Who We Are
We are a Preschool who has served the Derby community for 50 years. Our experienced staff teach children a theme-based curriculum centered around kindergarten readiness using research-based methods. We offer 2-day, 3-day or 5-day preschool classes for three- and four-year-old children.
Jack and Jill Preschool provides children an excellent education in a loving and Christian environment. Our focus is to provide age-appropriate activities based on the following beliefs:
Children learn best by doing.
Children benefit from planned educational activities.
For children, play is work.
Goals:
Kindergarten readiness, through knowledge of shapes and colors, as well as letter and number recognition
Exposure to art, music, books and sharing time
Provide an environment rich in manipulative play and learning activities
Develop social relationships
Meet The Team
Karen Riggins - Director
Karen begins her 14th year at Jack & Jill. She has taught the threes and fours here at the preschool. Her experience includes working for five years as an Early Childhood Special Education Para in the Derby School District. She also ran her own daycare in Derby for two years and was a Room Leader at Travis AFB Child Development Center in California for 6 1/2 years.
Janet Postier - Teacher
Hi! My name is Janet Postier. This is my 13th year at Jack and Jill. I love working with children and helping them learn and grow before entering kindergarten. I volunteer at the Woodlawn UMC in the children’s department, and I am the nursery coordinator. I am looking forward to meeting your child and working with them this year.
Leslee Johnson - Teacher
Hello, my name is Leslee Johnson. This is my seventh-year teaching at Jack and Jill Preschool. I will be the teacher for the Tuesday and Thursday AM and MWF AM classes. I graduated from Dodge City Community College with an Associates degree in Early Childhood and from Pittsburg state with a Bachelors in Social Work.
Stephanie Johnson - Teacher
Hello, my name is Stephanie Johnson. I have lived in derby for seventeen years. I am a mother to three children. I ran a daycare in my home for eleven years while my children were young. I am a member of Woodlawn United Methodist Church where I volunteer with children and youth ministries. My faith calls me to work with children. This will be my fourth year with Jack & Jill Preschool. I am so excited for the school year to start. I can’t wait to meet all the kiddos and help prepare them for grade school. ♥️ Mrs. Stephanie
Dana Stone- Teacher
Hi! My name is Dana Stone. I am the lead teacher of the M-F AM class. I have worked with children in daycare for 12 years. I have 6 kids and 12 grandkids, 3 dogs, and a 2 Guinea Pigs who come to school with me during the week. This is my second year at Jack and Jill Preschool. I am looking forward to an exciting year with your children.
Riley Herring-Teacher's Aide
Hi! My name is Riley Herring. This will be my first year as a teacher aide at Jack and Jill Preschool. I will be helping in the T/TH AM classes. I have Spent the last two years working with kindergartners in the AmeriCorps and Latchkey programs through USD 260. I love getting to work with younger age kids and I am excited for this school year!
Lainey Abbot-Teacher's Aide
Hello! My name is Lainey Abbot. I’m excited to start my first year aiding at Jack and Jill in the M-F AM class. It’s always been a joy for me to care for young kids, and I love to help bring joy to them also. I can’t wait to welcome your children to the new school year!
History
In 1967, an idea was formed by some mothers concerned because there was not a place, outside of attending Sunday School, for their children to be with other children before entering kindergarten. Mrs. Miriam Brubaker convinced the Administrative Board at Woodlawn UMC to allow the use of a room in Fellowship Hall to be used for a preschool to serve the community needs. The preschool opened in the fall of 1968. Now, over 55 years later, Jack & Jill is still dedicated to fostering the development of preschool children. Under the direction of a trained staff, the school provides an opportunity for young children to learn through active involvement with their environment.