HISTORY
Altadena Nursery School (ANS) is a licensed, non-profit, non-sectarian, cooperative nursery school in which each family shares in the school's planning and operations. ANS was started in 1950 by a small group of Caltech parents as a babysitting co-op and has grown into a nursery school that operates daily for up to 45 children from the ages of two to six years. Our school is currently located on a church campus however has no religious affiliation. Since its beginning, ANS has made a unique and profound contribution to children and families of the greater Pasadena community.
Patricia Hedlund, our founder, with Miss Milly
Conveying the history of our school would not be complete without referring to the significant contributions of our former Director, Patricia Hedlund. “Miss Pat’ has been intimately connected to our school for over fifty years; first as a parent, then as a teacher, and for many years as our Director. The knowledge and experience she generously imparted to the families of ANS, the staff and to our overall philosophy will never be lost and we are immensely grateful for her profound influence on our community. To continue good works in her name we maintain the Patricia Hedlund Scholarship Fund which we use to support families financially during difficult times.
STAFF
Janet Ann Young, M.A.
Director
As Director, Miss Janet Ann guides Altadena Nursery School with the same respect and care she shows children each day on the playground. Inspired by childhood education philosophies that emphasize empathy, respect for children, and creativity, Janet Ann serves in her position as director as a coach and mentor, guiding the devoted community of teachers at ANS with an enthusiasm in fostering the well-being of children. She is passionate about the co-op model of early childhood education and sees parent involvement and education as a vital way of nurturing healthy and respectful families and communities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, and, before coming to ANS, was a Director and Teacher at Rose Scharlin Cooperative Nursery School in Silver Lake for nine years.
Janet Ann is a Los Angeles native and grew up in the hills and valleys that surround L.A. She credits her ability to play, explore, and connect with nature as a result of growing up unfettered by unnecessary adult intervention. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, camping, hiking and going to concerts. Her son, Ryder, lives and works in Northern California. She lives in Glassell Park with her sister, Dawn, and their two cats.
Director
As Director, Miss Janet Ann guides Altadena Nursery School with the same respect and care she shows children each day on the playground. Inspired by childhood education philosophies that emphasize empathy, respect for children, and creativity, Janet Ann serves in her position as director as a coach and mentor, guiding the devoted community of teachers at ANS with an enthusiasm in fostering the well-being of children. She is passionate about the co-op model of early childhood education and sees parent involvement and education as a vital way of nurturing healthy and respectful families and communities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, and, before coming to ANS, was a Director and Teacher at Rose Scharlin Cooperative Nursery School in Silver Lake for nine years.
Janet Ann is a Los Angeles native and grew up in the hills and valleys that surround L.A. She credits her ability to play, explore, and connect with nature as a result of growing up unfettered by unnecessary adult intervention. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, camping, hiking and going to concerts. Her son, Ryder, lives and works in Northern California. She lives in Glassell Park with her sister, Dawn, and their two cats.
Miss Milly
Art Corner Studio
Miss Milly joined Altadena Nursery School nearly 30 years ago, first as a parent when her two boys were young. The warm, creative environment at ANS, plus encouragement from then-director Pat Hedlund, convinced her that teaching was her calling. She left behind a high-pressure career in banking and enrolled in UCLA’s Early Childhood Development Program. In 1993 she came to work at ANS and never looked back. Since then, Miss Milly has been an invaluable mentor, preserving and sharing the school’s core philosophies from one teacher to the next. Today, you can usually find Miss Milly with paintbrush in hand, inspiring ANS’s young artists to make their next masterpieces.
Art Corner Studio
Miss Milly joined Altadena Nursery School nearly 30 years ago, first as a parent when her two boys were young. The warm, creative environment at ANS, plus encouragement from then-director Pat Hedlund, convinced her that teaching was her calling. She left behind a high-pressure career in banking and enrolled in UCLA’s Early Childhood Development Program. In 1993 she came to work at ANS and never looked back. Since then, Miss Milly has been an invaluable mentor, preserving and sharing the school’s core philosophies from one teacher to the next. Today, you can usually find Miss Milly with paintbrush in hand, inspiring ANS’s young artists to make their next masterpieces.
