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 9th year at Jack & Jill. This is her first year of directorship. 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. Karen and her husband, along with their two girls, live in Derby.

Leslee Johnson

Teacher

Hello, my name is Leslee Johnson. 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's in Social Work. I live in Derby with my husband, son, and daughter.

Cindy Spicer

Teacher

Hi! My name is Cindy Spicer. This is my sixth year teaching at Jack and Jill Preschool. I have an Early Childhood Education degree from K-State and 25 years of experience teaching preschool before I cam to Jack and Jill. My husband Bill and I live in West Wichita. We have two grown sons. I am excited to share this year's adventures in learning with you and your children.

Janet Postier

Mrs. Postier aids MWF AM Classroom A and teaches MWF PM and TTH PM.

Ms Kelly

My name is Kelly Snead and I will be your child’s teacher at Jack and Jill Preschool for the upcoming school year. I live in Derby with my husband, two daughters, two dogs, and guinea pig. We are transplants to Derby thanks to the Air Force and have been here for 11 years. We love Derby! My two daughters both attended Jack and Jill Preschool and they are now 13 and 14. This is how my connection to Jack and Jill began. I was a parent board member for three years and after my youngest was in elementary school, I began working at Jack and Jill as a teacher aide.

This will be my second year as a lead teacher. I have a bachelor's degree from Kansas State University. I have worked in preschool/childcare for over 7 years and I have worked with children ages 2 months to 5 years. My favorite thing about working with younger children is their genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to learn. I am excited to meet my class and get our year started!

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 48 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.