Lorretta Cavalheri
Chantilly, VA 20152 · infants to preschool · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
The Merit School Learning Center (#36)
- licensed capacity
- 305
- open each week
- 5 days
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About
About The Merit School Learning Center (#36)
The Merit School Learning Center (#36) is a licensed child care center in Aldie, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 305 children, serving school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. It describes a Montessori and STEM / STEAM approach, with after-school care, before-school care, infant care and preschool. It says it provides meals.
Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety made 11 visits in the last 3 years and cited 8 rules across 4 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
InfantsMontessoriBefore- and after-schoolSummer campMeals providedSecure entrySTEM / STEAMAccepts child care subsidyOpens before 7 AM
Ages served: school-age children
6 wk
6 mo
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12 yr
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
- Type
- Child care center
- Ages
- School-age children
- Hours today
- Closed today
- Licensed capacity
- 305 children
Hours
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| SundayToday | Not listed |
Programs
Programs and care
| Ages | School-age childrenFrom the state license. It lists: 3 weeks - 12 years |
|---|---|
| Programs | After-school care, before-school care, infant care, preschool, summer camp and toddler care |
| Approach | Montessori, STEM / STEAM |
| Daily life | Meals provided; Snacks provided |
| Safety | Secure keypad entry systems, Outdoor playground |
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Assistance it accepts | Childcare assistance for military families - Child Care Aware of America / NACCRRA |
| Transportation | Transportation (Transportation to and from area public schools (e.g., Pinebrook Elementary)) |
| Accreditation | Cognia (AdvancED) accredited |
| More | Founded 1980 (The Merit School of Virginia) |
| Licensed capacity | 305 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Tuition and costs
The Merit School Learning Center (#36) has not listed its tuition.
Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition.
State record
Inspection reports for The Merit School Learning Center (#36)
License
- Status
- Licensed and operating
- License type
- License (Two Year)
- Capacity
- 305 children
- Ages
- School-age children
- License number
- #1106845
Summary
11 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit May 27, 2026: 2 rules cited
Rules cited on 6 of 11 visits · 8 rules in all
- Health, medication and illness 3
- Safe sleep 2
- Staff training and qualifications 1
- Food and nutrition 1
- Building, equipment and play areas 1
For comparison: 91% of Virginia daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 8.
A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record
See all 21 visits
May 27, 2026Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-790-600-F
“Staff who work with children shall annually attend at least 16 hours of training to include the departments health and safey update course. On the date of the inspection, Staff #1 had not completed the departments health and safety update course for 2025.”
8VAC20-780-520-C
“If diaper ointment or cream is used, written parent authorization noting any known adverse reactions shall be obtained. On the date of the inspection, the written parent authorization for Child #1 for an over-the-counter diaper ointment was incomplete. The authorization did not specify the dosage or frequency to be used.”
- Dec 8, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
- Dec 8, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
- Sep 10, 2025VisitNo rules cited
May 30, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-260-B
“Annual approval from the health department shall be provided for meeting reuirements for water supply, sewage disposal system, and food service (if applicable). The most recent health inspection, conducted in August 2024, did not include the sewage disposal system.”
8VAC20-780-140-A
“Each child shall have a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician before the childs attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance. The current form required by the Virginia Department of Health shall be used to report the results of the examination and shall be signed by a physician. A well visit summary was obtained for Child #1 prior to enrollment but it did not contain all required components or a physicians signature. A complete physical examination was not obtained until approximately 6 months after the first date of attendance.”
May 30, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-260-B
“Annual approval from the health department shall be provided for meeting reuirements for water supply, sewage disposal system, and food service (if applicable). The most recent health inspection, conducted in August 2024, did not include the sewage disposal system.”
8VAC20-780-140-A
“Each child shall have a physical examination by or under the direction of a physician before the childs attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance. The current form required by the Virginia Department of Health shall be used to report the results of the examination and shall be signed by a physician. A well visit summary was obtained for Child #1 prior to enrollment but it did not contain all required components or a physicians signature. A complete physical examination was not obtained until approximately 6 months after the first date of attendance.”