Miss Jill
Discovery Room / 2 & 3 year olds
Miss Jill’s son Jack graduated from ANS in 2011, and it was his journey that sparked her passion for connecting with and, ultimately, teaching young children. She and her husband Alan were active and thoughtful participants in the school community, and, by the time Jack graduated, she was hooked. She enrolled in UCLA’s Early Childhood Education program and came back to ANS to teach full-time.
Miss Jill is a kind and patient guide to the children as they make their way through the world of ANS. She considers their time together an extraordinary adventure, and her enthusiasm is contagious.
Discovery Room / 2 & 3 year olds
Miss Jill’s son Jack graduated from ANS in 2011, and it was his journey that sparked her passion for connecting with and, ultimately, teaching young children. She and her husband Alan were active and thoughtful participants in the school community, and, by the time Jack graduated, she was hooked. She enrolled in UCLA’s Early Childhood Education program and came back to ANS to teach full-time.
Miss Jill is a kind and patient guide to the children as they make their way through the world of ANS. She considers their time together an extraordinary adventure, and her enthusiasm is contagious.
Miss Stefanie
Discovery Room / 2 & 3 year olds
The beauty of the co-op model is that parents become so involved with the day-to-day activities of the school. It was by working alongside her two daughters, Alex and Illeana, while they were at ANS that Miss Stefanie realized how passionate she felt about being involved in teaching the very young. The experience was life changing, and she soon began her education toward becoming a teacher. In her words, “I just couldn’t get enough of ANS!” Each year at the school, she learns from the children, the families, and her colleagues, which in turn enriches her teaching. She is an immensely fun and creative presence in the classroom.
Discovery Room / 2 & 3 year olds
The beauty of the co-op model is that parents become so involved with the day-to-day activities of the school. It was by working alongside her two daughters, Alex and Illeana, while they were at ANS that Miss Stefanie realized how passionate she felt about being involved in teaching the very young. The experience was life changing, and she soon began her education toward becoming a teacher. In her words, “I just couldn’t get enough of ANS!” Each year at the school, she learns from the children, the families, and her colleagues, which in turn enriches her teaching. She is an immensely fun and creative presence in the classroom.
Miss Melissa
Art Room / 3 & 4 year olds
Miss Melissa teaches by the motto that’s been instilled in her by Miss Milly: “At Altadena Nursery School, we respect children.” This sense of respect and generosity indeed permeates her classroom. Though most of her formal experience has been teaching elementary school children in both English and Spanish, having kids of her own (Ellie and Nick, both ANS kids) inspired her to turn her career toward educating the little ones. She completed a master’s degree in Human Development at Pacific Oaks College, and has brought this wealth of experience to ANS. As she put it, “I have worked in numerous educational establishments and have never before come across a community that is so dedicated to the development of each and every child.”
Art Room / 3 & 4 year olds
Miss Melissa teaches by the motto that’s been instilled in her by Miss Milly: “At Altadena Nursery School, we respect children.” This sense of respect and generosity indeed permeates her classroom. Though most of her formal experience has been teaching elementary school children in both English and Spanish, having kids of her own (Ellie and Nick, both ANS kids) inspired her to turn her career toward educating the little ones. She completed a master’s degree in Human Development at Pacific Oaks College, and has brought this wealth of experience to ANS. As she put it, “I have worked in numerous educational establishments and have never before come across a community that is so dedicated to the development of each and every child.”
