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Child care center 

The Merit School of Arlington (#69)

2201 North Pershing Drive, Arlington, VA 222013.9· 25 reviews
licensed capacity
133
open each week
5 days

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About The Merit School of Arlington (#69)

The Merit School of Arlington (#69) is a licensed child care center in Arlington, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 133 children, serving school-age children.

It is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. It describes a Montessori approach, with after-school care, before-school care, infant care and pre-k. It says it provides meals.

Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety made 12 visits in the last 3 years and cited 8 rules across 2 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsMontessoriPreschool / pre-KBefore- and after-schoolSummer campMeals providedSecure entryAccepts child care subsidy

Ages served: school-age children

From the state license. Ages it lists: 3 weeks through school age
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
Type
Child care center
Ages
School-age children
Hours today
7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Licensed capacity
133 children

Hours

Hours

MondayToday7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Thursday7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Friday7:00 AM to 6:30 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayNot listed
From the state licenseHours it lists: “7am - 6:30pm”

Programs

Programs and care

AgesSchool-age childrenFrom the state license. It lists: 3 weeks through school age
ProgramsAfter-school care, before-school care, infant care, pre-k, preschool, summer camp and toddler care
ApproachMontessori
EnrichmentArt, music, foreign language
Daily lifeMeals provided; Snacks provided
SafetySecure keypad entry systems, Outdoor playground
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
TransportationTransportation (to and from area public schools (Oakridge Elementary))
MoreFounded Established in 1980
Licensed capacity133 childrenFrom the state license
A daycare without an item may still offer it; ask.

Cost

Tuition and costs

The Merit School of Arlington (#69) has not listed its tuition.

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition.

State record

Inspection reports for The Merit School of Arlington (#69)

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
License (Two Year)
Capacity
133 children
Ages
School-age children
License number
#1107541
See the state's record

Summary

12 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Apr 16, 2026: no rules cited

Rules cited on 2 of 12 visits · 8 rules in all

  • Staff training and qualifications 2
  • Food and nutrition 2
  • Health, medication and illness 2
  • Safety and hazards 1
  • Records and paperwork 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 20 visits
  1. Apr 16, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
  2. Apr 16, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
  3. Feb 17, 2026Complaint investigation1 rule cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-780-180-A Complaint related: No

      “Staff shall be capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility. Staff A cannot communicate orally as applicable to the job responsibility.”
  4. Oct 27, 2025VisitNo rules cited
  5. Oct 27, 2025VisitNo rules cited
  6. Jul 30, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  7. Jul 30, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  8. Mar 20, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  9. Mar 20, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
  10. Aug 9, 2024Inspection7 rules cited
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-570-E

      “Based on observation, there were bottles with no dates in the refrigerator. Evidence: Child A and Child B had no dates for two bottles in the refrigerator at the time of inspection.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-550-D

      “Based on record review, the program did not implement a monthly practice evacuation drill. Evidence: There was no documentation of an evacuation drill for February 2024.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-510-G

      “Based on observation, there was no correct labeling for a medication in the facility. Evidence: Child C had no specific instruction for administration on the Epinephrine and the allergy medication. Child C had no name on the allergy medication.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-80-A

      “Based on record review, there was no documentation of a written record of daily attendance. Evidence: The attendance record documentation did not accurately reflect the numbers of children in the center in four rooms (Infant, Stepping Stones, Montessori A and B) at the time of inspection.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-510-E

      “Based on record review, there was no documentation of the parent's and physician's authorization for medication administration. Evidence: Child C had no documentation of current authorization of medication from the parent or the physician.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-780-240-B

      “Based on record review, there was no documentation of orientation training prior to staff members working alone with children and no later than seven days of assuming job responsibilities. Evidence: Staff A, hire date June 10, 2024, had no documentation of orientation in the record. Staff B, hire date October 24, 2023, had no documentation of orientation in the record.”
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-560-F

      “Based on observation, there was no menu listing meals and snacks to the current week. Evidence: The menu posted was for July 22-26, 2024. There was no current menu posted for July 29-August 2, 2024.”
Show 10 earlier visits
  1. Feb 23, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  2. Feb 23, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  3. Aug 8, 2023Inspection3 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-780-240-B

