Bedford

LEAP School Bedford opened in 2007 and is located at 376 Concord Road (Route 62 near the Concord Border). It was the first LEAP school designed and built from the ground up. The school has spacious, well-equipped classrooms and a library filled with children’s literature and parent resources. There is a large gross motor room which is used for visiting specialist teachers (yoga, music, drama, and science), gym activities during our New England winters, and a place for all school meetings, seminars, and presentations for parents. The large fenced playground includes an outdoor classroom, climbing and riding equipment, water features, gardens, sand and water play areas, and a separate play area and climbing structures for young toddlers.

At the back of the property is a bike path that connects the school to conservation land and nature trails for guided exploration. Parent seminars, professional development activities, and social gatherings have been held at the Bedford LEAP School, which, like all LEAP locations, provides a safe and stimulating facility that offers outstanding educational opportunities for young children.

Groupings	September 2019 Ages	2019-2020 Fall/Spring Schedule Options:	Pick Up Time Options
Young Toddler	15-23 months	M-F, MWF, T/Th	12:15, 3:00, 4:15
Toddler	2-3 years	M-F, MWF, T/Th	12:30, 3:00, 4:30, 5:00
Lower Preschool (3’s)	3-4 years	M-F, MWF	12:45, 3:15, 4:30, 5:00
Upper Preschool (4’s)	4-5 years	M-F, M-Th	1:00, 3:30, 4:30, 5:00

^{*Please contact the Admissions Office to inquire about available schedule options}_{Drop off Time is anywhere between 8-9am. We do offer an Early Drop Off time between 7:30-8:00am}

Wendy Hamilton

Program Director
B.S. Gordon College

Where I was born: Newton, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Recreational walks, attending sporting events, reading, and spending time with family and friends

It has been an honor and privilege to work at the LEAP School for over 30 years! I started working at LEAP immediately after graduating from Gordon College in 1985. Throughout the years I have enjoyed my experiences as a classroom teacher, Curriculum Director and Upper Preschool Director. In September 2018 I look forward to beginning my new role as All School Program Director. I value my interactions and relationships with children, parents and teachers. Throughout my childhood I had many wonderful teachers who inspired me to be a teacher. They were dedicated to their profession and demonstrated a genuine love for learning as well as respect and compassion for others. Some of my favorite children’s books focus on these themes such as Big Al by Andrew Clements Yoshi, Dandelion by Don Freeman, A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon and The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn . As an adult, one of my favorite books is Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.

Brandy Butler

Curriculum Director/Support Teacher
B.S. Plymouth State University

Where I was born: Waterville, Maine

What I love to do!: Biking, camping, caring for my dog, and crafting

I love being a teacher because I can be creative each day and see my students be creative each day. I enjoy watching the children grow and being a part of every child’s learning experience. I also love all the different families I get to work with each year. Everyone always brings something special and different to the group. My favorite childhood book is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett. This book has always been a favorite of mine because the whole family uses their imagination and they capture your attention with the silly pictures and the story telling within the book. My greatest inspiration is my grandmother who had a home daycare throughout my childhood. Not only did she provide a safe environment for children, but she gave each child the love and attention they needed. Watching her provide for so many children inspired my love for children and families.

Terri Connelly

Director of Admissions and Human Resources
B.F.A Syracuse Univeristy
M.A. Lesley University

Where I was born: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What I love to do!: Gardening, playing volleyball, cooking with a new recipe, spending time with family and friends & watching sporting events of my kids/nieces/nephews and all Boston & New England sports teams!

I am member of the Administrative Team at LEAP but also have a background in the arts and teaching young children. As a teacher I love the spontaneous and uninhibited questions that a child asks and their joy in discovering something new, no matter how simple. In my role as an Admissions and Human Resource Director I am eager to be a helpful resource to all parents as they are exploring preschool options for their child(ren) and to teachers that are seeking a career in Early Childhood Education. Harold and the Purple Crayon has always been my favorite children’s book as Harold is constantly on a new and exciting adventure. As I am entering my 34nd year at the LEAP School I continue to enjoy learning something new every day!

Jaclyn Olson

Director of Admissions and Adiministration
B.S. Endicott College

Where I am From: Gloucester, Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Cooking and trying new recipes, reading, being outside (whether just laying by the pool, at the beach or doing something active!), playing with my dog, Logan, and enjoying quality time with close friends and family!

In my role as Director of Admissions and Administration, I have the pleasure of introducing LEAP to inquiring families! I love having the opportunity to share with families all about the wonderful educational experience LEAP has to offer. I have a great love for organization, so I fully enjoy helping families through the enrollment process. When I first learned of the LEAP School, I was deeply impressed with the balance of support that is given to children, teachers, and families. My goal every day is to be a resourceful part of that support system.

Dina Savitz

Lexington Upper Program Director/ Co-Executive Director
B.A. University of California - San Diego
M. Ed. Boston University

Where I was born: Uruguay

What I love to do!: Travel, hiking, cooking, and being with my kids

I am so grateful to find myself in a profession where I find inspiration every day. The children, parents, and teachers that I am surrounded by consistently teach me new things about love, learning and joy. I have been working at LEAP since 1992 and in that time I’ve had the opportunity to work with all the ages we serve. I also have a background in Elementary Education with an emphasis on literacy development. I’ve have raised my own children in this community, and am eager to be a support to other parents as they navigate the years ahead. I’m looking forward to building our community together.

Tricia Wilson

Sudbury Program Director/Co-Executive Director
B.S. Salem State University

Where I was born: Massachusetts

What I love to do!: Reading, cooking, hiking, biking, skiing and camping. I love the adventure of a road trip with my family! On a lazy day I enjoy playing Scrabble, watching movies, baking (and eating) cookies. My favorite place to be is anywhere on the coast of Maine.

While studying Early Childhood Education in college, I found the preschool/toddler practicums to provide the greatest sense of satisfaction, gratification and fun. I observed how a developmentally appropriate curriculum allows a young child to learn through their interests, and discover through their explorations. I observed how a developmentally appropriate curriculum allows teachers to treat each child as the individual they are; and to consider all domains of development and growth in their teaching including (but not limited to!) physical, cognitive and social/emotional development. Most importantly, I found young children to be incredibly interesting, caring, smart and engaging. I learned that preschool and toddler teachers have the opportunity to participate in a most fascinating time of a person’s life. Upon reflection, a career as a preschool teacher and director has exceeded my expectations! It has been more than thirty years since my first experience in a preschool classroom, and today I continue to find the same sense of satisfaction, gratification and fun as I did all those years ago.

Robin Shapiro

Founding Director
B.A. University of Vermont
M.A. Lesley University

From the time I was a young child, I was always drawn to children— their creativity, natural love, and innate wonder about the world around them. Coming from a loving family, I realized the impact that caring relationships had on children’s growth. I became the neighborhood babysitter throughout my middle school and high school years and loved every minute of my time with the kids. In my sophomore year, I very reluctantly went from my public high school to an all girls’ independent school, but it turned out be an incredibly enlightening experience for me. The independent school was very strong in the creative arts, small class sizes, offered amazingly inspirational teachers, and had hands-on learning. It was this experience that helped me to realize that someday I wanted to be an educator and have a school of my own. I knew then that education was the pathway to change and growth, and I have loved creating that experience for children and being part of LEAP since it began in 1985. No one is more proud of my directors and teachers than I am; their positive impact on children, parents, and each other is an inspiration for me! My favorite childhood book is Ms. Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney. It takes place on the coast of Maine, a special place for my family to go each year. The context of the book is to make the world a better place, which is what we do at the LEAP School every day!

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