Miss Niamh
Art Room / 3 & 4 year olds
Like many on our staff, Miss Niamh was drawn to the world of teaching after her participation as a parent at ANS. Her warm nature, ability to connect with children, and passion for developing thoughtful curriculum have made Miss Niamh a wonderful addition to the ANS team. Originally from Ireland, Miss Niamh came to Los Angeles in the 90s and worked as a textile artist in the entertainment industry before turning her interest toward teaching. Her children, Dillon and Olivia, helped inspire Miss Niamh to enroll in UCLA’s Early Childhood Education program and later reconnect with ANS, first as a sub and now as a teacher. On any given day, Miss Niamh can be found prepping her latest playdough project, engaging the children in dramatic play, or helping students search for butterfly eggs on the milkweed plants in the yard. Miss Niamh’s dedication to the children is unmistakable and her love of teaching runs deep.
Art Room / 3 & 4 year olds
Like many on our staff, Miss Niamh was drawn to the world of teaching after her participation as a parent at ANS. Her warm nature, ability to connect with children, and passion for developing thoughtful curriculum have made Miss Niamh a wonderful addition to the ANS team. Originally from Ireland, Miss Niamh came to Los Angeles in the 90s and worked as a textile artist in the entertainment industry before turning her interest toward teaching. Her children, Dillon and Olivia, helped inspire Miss Niamh to enroll in UCLA’s Early Childhood Education program and later reconnect with ANS, first as a sub and now as a teacher. On any given day, Miss Niamh can be found prepping her latest playdough project, engaging the children in dramatic play, or helping students search for butterfly eggs on the milkweed plants in the yard. Miss Niamh’s dedication to the children is unmistakable and her love of teaching runs deep.
Miss Genevieve
Block Room / 4 & 5 year olds
Miss Genevieve joined Altadena Nursery School as a teacher in 2018. She was drawn to the play-based, co-op model as a parent. After her two daughters moved on to elementary school she continued her education and joined the staff. What Miss Genevieve loves most about early childhood is its focus on exploration and discovery. Watching children develop and grow is the most rewarding part of being a teacher. “Every child is an individual and it is a privilege to be a part of their journey at this crucial stage in life."
Block Room / 4 & 5 year olds
Miss Genevieve joined Altadena Nursery School as a teacher in 2018. She was drawn to the play-based, co-op model as a parent. After her two daughters moved on to elementary school she continued her education and joined the staff. What Miss Genevieve loves most about early childhood is its focus on exploration and discovery. Watching children develop and grow is the most rewarding part of being a teacher. “Every child is an individual and it is a privilege to be a part of their journey at this crucial stage in life."
“From the creative theme learning to the wise and experienced staff who clearly love children... ANS is a very special place.”
Becky W.
“The staff at ANS is warm and welcoming.
I look forward to working in my son's class each month!”
Corinne P.
"ANS is a wonderful environment for children to explore and develop important life skills."
Sacha N.
Becky W.
“The staff at ANS is warm and welcoming.
I look forward to working in my son's class each month!”
Corinne P.
"ANS is a wonderful environment for children to explore and develop important life skills."
Sacha N.
California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools
Our school is a member of the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPPNS). This organization is a statewide community of parents and educators committed to teaching and inspiring families through parent involvement and mutual support.
The San Gabriel Valley Council is part of CCPPNS and is composed of one representative from each parent participation nursery school in the area. The Council provides collective aid and an exchange of information for its members. In addition, the Council also conducts workshop meetings, presents speakers of interest to nursery schools, aids in the organization of new cooperatives and works with the community and teacher groups.
Each year the CCPPNS holds a convention where co-op parents and staff can hear nationally recognized experts talk about parenting, attend workshops, and make new connections in the co-op community.
For decades ANS has been very active within this organization and the partnership has been both enriching and rewarding.
The San Gabriel Valley Council is part of CCPPNS and is composed of one representative from each parent participation nursery school in the area. The Council provides collective aid and an exchange of information for its members. In addition, the Council also conducts workshop meetings, presents speakers of interest to nursery schools, aids in the organization of new cooperatives and works with the community and teacher groups.
Each year the CCPPNS holds a convention where co-op parents and staff can hear nationally recognized experts talk about parenting, attend workshops, and make new connections in the co-op community.
For decades ANS has been very active within this organization and the partnership has been both enriching and rewarding.
789 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, CA. 91107
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