- Jan 29, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
- Jan 29, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
Jul 25, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-40-M
“Based on record review and interview, the center did not maintain, in a way that is accessible to all staff who work with children, a current written list of all children's allergies. Evidence: Child #1 (DOE: 6/17/2024) has a confirmed food allergy that was not documented on the allergy chart posted in the classrooms.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“Based on observation, areas and equipment of the center, outside, was not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1) The garden boxes on the preschool playground has chipped and peeling paint. 2) The preschool and school age playground has depleted mulch along the cemented surface, causing a tripping hazard. 3) On the JK playground, there are sections of the wooden fence that are rotted. 4) On the preschool playground, the corner section of the wooden fence has a partially attached and rotted baseboard and screws that are coming loose, making the fence unstable.”
Jul 25, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-40-M
“Based on record review and interview, the center did not maintain, in a way that is accessible to all staff who work with children, a current written list of all children's allergies. Evidence: Child #1 (DOE: 6/17/2024) has a confirmed food allergy that was not documented on the allergy chart posted in the classrooms.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“Based on observation, areas and equipment of the center, outside, was not maintained in a safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1) The garden boxes on the preschool playground has chipped and peeling paint. 2) The preschool and school age playground has depleted mulch along the cemented surface, causing a tripping hazard. 3) On the JK playground, there are sections of the wooden fence that are rotted. 4) On the preschool playground, the corner section of the wooden fence has a partially attached and rotted baseboard and screws that are coming loose, making the fence unstable.”
Show 11 earlier visits
Feb 13, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-440-B
“Based on observation, cots were not identified for use by a specific child. Evidence: The cots in the JK classroom were labeled with numbers. The cot chart on the wall in the classroom did not have children's names listed to correspond with each number.”
8VAC20-780-450-A
“Based on observation, cots used by children did not include a top cover and bottom cover. Evidence: Two children were observed napping in the preschool classroom without a bottom sheet between the children and the cot.”
Oct 30, 2023Inspection7 rules cited
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“Based on record review and interview, all staff did not have current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Evidence: Staff #1 record does not contain certification for first aid. Center management confirmed that the staff has not completed the in-person portion of the certification exam.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“Based on record review and interview, all staff did not have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Evidence: Staff #1 record does not contain certification for current CPR. Center management confirmed that the staff has not completed the in-person portion of the certification exam.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“Based on observation, areas of the center were not maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: There are two areas of peeling paint in the school age classroom.”
8VAC20-780-70
“Based on record review, staff records did not contain all required information. Evidence: Staff #2 record did not contain documentation of two references.”
8VAC20-780-50-A
“Based on observation, staff and children's were not treated confidentially. Evidence: The supplemental page from the facilities 5/31/2023 inspection which contains staff and children information and states "DO NOT POST" was observed posted at the facility with the inspection summary and violation notice.”
8VAC20-780-520-C
“Based on observation, diaper ointment requirements were not met. Evidence: Two diaper creams in the preschool classroom were not labeled with names to identify the owners.”
8VAC20-780-500-A
“Based on observation, hand washing requirements were not met. Evidence: A child was observed having their diaper changed in the toddler classroom. The child did not get their hands washed after their diaper was changed. The teacher did not immediately wash their own hands after the diaper change.”
Oct 30, 2023Inspection7 rules cited
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“Based on record review and interview, all staff did not have current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Evidence: Staff #1 record does not contain certification for first aid. Center management confirmed that the staff has not completed the in-person portion of the certification exam.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“Based on record review and interview, all staff did not have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Evidence: Staff #1 record does not contain certification for current CPR. Center management confirmed that the staff has not completed the in-person portion of the certification exam.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“Based on observation, areas of the center were not maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: There are two areas of peeling paint in the school age classroom.”
8VAC20-780-70
“Based on record review, staff records did not contain all required information. Evidence: Staff #2 record did not contain documentation of two references.”
8VAC20-780-50-A
“Based on observation, staff and children's were not treated confidentially. Evidence: The supplemental page from the facilities 5/31/2023 inspection which contains staff and children information and states "DO NOT POST" was observed posted at the facility with the inspection summary and violation notice.”
