Children's hand-drawn portraits of girls and boys with names and a message about love and gratitude written at the top, on yellow paper.

About Us

Leaps n Bounds 2 was born out of both challenge and deep commitment. For 25 years, our original site in Wilton provided a loving, nurturing space for children and families in our community. When an unexpected building closure forced us to find a new home, we saw it as an opportunity to begin a new chapter—without losing the heart of who we are.

To preserve the strong team and family culture we had built over the years, our assistant director, Heather Ruttenberg stepped into a new role as owner, and Leaps n Bounds 2 was officially formed. Many of our teachers have worked together for over a decade, and our bond runs deeper than just coworkers—we’re truly a family.

Our shared history, experience, and love for what we do continue to guide us as we grow in our new space. We’re proud to offer children the same level of care, consistency, and connection that has always defined our program.

Three young children playing with wooden blocks in a colorful classroom. One girl is kneeling and holding a toy, another girl is sitting and building with blocks, a boy is sitting beside a blue bin, and there are toys and books in the background.
Three young children are playing on a yellow table in a colorful classroom. The girl on the left is wearing a black, rainbow-striped shirt and has her hair tied in a ponytail. The girl in the middle is wearing a pink jacket and has curly blond hair w
Six young girls playing on a colorful playground slide outdoors in sunny weather.
Five children playing in a wooded outdoor playground, standing in a row with water hoses, with a wooden playhouse and trees in the background.
Six young children sitting at a table in a classroom, eating snacks on white paper plates, with a purple and white bulletin board behind them that says 'Hello Winter!'.
Children in pajamas holding colorful paper craft dragons inside a classroom.
A woman with long dark hair, wearing a rust-colored sweater, standing outdoors with trees and greenery in the background.

Meet Heather

Owner

I’ve been part of this childcare center for nearly 20 years, starting as a teacher, then moving into the role of assistant director, and now stepping into ownership. It’s been a journey filled with growth, learning, and a lot of heart and it’s truly become a second home. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to watch so many little ones grow, learn, and become their own unique selves—and it never gets old.

What I love most about this work is knowing that we’re making a real impact during some of the most important years in a child’s life. Now, as the owner, I’m proud to carry on the values and heart that have always made this place special.

I’m here every day because I believe in what we do—and because I still love seeing those big milestones, silly moments, and the kind of growth that only happens when kids feel safe, supported, and free to be kids.

Young girl wearing a dress with a teddy bear print, purple flower headband, and a pink bow in her hair.

As a kid, I was always dancing, twirling, and putting on little shows for anyone who would watch. This is me at my very first ballet recital when I was 5!

Close-up of a smiling woman with short blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a denim jacket.

Meet Rachael

Director

I came to Leaps n Bounds as a mother and a teacher 25 years ago. My daughter attended preschool and I taught in the Toddler program. Let's just say I was hooked immediately. I had found my place.


My daughter graduated on to grade school and I had the pleasure and excitement of being a part of building up this new program from its inception in 2000.


I went very quickly from Teacher to Assistant Director to the center's Director. Guiding our teachers and curriculum and building relationships with our families and their children. The joy of teaching and caring directly lead me to continue actively teaching and being in the classroom daily. That's the best part of what we do.

I am proud of the community and program that we have built and feel the joy every graduation when we send on our little ones, knowing they are ready, to go to the next stage of their school lives filled with wonder, confidence, independence and love of the world around them. My goal is to bring our small town feel, unique qualities and wonderful teachers to this new adventure at Leaps n Bounds 2. Weston here we come!

A black and white photo of a young girl with light-colored eyes, messy hair, and a slightly open mouth showing teeth, wearing a patterned shirt or dress against a plain background.

As a kid in England I was outside playing until the street lights came on. I loved nothing better than being in any body of water (pool, ocean, river). The best days were the ones my dad picked my brother and I up from school in the summer so we could go to the beach to swim away the evening and beat the heat.