Julian Community Preschool Has a New Director
By Amber Ward

Patti Rosandich Photo by Amber Ward

After many years of dedicated service, Barbara Paddock has passed the duty of educating Julian's youth to Patti Rosandich.

Rosandich brings 20 years of experience as a preschool educator to her new role as Julian Community Preschool's director. She has a degree in child development and recently served as the assistant director of a preschool in Orange County.

"I just love to teach," she said.

Originally from Orange County, Rosandich and her husband, Michael, used to frequent Julian as avid campers and to fish Lake Cuyamaca. They moved to the Julian area two years ago with her daughter Amy, 14, who attends Julian Junior High School.

When the family first moved to Julian, Rosandich commuted to a Santee preschool to teach. One of her daughter's teachers in Julian knew of the opening at the Julian Community Preschool and suggested that Amy tell her mom.

"It was meant to be," Rosandich said. "I jumped at the opportunity to work locally. I just love Julian and its small family setting."

Julian Community Preschool offers half-day and full-day classes, including before-school and after-school care.

Children up to the fourth grade are welcome to attend.

The school is allowed to accommodate up to 25 children. There are four staff members: Rosandich, Sand Butler, Holly Pawlicki and Nancy Harding.

The school provides activities that allow children to learn through play. A love for reading, language, nature, science and math are encouraged through a sensory-based curriculum. "This developmental curriculum focuses on the social, emotional and cognitive growth of the children," Rosandich said.

Although the staff is paid, the preschool is a nonprofit organization and donations are appreciated. Financial donations are best, but supplies and items like yarn for crafts are always welcome. The school will hold several fundraisers throughout the year, including an upcoming pancake breakfast at the American Legion. For more information on donating to the preschool or for more information about the school, call 760-765-0047.