clcmd.orgclcmd.orgAll About CLC
Mission Philosophy Admission Directions At A Glance
CLC At A Glance
Accreditation and Affiliation
The Children's Learning Center is an independent, Jewish preschool, Elementary School and Child Care Facility that is unaffiliated with any synagogue or religious institution. Our Infant, Toddler, preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary Programs are approved by the MD State Department of Education.
Contact Information
4511 Bestor Dr.
Rockville, MD 20853-2139
Phone: 301.871.6600 Fax: 301.871.6015
E-mail: Click here to email our main office . For additional contact information, please visit our contact page here.Hours
Boker Birds (Before school Child Care) 7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Morning preschool: 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Extended preschool: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Elementary School: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Erev Owls (After school Child Care) 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Our Director
Rena Goldman Popkin, M.Ed (aka “Renee”)
Renee holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University, and has enjoyed a long and full career in Early Childhood. In 1978, Renee founded The Children’s Learning Center (CLC) beginning with just 62 children!Renee started CLC to create an environment where children could “learn through play”. She believed all children needed a learning environment that stimulated their imaginations, instilled confidence and promoted self-esteem. For all these years, Renee has dedicated herself to the education of a diverse population of children in need; she is hailed in her community for the services of her many mitzvot. Renee proudly opens the doors of CLC to special needs children and makes certain that no child is ever denied a chance for success because of financial difficulties. Renee is a dedicated member of several early childhood associations and is a well respected innovator in the field of both secular and Jewish education. She was recently honored by SULAM for success in following her dreams of creating CLC.
Beyond her professional life, Renee’s joy has been her dedication to a loving family. She and Terry raised three daughters: Erika, Adria and Ronna. Renee is a doting grandmother (Bubbe) to her two granddaughters Bailey and Amber. She has remained inseparable from her sister, Marci, who lives nearby with her family, and to Renee, family is paramount. In addition, Renee is 29-year survivor of a life-threatening battle with breast and ovarian cancers. Her cure is a real-life miracle. She has served as a counselor to, and continuously encourages, others who have fought similar battles. Her passion for life, family, and education, along with her limitless generosity and unyielding creative spirit are an inspiration to all who know her.