Clarlen Nursery

Clarlen Nursery Clarlen Nursery
Now offering 2, 3, & 4-Year-Old Classes! MSDE childcare license #33734 Clarlen Nursery offers nurturing, play-based programs for 2s, 3s, and 4s.

Part-time, half-day classes provide the perfect gentle introduction to a school-like environment. Small class sizes with two dedicated adults at all times, and an emphasis on social skills, emotional regulation, and self-confidence, mean families can relax knowing your children are safe and happy. Clarlen Nursery for children is perfect for families looking for a few hours a week as a gentle trans

ition to the full-time school years ahead. We offer competitive prices and flexible payment plans. Tuition covers all materials (no additional "materials fees"!), a daily snack, field trips, special programs, and a Clarlen tee-shirt. Ask alumni about our treasured traditional gifts for Mother's Father's Day, unique crafts, the 4's Maypole dance, Wheely Fun Day, and more! Founded in 1979 by Helen Moody, Clarlen Nursery has been a hidden gem at the same location, Bethany United Methodist Church, for over 4 decades. Helen remained as the Director until 2021, and has continued to provide support and serve as a sub since then. Our program is secular and welcoming to all. We say a short, non-religious grace before snack. We love to learn about the different traditions, holidays, foods, and languages that our diverse families share with us. Out staff is highly educated with many years experience working with children in a variety of settings. Many of us had children go through Clarlen's programs, and one is a Clarlen alum herself! With low staff turnover, we work together as a team to provide a rich and personalized experience for all of our students.

We're so excited to start another school year!!
09/01/2026

We're so excited to start another school year!!

Tomorrow!
05/22/2026

Tomorrow!

In celebration of National Public Works Week, our Department of Public Works (DPW) invites residents of all ages to join its staff for an unforgettable day at Touch-A-Truck. Set to take place on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to noon in The Capitoline Center parking lot at 3700 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, this free, family-friendly event will feature big trucks and heavy equipment, games, activities, and the opportunity to meet our dedicated DPW staff who help keep Howard County running. Attendees will also have a chance to get a sneak peek of The Inn at Mt. Ida and explore historic Ellicott City while in the area.

To learn more, visit DPW’s “Touch-A-Truck Day” event webpage at www.howardcountymd.gov/touchatruck2026.

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and Clarlen has the best!Ms. Melissa is thorough, proactive, and always ready 🟢 to step ...
05/07/2026

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and Clarlen has the best!

Ms. Melissa is thorough, proactive, and always ready 🟢 to step into whatever role is needed. She meets every child where they are, and genuinely shares in their joy. 😊
Ms. Pam brings a spark ✨️ of enthusiasm and creativity 🎨that makes learning feel like an adventure. Her energy is contagious, and the children light up around her. 💡
Ms. Laura's calm, quiet presence is a gift. 🎁 She helps children find their center, 🎯 and her careful observations help us all understand each child more deeply. 👀
Ms. Tracy's broad range 🗺 of experience brings a perspective 🔭 that makes the whole team stronger. 💪 She helps us see the bigger picture to bring out the best in each child. 🧩🧩
Ms. Lisa meets our youngest friends 👶 with real respect. No baby talk, just genuine connection. 🤲 Her classroom doesn't host function, it thrives.
Ms. Bo is ever cheerful, encouraging, and endlessly flexible. She's always growing, always learning, 📚 to bring her best self to the job. She's our literal cheerleader. 📣
Ms. Karissa plays like a kid 🤡 and teaches with a playful touch that makes children feel seen, safe, 🧷 and excited to learn.
Mr. Max is a natural. 🥼 He learns quickly, connects with ease, and has a calm 🕊 way of gaining attention that children respond to. 🧒

I am so grateful for this team! ❤️

Little visitor to the sandbox today!
05/05/2026

Little visitor to the sandbox today!

Did you miss Wheely Fun Day? Or loved it so much you can't wait til next year? The Dept of Public Works is hosting a Tou...
05/01/2026

Did you miss Wheely Fun Day? Or loved it so much you can't wait til next year? The Dept of Public Works is hosting a Touch-a-Truck event on May 23rd. Should be fun!

Gear up for an unforgettable day at Touch-A-Truck with the Department of Public Works (DPW)!  In honor of National Public Works Week, DPW is hosting a free, family-friendly event inviting you to climb aboard and explore the mighty trucks and equipment that power our community. Dive into thrilling g...

04/14/2026

Clarlen Nursery is a licensed ( #33734), play-based preschool in Ellicott City, Maryland, that prioritizes social development and the relaxed enjoyment of learning. We offer morning programs for children aged 2 to 4, operating on a traditional September-to-May school calendar.

Core Philosophy & Environment
Relationship-Focused: We aim to help children develop trusting relationships with peers and supportive adults in a setting where they feel prized and respected.
Two-Deep Staffing: Every class is staffed with two adults to ensure personalized attention and a high level of support for each child.
Indoor & Outdoor Play: The facility features large indoor rooms for creative play of all kinds and an expansive outdoor play area with equipment like a tire swing, firefighter pole, and a sandbox.

Program Highlights

Age-Specific Goals:
2s Program: Focuses on the transition from caregivers to a group environment, introducing routines, sharing, and music.
3s Program: Emphasizes fine motor strength (shoulder and wrist stability) and hand-eye coordination.
4s Program: Prepares children for Kindergarten through executive function skills and "Little Scientists" enrichment activities.
Interactive Curriculum: Lessons include sensory bins, dough play to build hand strength, theater for storytelling, and "Wheely Fun Day" community events.

Enrichment Options: Families can choose additional activities like Lunch Bunch and extra days for added flexibility.

Clarlen Nursery
Now offering 2, 3, & 4-Year-Old Classes!
MSDE childcare license #33734

04/05/2026

🌄🐣🐰Happy Easter!!🐰🐣🌄

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And Sweet 5th night of Passover! 🌿🦴🥚🫒🍎
Chag Pesach sameach!

Lots of room. Last hour of our fundraiser. Come keep me company. ❤️🎈🍕🥪🥗
03/26/2026

Lots of room. Last hour of our fundraiser. Come keep me company. ❤️🎈🍕🥪🥗

Eid Mubarak to all marking the conclusion of their holy month of Ramadan. This friend was so proud to share a special tr...
03/20/2026

Eid Mubarak to all marking the conclusion of their holy month of Ramadan. This friend was so proud to share a special treat with her friends to celebrate Ramadan.

Address

2875 Bethany Lane
Ellicott City, MD
21042

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 1pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm
Friday 9am - 1pm

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