      “Based on a review of staff records, the director did not ensure that all staff completed the orientation training in subsection C no later than seven days of he date of assuming job responsibilities. Evidence: Staff #2 (date of hire 11/14/2022) and Staff #4 (date of hire 6/23/2021) did not have documentation of the VA orientation training on file during the inspection.”
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-570-E

      “Based on observation, the director did not ensure that prepared infant formula was dated and labeled with the child's name. Evidence 1 of 3 sets of bottles did not have a name and date on the bottle.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-F

      “Based on a review of staff records, the director did not ensure all staff received all required training annually. Evidence: Staff #1 had the 10 hour preservice course dated 2/22/22. Staff #5 had the 10 hour preservice course dated 1/23/2022. They did not have the 3 hour health and safety update on file during the inspection.”
  4. Aug 8, 2023Inspection3 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-780-240-B

      “Based on a review of staff records, the director did not ensure that all staff completed the orientation training in subsection C no later than seven days of he date of assuming job responsibilities. Evidence: Staff #2 (date of hire 11/14/2022) and Staff #4 (date of hire 6/23/2021) did not have documentation of the VA orientation training on file during the inspection.”
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-570-E

      “Based on observation, the director did not ensure that prepared infant formula was dated and labeled with the child's name. Evidence 1 of 3 sets of bottles did not have a name and date on the bottle.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      8VAC20-790-600-F

      “Based on a review of staff records, the director did not ensure all staff received all required training annually. Evidence: Staff #1 had the 10 hour preservice course dated 2/22/22. Staff #5 had the 10 hour preservice course dated 1/23/2022. They did not have the 3 hour health and safety update on file during the inspection.”
  5. Feb 13, 2023Inspection4 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “Based on observation of the playground, areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were not maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition. Evidence: There were several large cracks in the blue and yellow rubber flooring on the playground. Under the basketball court there were cracks (shoe width) on the yellow outline of the basketball court.”
    • Discipline and child guidance

      8VAC20-780-400-B

      “Based on staff interviews, and staff statement, behavioral guidance was not constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate and was not intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflict. Evidence: Staff #1 stated "I put my pointer and middle fingers together and tapped his forehead. I lightly pushed back to tilt his forehead back so his eyes could meet mine and sternly told him to let go."”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. There was unlocked chlorox, lysol, and a bleach spray in an upper unlocked cabinet by the bathroom in the Montessori B classroom. 2. There was unlocked disinfectant in an upper unlocked cabinet by the sink in the Montessori A classroom. 3. There was swifter wet mopping wipes unlocked in a lower cabinet under the sink in the toddler classroom.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-60-A

      “Based on a review of child records(1 of 6), the center did not maintain a separate record for each child containing the required information. Evidence: Child # 1 did not have documented proof of identification. Child # 1 was missing 1 emergency contacts address.”
  6. Feb 13, 2023Inspection4 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “Based on observation of the playground, areas and equipment of the center, inside and outside, were not maintained in a clean, safe, and operable condition. Evidence: There were several large cracks in the blue and yellow rubber flooring on the playground. Under the basketball court there were cracks (shoe width) on the yellow outline of the basketball court.”
    • Discipline and child guidance

      8VAC20-780-400-B

      “Based on staff interviews, and staff statement, behavioral guidance was not constructive in nature, age and stage appropriate and was not intended to redirect children to appropriate behavior and resolve conflict. Evidence: Staff #1 stated "I put my pointer and middle fingers together and tapped his forehead. I lightly pushed back to tilt his forehead back so his eyes could meet mine and sternly told him to let go."”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. Evidence: 1. There was unlocked chlorox, lysol, and a bleach spray in an upper unlocked cabinet by the bathroom in the Montessori B classroom. 2. There was unlocked disinfectant in an upper unlocked cabinet by the sink in the Montessori A classroom. 3. There was swifter wet mopping wipes unlocked in a lower cabinet under the sink in the toddler classroom.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-60-A

      “Based on a review of child records(1 of 6), the center did not maintain a separate record for each child containing the required information. Evidence: Child # 1 did not have documented proof of identification. Child # 1 was missing 1 emergency contacts address.”
  7. Sep 15, 2022Inspection5 rules cited
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-780-570-B