8VAC20-780-520-C
“Based on observation, diaper ointment requirements were not met. Evidence: Two diaper creams in the preschool classroom were not labeled with names to identify the owners.”
8VAC20-780-500-A
“Based on observation, hand washing requirements were not met. Evidence: A child was observed having their diaper changed in the toddler classroom. The child did not get their hands washed after their diaper was changed. The teacher did not immediately wash their own hands after the diaper change.”
May 31, 2023Inspection3 rules cited
8VAC20-780-520-A
“Based on observation, over-the-counter skin products were kept beyond the expiration date. Evidence: An over-the-counter skin product was observed in Child #3's cubby. The skin product expired 3/2023.”
8VAC20-780-440-B
“Based on observation, cots were not identified for use by a specific child. Evidence: The cots in the Pre-K classroom were labeled with numbers. The cot chart on the wall in the classroom did not have children's names listed to correspond with each number.”
22.1-289.011-F
“Based on observation, documents required by the superintendent was not posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises. Evidence: The most recent inspection of the facility was not posted.”
May 31, 2023Inspection3 rules cited
8VAC20-780-520-A
“Based on observation, over-the-counter skin products were kept beyond the expiration date. Evidence: An over-the-counter skin product was observed in Child #3's cubby. The skin product expired 3/2023.”
8VAC20-780-440-B
“Based on observation, cots were not identified for use by a specific child. Evidence: The cots in the Pre-K classroom were labeled with numbers. The cot chart on the wall in the classroom did not have children's names listed to correspond with each number.”
22.1-289.011-F
“Based on observation, documents required by the superintendent was not posted in a conspicuous place on the licensed premises. Evidence: The most recent inspection of the facility was not posted.”
Jan 20, 2023Inspection4 rules cited
8VAC20-780-530-A-1
“Based on observation and interview, there was not at least one staff person present in each classroom where children were present with current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. Evidence: Staff #3 was observed working alone in the Pre-K classroom. Center management confirmed that Staff #3 does not have current CPR certification.”
8VAC20-780-130-E
“Based on record review, the center did not obtained documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years. Evidence: Child #2 (23 months) most recent immunizations are from when the child was 12 months old.”
8VAC20-780-530-A-2
“Based on observation and interview, there was not at least one staff person present in each classroom where children were present with current first aid certification. Evidence: Staff #3 was observed working alone in the Pre-K classroom. Center management confirmed that Staff #3 does not have current first aid certification.”
8VAC20-780-270-C
“Based on observation, areas inside occupied by children was not maintained 68 degrees or higher. Evidence: The preschool classroom was 67 degrees at the start of the inspection.”
Jan 20, 2023Inspection4 rules cited
8VAC20-780-530-A-1
“Based on observation and interview, there was not at least one staff person present in each classroom where children were present with current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. Evidence: Staff #3 was observed working alone in the Pre-K classroom. Center management confirmed that Staff #3 does not have current CPR certification.”
8VAC20-780-130-E
“Based on record review, the center did not obtained documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years. Evidence: Child #2 (23 months) most recent immunizations are from when the child was 12 months old.”
8VAC20-780-530-A-2
“Based on observation and interview, there was not at least one staff person present in each classroom where children were present with current first aid certification. Evidence: Staff #3 was observed working alone in the Pre-K classroom. Center management confirmed that Staff #3 does not have current first aid certification.”
8VAC20-780-270-C
“Based on observation, areas inside occupied by children was not maintained 68 degrees or higher. Evidence: The preschool classroom was 67 degrees at the start of the inspection.”
Jun 1, 2022Inspection3 rules cited
8VAC20-780-270-A
“Based on observation, areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were not maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. Evidence: 1) There was a separation in the seam of the resilient surfacing, causing a tripping hazard on the preschool playground. 2) There was a large area of peeling paint on the wall of the Junior Kindergarten B near the back door of the classroom.”
8VAC20-780-320-B
“Based on observation, restrooms did not contain all required supplies. Evidence: the bathroom in the KSTEM classroom did not contain hand soap.”
8VAC20-780-140-A
“Based on record review, each child does not have a physical exam within the first 30 days of attendance. Evidence: Child #1 (date of enrollment 6/2020) record does not contain a physical exam.”
