies are school-wide and are determined by the interest/abilities of the students, teachers and upcoming events. Selah staff will lead the students through the following 3 Stages of Learning:

Discovery: Introduction to study, skill or objective… All together!
Exploration: Student led, hands-on experiences of study… With help!
Application: Integrating concept into real life… On their own!

How will preschool prepare my child for Kindergarten?

Our quality preschool will help your child learn the academic and social/emotional skills necessary to give them a successful start to kindergarten. Twice a year we formally assess our students' progress and ensure that we are addressing the MT Common Core standards in our learning. We have defined curriculum with structured lesson plans in which our teachers plan developmentally appropriate and diverse activities with nine objectives in mind.

Our 9 Developmental Objectives are:

Cognitive Development
Literacy Development
Language & Writing
Development
Mathematic Development
Creative Development
Science & Natural Development
Social & Emotional Development
Physical Development
Spiritual Development

Using these objectives, we plan regular “checkpoints” of your child’s progress and make sure that they are meeting the benchmarks necessary for success.

What will the classroom environment feel like?

Current early childhood research indicates the great influence a child’s environment has on their learning, development and creativity. Selah’s vision for your child’s learning environment is that the classroom feels:

Encouraging: Kids feel safe and inspired to be the unique child that God has created them to be.
Nurturing: Our teachers are compassionate and caring toward the students and help to develop sound social/emotional skills.
Engaging: We provide hands-on centers and educational activities, giving students the necessary tools to learn and grow.
Inspiring: We model growth mindset and strengthen creative expression and exploration in your child.

What curriculum does Selah use in the classroom?

Selah is passionate about staying current with the best teaching methodology for young children and has spent extensive time researching curriculum.

The Beginner’s Bible:
Full of faith and fun, The Beginner's Bible is a wonderful gift for any child. The easy-to-read text and bright, full-color illustrations on every page make it a perfect way to introduce young children to the stories and characters of the Bible.
Learning Without Tears:
The Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum draws from years of innovation and research to provide developmentally appropriate, multisensory strategies for early writing. The program follows research of how children learn best and includes materials that address all styles of learning.
2nd Step Social/Emotional Curriculum:
A fun and engaging curriculum designed to help our students grow character, learn to listen and pay attention, control their behavior and get along with others. 2nd Step utilized music, puppets, role-play and much more!
Zoo Phonics Curriculum:
“This is a well-crafted Language Arts program that works for all children.” Zoo-phonics, with its cast of child-pleasing Animal Characters, has made a dramatic impact on the beginning reading program at our school. Three, four, and five-year-old students are sounding letters, blending letters, building words and reading. It is delightful to see and hear the students as they internalize the sound-letter relationship in a natural, fun way.

What is the difference between Selah At School and Selah Online?

Parents and students have a chance to emerge stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic by having convenient online access to a quality, Christ-centered, hands-on preschool education.

Selah At School vs. Selah Online
Both classes with Selah At School and Selah Online will have the same values- a Christ-centered, hands-on education with a relational focus. They both will use the same curriculum, have a similar scope and sequence (studies) and the same standards.

Selah At School

Traditional in-class preschool with face to face instruction
Play-based learning
Practice social/emotional skills with peers
Hands-on education
Build community/ make friends
Weekly schedule with consistent routine
Firm class time
Less parent involvement with instruction
Parent/Teacher conferences and teacher support
Assessments twice a year

Selah Online

Virtual preschool with face to face video instruction
Practice social/emotional skills outside the classroom
Hands-on education
Build community/make friends through Google Classroom and Facebook
Weekly schedule with consistent routine
Flexible, convenient class time
More parent involvement with instruction
Virtual support from teachers

What is the goal in our Christ-centered learning environment?

We want to show our students who Jesus is, have an opportunity to serve our neighbor and learn how to care for God’s creation.

What does Christ-centered education look like?

Christ-centered education starts with God’s relational design for his world and his people. It morns sin and helps us to see how every area of life is broken and calling out for Christ’s healing and renewal. Parents and students will see God honoring excellence in creative teaching methods, delightful course activities, an imaginative learning environment and high expectations for learning.

How will my student be challenged and changed?

There is much more to a Christ-centered preschool education than delivering facts and training skills. Christ followers are called to be transformed (Romans 12:2). Christ-centered education, whether in person or online, should inspire and equip learners to think and live differently. Students will be inspired to use what they learn so that they can be the hands and feet of Jesus in their home, church and community.

How will students and parents be cared for?

Jesus calls us to love with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. He said it that way because he wants us to connect our minds with every part of our being. Learners are whole people, and this will be reflected in online learning, too. Students should be treated with respect and kindness. Parents will get the support and training they need in order to successfully guide their child in the learning process. Whether online or at school Selah teachers will be available to give personalized feedback, phone calls, video meetings and email exchanges.

If I sign my child up for online classes, how long are they registered?

Subscriptions are on a month to month basis. Class starts on September 9, 2020 and runs until May 21, 2021. Once your child is enrolled, placement in the class is effective immediately and your child will remain enrolled until cancellation notice is provided. If you choose to discontinue the Chickadee class, Selah must be notified via email (selahschool@efcb.org) 30 DAYS PRIOR to the first class of any month. Payment is due whether or not my student attends class once notice is given. Any unused tuition amount is forfeited. Selah will not prorate monthly tuition. Selah cannot credit tuition for class time missed due to illness, vacation, holidays, or scheduled closures.