      “Based on observation, bottle fed infants who cannot hold their own bottles were not being held while fed. Evidence: A baby in the younger side of the infant classroom was in a rocker seat with a bottle propped up for eating. The baby was unable to hold the bottle to feed themselves.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-550-A

      “Based on observation, the emergency preparedness plan was not updated annually. Evidence: The current emergency preparedness plan was dated 8/31/2022.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place. Evidence: Sanitizer and Windex were in a lower unlocked cabinet under the diaper station in the older side of the infant classroom.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-A

      “Based on observation, children's hands were not washed after diapering. Evidence: After a diaper change the teacher did not wash the infants hands before returning them to play.”
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-560-G

      “Based on observation, food and bottles brought from home did not have the date labeled on them. Evidence: 1 of 4 bottles checked did not have the date and 1 of 1 baby food checked did not have the date.”
  8. Sep 15, 2022Inspection5 rules cited
    • Safe sleep

      8VAC20-780-570-B

      “Based on observation, bottle fed infants who cannot hold their own bottles were not being held while fed. Evidence: A baby in the younger side of the infant classroom was in a rocker seat with a bottle propped up for eating. The baby was unable to hold the bottle to feed themselves.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-550-A

      “Based on observation, the emergency preparedness plan was not updated annually. Evidence: The current emergency preparedness plan was dated 8/31/2022.”
    • Safety and hazards

      8VAC20-780-280-B

      “Based on observation, hazardous substances such as cleaning materials were not kept in a locked place. Evidence: Sanitizer and Windex were in a lower unlocked cabinet under the diaper station in the older side of the infant classroom.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-500-A

      “Based on observation, children's hands were not washed after diapering. Evidence: After a diaper change the teacher did not wash the infants hands before returning them to play.”
    • Food and nutrition

      8VAC20-780-560-G

      “Based on observation, food and bottles brought from home did not have the date labeled on them. Evidence: 1 of 4 bottles checked did not have the date and 1 of 1 baby food checked did not have the date.”
  9. Apr 14, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-820-120-E-2

      “Based on observation, the most recent inspection findings of the facility were not posted. Evidence: The last inspection dated September 2021 were not posted for parents.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-60-A

      “Based on record review, 1 of 5 children's records was incomplete. Evidence: Child #1 was missing proof of identity verified within 7 days of attendance (date of attendance 4/4/2022).”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “An area of the center was not maintained in a clean, safe or operable manner. Evidence: An area of peeling paint was visible in the Toddler classroom.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-550-P

      “Based on record review, injury forms are not complete. Evidence: 10 injury forms were reviewed and 1 was missing the time the parent was notified.”
  10. Apr 14, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-820-120-E-2

      “Based on observation, the most recent inspection findings of the facility were not posted. Evidence: The last inspection dated September 2021 were not posted for parents.”
    • Records and paperwork

      8VAC20-780-60-A

      “Based on record review, 1 of 5 children's records was incomplete. Evidence: Child #1 was missing proof of identity verified within 7 days of attendance (date of attendance 4/4/2022).”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      8VAC20-780-270-A

      “An area of the center was not maintained in a clean, safe or operable manner. Evidence: An area of peeling paint was visible in the Toddler classroom.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      8VAC20-780-550-P

      “Based on record review, injury forms are not complete. Evidence: 10 injury forms were reviewed and 1 was missing the time the parent was notified.”

Copied from Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety on October 2, 2026; the state's records start around Oct 2012. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about The Merit School of Arlington (#69)

Is The Merit School of Arlington (#69) licensed?

Yes. Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists it as licensed and operating.

When was The Merit School of Arlington (#69) last inspected?

Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists the most recent visit on April 16, 2026, with no rules cited. It lists 12 visits in the last 3 years.

Has The Merit School of Arlington (#69) had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 8 rules across 2 of 12 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 of Arlington (#69) care for?

133, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve school-age children.

Does The Merit School of Arlington (#69) accept child care subsidies?

Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.

What are The Merit School of Arlington (#69)'s hours?

Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does The Merit School of Arlington (#69) cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (571) 257-7660 to ask.

What is The Merit School of Arlington (#69)'s phone number?

(571) 257-7660.

Where is The Merit School of Arlington (#69)?

2201 North Pershing Drive, Arlington, VA 22201. The nearest other daycare we list is Blue Bird Day School, 0.2 miles away.

Sources: Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety (license and visits).