RAGGEDY ANN PRESCHOOL
Celebrating 60 Years of Play-Based Learning!
For six decades, Raggedy Ann Preschool has proudly served the community as a nurturing, play-to-learn preschool. We believe that children learn best through play, and we use it to build the social and academic skills they need to succeed throughout their educational journey.
As a ministry of Grace United Methodist Church, we're able to offer:
- Small class sizes with two adults in every classroom
- A flexible, interest-based curriculum tailored to each child's developmental needs
- Fun field trips and community outreach programs with local partners like the library, South Bend Waste Management, and St. Joseph County Soil Conservation
- Music class twice a week with Ms. Pat
- A fenced-in playground, outdoor learning environment, and a large indoor gym for active play - rain or shine!
At Raggedy Ann Preschool, learning is joyful, hands-on, and full of discovery.
RAGGEDY ANN PRESCHOOL STAFF
Kim Holder
Alison Derdzinski
Brandi Davis
Director
I have been with Raggedy Ann Preschool for 6 years. My favorite thing about Grace UMC is its heart. The people understand the assignment- to uplift, support, and help others. I love that there are so many members with many talents and gifts that roll up their sleeves and dive in to do God's work.
Brandi Davis
Alison Derdzinski
Brandi Davis
Teacher
I am delighted to be joining the Raggedy Ann team this year for my first year teaching preschool. While my previous teaching experience has been at the elementary level, I have found my transition to the preschool setting to be very rewarding. It’s such a privilege to help establish the earliest foundation of education. There is n
Teacher
I am delighted to be joining the Raggedy Ann team this year for my first year teaching preschool. While my previous teaching experience has been at the elementary level, I have found my transition to the preschool setting to be very rewarding. It’s such a privilege to help establish the earliest foundation of education. There is no greater joy than seeing the world through the eyes of a child. I’m already loving my time here and feel so welcomed by the entire Grace family.
Alison Derdzinski
Alison Derdzinski
Alison Derdzinski
Teacher
I love the community Grace is building. That community spills into Raggedy Ann Preschool with donations, special readers, and music class. I love Raggedy Ann because we have the flexibility to change lesson plans for the needs of our students and work closely with families. I also get to be a big kid at playtime!
Robert Athey
Josie Robinett
Alison Derdzinski
Teacher's Aide
Hi! My name is Robert Athey, but my students know me as Mr. Robert. I’ve been part of the Raggedy Ann Preschool family for three years, starting out as a substitute teacher and now working as both a teacher and aide.
I’m married to my wonderful wife, Becky, and we have two amazing children, Oliver and Matilda (Tillie), both p
Teacher's Aide
Hi! My name is Robert Athey, but my students know me as Mr. Robert. I’ve been part of the Raggedy Ann Preschool family for three years, starting out as a substitute teacher and now working as both a teacher and aide.
I’m married to my wonderful wife, Becky, and we have two amazing children, Oliver and Matilda (Tillie), both proud graduates of Raggedy Ann. These days, they attend Marshall Traditional Elementary School in South Bend, where I’m also active in the PTO, helping plan fun events for the students.
When I’m not in the classroom, my hobbies tend to be creative outlets: painting, building models and dioramas, and cooking. I also love playing tabletop and video games, and diving into a good comic book series (or just a good book in general).
What I love most about Raggedy Ann Preschool is the incredible impact we make. It’s so rewarding to help lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and success!
Josie Robinett
Josie Robinett
Josie Robinett
Teacher's Aide
My name is Josie Robinett. I recently graduated from LaVille High School and am currently studying Early Childhood Education and Human Services at Ivy Tech. I have been attending Grace UMC most of my life; it has become like a second home to me. One of my favorite things about working at Raggedy Ann Preschool is watching the kids grow and flourish.
