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​Astor Place Montessori was founded by Vaneen Anderson, whose journey into early childhood education began not only as a professional, but as a parent. As a mother of three, Vaneen experienced firsthand the challenges many families face when trying to find high-quality care for their young children. While her husband worked evenings and she worked in a corporate setting during the day, they struggled to find care that truly reflected their values and expectations for nurturing young minds.

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One moment, in particular, left a lasting impression. After leaving for work one morning, Vaneen looked back to see her two-year-old daughter gazing sadly out the window. That image stayed with her. It echoed the concerns she and many close friends shared about leaving their children in the care of others. That experience became a turning point—one that inspired her to create something better.

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With the encouragement and support of her husband and friends, Vaneen began pursuing formal education in early learning and child development. She was determined to build the kind of nurturing, respectful environment she wished had existed for her own children. This vision led to the creation of Baby Steps To Success, an early learning program she owned and operated for over 30 years. The program served countless families in Jersey City and became a reflection of her deep commitment to quality care, compassion, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

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In 2021, Vaneen was encouraged by a neighbor who had opened a Montessori school to join her team, initially for what was meant to be a short period of time. That opportunity grew into five meaningful years, during which Vaneen served in several roles, including Head Teacher and Assistant to the Head of School. During this time, she also received specialized training at West Side Montessori School for Infants and Toddlers, deepening her understanding and appreciation of Montessori education for children from infancy through age six.

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In 2026, drawing from decades of experience in early childhood education and  working at  Bergen-Lafayette Montessori School, Vaneen chose to return to her passion for working closely with young children in a smaller, more intimate setting. Astor Place Montessori was created as a reflection of that vision—blending the warmth and family-centered approach of Baby Steps To Success with the thoughtful principles of Montessori education.

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Today, Astor Place Montessori is designed to give young children the independence and freedom they need to grow and thrive while also strengthening the social and emotional foundations that support confidence, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of learning.

 

For Vaneen, the program is  a continuation of the promise she made years ago to create the kind of nurturing environment every child deserves.