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/Teacher
Karen begins her 15th 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.
This year Mrs. Riggins will be Director along with teaching the MWF AM and TTH AM in Classroom C.
Janet Postier - Teacher
Hi! My name is Janet Postier. This is my 14th 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.
This year Mrs. Postier will be teaching the MWF AM and PM in Classroom A.
Leslee Johnson - Teacher
Hello, my name is Leslee Johnson. This is my eighth-year teaching at Jack and Jill Preschool. I will be the teacher for the Tuesday and Thursday AM in classroom A. 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 fifth 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
Ms. Stephanie will be teaching the M-F AM and PM in Classroom B.
Jennifer Nguyen-Teacher aide
My name is Jennifer Nguyen, and I am excited to join Jack and Jill as a Teacher’s Aide. While this is my first year here, my journey in early childhood education began with professional work with infants and toddlers at a childcare center and continuing through dedicated service as a volunteer in our church nursery program. Most recently, I served as the primary homeschool instructor for my two children, where I specialized in fostering a lifelong love for learning. These diverse experiences have taught me the importance of patience, adaptability, and creating a nurturing space where every child feels valued. Outside the classroom, I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family.
Teri Leiter-Teacher aide
Hello, my name is Teri Leiter. I recently moved to Derby after living in Florida for 35 years. I grew up in Northern NY and have spent most of my career working with and caring for people. I also had the wonderful experience of working as a nanny for several years. I am excited to begin this new chapter and to have the opportunity to work with children. I look forward to getting to know all the kiddos and helping make their preschool experience fun, happy and full of learning. I’m so excited to be a part of the Jack & Jill Preschool family. ❤️ Miss Teri
Kristina Jocobs-Office assistant
Hello, my name is Kristina Jacobs. I have been a proud member of the Derby community since 2014. The Air Force brought me to Derby, and I have been fortunate to call it home ever since. I have two energetic boys who keep me busy and make life fun!
I look forward to supporting the staff and families of Jack and Jill Preschool and being part of such a wonderful community.
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.