Mar 18, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
8VAC20-780-130-A
“Based on record review, the center has not obtained documentation that each child has received their immunizations before the child could attend the center. Evidence: Child #2 (date of enrollment: 8/22/2022) record does not contain documentation of immunizations.”
8VAC20-780-130-E
“Based on record review, the center has not obtained documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years. Evidence: Child #1 (13 months) most recent documented immunizations are dated when the child was approximately 4 months old.”
8VAC20-780-140-A
“Based on record review, the center has not obtained documentation that each child has a physical exam by a physician within the first 30 days of enrollment. Evidence: Child #2 (date of enrollment: 8/22/2022) record does not contain documentation of a physical exam.”
22.1-289.058
“Based on interview, the child day program has not ensured that the building was equipped with at least one carbon monoxide detector. Evidence: When asked, the program director confirmed that a carbon monoxide detector had not yet been installed in the building.”
Mar 18, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
8VAC20-780-130-A
“Based on record review, the center has not obtained documentation that each child has received their immunizations before the child could attend the center. Evidence: Child #2 (date of enrollment: 8/22/2022) record does not contain documentation of immunizations.”
8VAC20-780-130-E
“Based on record review, the center has not obtained documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years. Evidence: Child #1 (13 months) most recent documented immunizations are dated when the child was approximately 4 months old.”
8VAC20-780-140-A
“Based on record review, the center has not obtained documentation that each child has a physical exam by a physician within the first 30 days of enrollment. Evidence: Child #2 (date of enrollment: 8/22/2022) record does not contain documentation of a physical exam.”
22.1-289.058
“Based on interview, the child day program has not ensured that the building was equipped with at least one carbon monoxide detector. Evidence: When asked, the program director confirmed that a carbon monoxide detector had not yet been installed in the building.”
Oct 13, 2021Inspection5 rules cited
8VAC20-780-400-B
“Based on interview, behavioral guidance was not constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate, and was not intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflicts. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 stated that on 9/15/2021 the class was supposed to be napping but there were two children who "would run around and one of them would not listen." Staff #1 wanted the child to "sit in the chair but [they] would scream." Staff #1 stated that she needed to remove Child #1 (age 3 years) from the classroom and "take [them] to the boss." 2. The evening of 9/15/2021, the parents of Child #1 discovered four adult sized nail marks, one of which broke the skin, on Child #1's forearm. Child #1 stated that "[Staff #1] squished [their] arm". 3. The morning of 9/16/2021 Center Management asked Staff #1 if she had grabbed Child #1's arm on 9/15/2021. Staff #1 stated that "[Child #1] had been misbehaving throughout the day" and admitted to Management that they had "grabbed [Child #1] by the arm." Center Management requested for Staff #1 to demonstrate on themselves how they had grabbed Child #1. Center Management reported to the inspector that Staff #1 took the Managers arm, "squeezed their nails" into the Managers arm. Center Management explained to Staff #1 that their behavior was inappropriate and Staff #1 was fired.”
8VAC20-780-550-P
“Based on interviews, the center did not maintain a written record of a child's serious or minor injuries in which entries are made the day of occurrence. Evidence: Parent #1 and Parent #2 stated that they did not receive a written report for the injury that occurred at the center on 9/15/2021.”
8VAC20-780-40-E
“Based on a review of documentation and interviews, the licensee did not ensure that the center’s own policies and procedures were followed. Evidence: 1. The licensee's policies and procedures states that 'Teachers will implement positive guidance strategies" and that "Teachers will ensure there is a positive classroom environment." 2. Staff #1 stated that on 9/15/2021 the class was supposed to be napping but there were two children who "would run around and one of them would not listen." Staff #1 wanted the child to "sit in the chair but [they] would scream." Staff #1 stated that she needed to remove Child #1 (age 3 years). from the classroom and "take [them] to the boss." 3. The evening of 9/15/2021, the parents of Child #1 discovered four adult sized nail marks, one of which broke the skin, on Child #1's left forearm. Child #1 stated that "[Staff #1] squished [their] arm". 4. The morning of 9/16/2021 center management asked Staff #1 if she had grabbed Child #1's arm on 9/15/2021. Staff #1 stated that "[Child #1] had been misbehaving throughout the day" and admitted to management that they had "grabbed [Child #1] by the arm." Center management requested for Staff #1 to demonstrate on themselves how they had grabbed Child #1. Center Management reported to the inspector that Staff #1 took the Managers arm, "squeezed their nails" into the Managers arm. Center management explained to Staff #1 that their behavior was inappropriate and Staff #1 was fired.”
8VAC20-780-340-A
“Based on interviews and photographic evidence, when staff were supervising children, they did not always ensure their care, protection and guidance. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 stated that on 9/15/2021 the class was supposed to be napping but there were two children who "would run around and one of them would not listen." Staff #1 wanted the child (age 3 years) to "sit in the chair but [they] would scream." Staff #1 stated that they needed to remove Child #1 from the classroom and "take [them] to my boss." 2. The evening of 9/15/2021, the parents of Child #1 discovered four adult sized nail marks, one of which broke the skin, on Child #1's left forearm. Child #1 stated that "[Staff #1] squished [their] arm". Two photographs of the nail marks were sent to Center Management (See photograph 1 and photograph 2). 3. The morning of 9/16/2021 Center Management asked Staff #1 if she had grabbed Child #1's arm on 9/15/2021. Staff #1 stated that "[Child #1] had been misbehaving throughout the day" and admitted to Management that they had "grabbed [Child #1] by the arm." Center Management requested for Staff #1 to demonstrate on themselves how they had grabbed Child #1. Center management reported to the inspector that Staff #1 took the managers arm, "squeezed their nails" into the managers arm. Center management explained to Staff #1 that their behavior was inappropriate and Staff #1 was fired.”
8VAC20-780-410-1
“Based on interviews and photographic evidence, physical punishment, roughly handling and/or restricting movement was not forbidden. Evidence: 1. Staff #1 stated that on 9/15/2021 the class was supposed to be napping but there were two children who "would run around and one of them would not listen." Staff #1 wanted the child to "sit in the chair but [they] would scream." Staff #1 stated that she needed to remove Child #1 (age 3 years) from the classroom and "take [them] to the boss." 2. The evening of 9/15/2021, the parents of Child #1 discovered four adult sized nail marks, one of which broke the skin, on Child #1's forearm. Child #1 stated that "[Staff #1] squished [their] arm". Two photographs of the nail marks were sent to Center Management (See photograph 1 and photograph 2). 3. The morning of 9/16/2021 Center Management asked Staff #1 if she had grabbed Child #1's arm on 9/15/2021. Staff #1 stated that "[Child #1] had been misbehaving throughout the day" and admitted to Management that they had "grabbed [Child #1] by the arm." Center Management requested for Staff #1 to demonstrate on themselves how they had grabbed Child #1. Center Management reported to the inspector that Staff #1 took the Managers arm, "squeezed their nails" into the Managers arm. Center Management explained to Staff #1 that their behavior was inappropriate and Staff #1 was fired.”
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FAQ
Questions about The Merit School Learning Center (#36)
Is The Merit School Learning Center (#36) licensed?
Yes. Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists it as licensed and operating.
When was The Merit School Learning Center (#36) last inspected?
Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists the most recent visit on May 27, 2026, with 2 rules cited. It lists 11 visits in the last 3 years.
Has The Merit School Learning Center (#36) had rules cited by the state?
Yes. Inspectors cited 8 rules across 6 of 11 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 91% of Virginia daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 8. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
How many children can The Merit School Learning Center (#36) care for?
305, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve school-age children.
Does The Merit School Learning Center (#36) accept child care subsidies?
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
What are The Merit School Learning Center (#36)'s hours?
Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.
How much does The Merit School Learning Center (#36) cost?
It has not listed its tuition. Call (703) 957-3484 to ask.
What is The Merit School Learning Center (#36)'s phone number?
(703) 957-3484.
Where is The Merit School Learning Center (#36)?
25375 Supreme Drive, Aldie, VA 20105. The nearest other daycare we list is Chesterbrook Academy #828, 0.6 miles away.