Mrs. Denise Shields
Fredericksburg, VA 22405 · preschool only · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31)
- licensed capacity
- 184
- open each week
- 5 days
We are a directory, not the daycare. We cannot hold a spot, enroll a child or answer questions about care.
Own this daycare? Claim it
About
About The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31)
The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31) is a licensed child care center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 184 children, serving school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. It describes a Montessori 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 18 visits in the last 3 years and cited 26 rules across 10 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
InfantsMontessoriBefore- and after-schoolSummer campMeals providedSecure entryAccepts 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
- 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Licensed capacity
- 184 children
Hours
Hours
| MondayToday | 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 |
| Sunday | 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 |
| Curriculum | More Story Stretchers and Count On Math |
| Enrichment | Art, Music, Foreign Language |
| 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 | NACCRRA / Child Care Aware of America military child care assistance |
| Transportation | Transportation (to and from area public schools) |
| Accreditation | Cognia (AdvancED) accredited |
| More | Founded The Merit School of Virginia established 1980 |
| Licensed capacity | 184 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Tuition and costs
The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31) 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 Leeland Station (#31)
License
- Status
- Licensed and operating
- License type
- License (Two Year)
- Capacity
- 184 children
- Ages
- School-age children
- License number
- #1108165
Summary
18 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Aug 24, 2026: 2 rules cited
Rules cited on 15 of 18 visits · 26 rules in all
- Health, medication and illness 6
- Safety and hazards 5
- Supervision and ratios 4
- Staff training and qualifications 3
- Food and nutrition 3
- Discipline and child guidance 2
- Records and paperwork 2
- 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 26 visits
Aug 24, 2026Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-340-F
“Children under 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. Two children (Ages 3 and 4) were observed playing in an area of the playground that was not within sight and sound supervision of the staff on the playground.”
8VAC20-780-350-B-1
“(REPEAT VIOLATION) The staff-to-child ratio for children ages birth to 16 months whenever children are in care is one staff for every 4 children. In the Infant A classroom (youngest child 4 months), there were 9 children present with 2 staff.”
Apr 7, 2026Inspection5 rules cited
8VAC20-780-340-D
“In each group of children at least one staff member who meets the qualifications of a program leader or program director shall be regularly present. There is no lead teacher assigned to the Toddler classroom. Previous lead teacher left in September 2025.”
8VAC20-780-410-1
“The following actions or threats thereof are forbidden: Roughly handling. Based on staff interview, on 4/1/2026, in the Toddler Classroom, Staff A used their hands to hold the sides of Child A’s (23 Months) head in an attempt to redirect the child to fix a chair that the child flipped. Additionally, while the child resisted, Staff A used their knees and body to nudge the child in order to prompt the child to walk.”
8VAC20-780-500-A
“Staff shall wash hands with soap and running water before and after a diaper change. Staff B in the Toddler classroom did not wash three children’s after changing their diapers.”
8VAC20-780-500-B
“The diapering surface shall be sanitized after each use. Staff B in the Toddler Classroom cleaned the diaper changing surface with disinfectant only but did not sanitize the surface after each use.”
8VAC20-780-400-C
“When time out is used as a behavior guidance technique, it shall not be used with infants and toddlers. On 4/1/2026 in the Toddler Classroom, Staff A used time out as a behavior guidance technique for Child A (23 Months) who is a toddler for approximately 4 minutes.”
Mar 26, 2026Complaint investigation2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-130-E Complaint related: No
“The center shall obtain documentation of additional immunizations once every six months for children under the age of two years. 1. The immunization records for Child A (Age 3) indicated the child’s most recent immunizations were administered over 2 years 11 months.”
8VAC20-780-50-B Complaint related: Yes
“Records and reports on staff required by this chapter must be maintained and made accessible for two years after termination of services. Center was unable to access documentation that was previously in the record for Child A that previously attended less than one month ago.”
Mar 2, 2026Visit2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-280-B
“(REPEAT VIOLATION) Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. 1. In the Preschool A classroom, there was an unlocked upper cabinet with a spray bottle of disinfectant. 2. In the Prep-B classroom, there was an unlocked upper cabinet with a spray bottle of disinfectant and a spray bottle of sanitizer. 3. In the Prep A classroom, there was a wet jet mop with all-purpose cleaner attached and accessible to children.”
8VAC20-780-350-B-1
“The staff-to-child ratio for children ages birth to 16 months whenever children are in care is one staff for every 5 children. From approximately 8:28am to 8:32am in the Infant 1 classroom, there was 1 staff observed with 6 children. The youngest child was age 5 months.”
Mar 2, 2026Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-280-B
“(REPEAT VIOLATION) Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. 1. In the Preschool A classroom, there was an unlocked upper cabinet with a spray bottle of disinfectant. 2. In the Prep-B classroom, there was an unlocked upper cabinet with a spray bottle of disinfectant and a spray bottle of sanitizer. 3. In the Prep A classroom, there was a wet jet mop with all-purpose cleaner attached and accessible to children.”
8VAC20-780-350-B-1
“The staff-to-child ratio for children ages birth to 16 months whenever children are in care is one staff for every 5 children. From approximately 8:28am to 8:32am in the Infant 1 classroom, there was 1 staff observed with 6 children. The youngest child was age 5 months.”
Nov 14, 2025Complaint investigation1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-510-L Complaint related: Yes
“Medication, except for those prescriptions designated otherwise by written physician's order, shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. On 11/10/2025 at approximately 6:30am, the lock box containing the centers medication for multiple children was left unlatched/unlocked behind the employee desk. The employee desk is open and has no lock or barrier preventing access.”
- Nov 7, 2025VisitNo rules cited
Sep 24, 2025Inspection7 rules cited
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment a current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #1, employed for 7 months, did not have a current certification in first aid.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment a current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #1, employed for 7 months, did not have a current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”
8VAC20-780-550-P
“The center shall maintain a written record of children's serious and minor injuries in which entries are made the day of occurrence. The record shall include the following: Date and time when parents were notified. Out of 15 injury reports reviewed, 3 of them were missing the times when parents were notified.”
8VAC20-780-510-L
“Medication, including refrigerated medication and staff's personal medication, shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. In the Preschool A classroom, there was a bottle of Tylenol belonging to staff in an unlocked upper cabinet.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. 1. In the Prep-B classroom there was an unlocked upper cabinet with a spray bottle of disinfectant and a spray bottle of sanitizer. 2. In the JK classroom there was an unlocked upper cabinet with a spray bottle of disinfectant and a spray bottle of sanitizer.”
8VAC20-780-560-F
“A menu listing foods to be served for meals and snacks during the current one-week period shall: Be posted in a location conspicuous to parents or given to parents. The menu for the week was not posted in a location conspicuous for parents.”
8VAC20-780-560-G
“When food is brought from home, the following shall apply: The food container shall be sealed and clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner. Child A brought food from home in two containers that were not dated.”
Sep 24, 2025Inspection7 rules cited
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment a current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #1, employed for 7 months, did not have a current certification in first aid.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment a current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #1, employed for 7 months, did not have a current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”
8VAC20-780-550-P
“The center shall maintain a written record of children's serious and minor injuries in which entries are made the day of occurrence. The record shall include the following: Date and time when parents were notified. Out of 15 injury reports reviewed, 3 of them were missing the times when parents were notified.”
8VAC20-780-510-L
“Medication, including refrigerated medication and staff's personal medication, shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. In the Preschool A classroom, there was a bottle of Tylenol belonging to staff in an unlocked upper cabinet.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials, insecticides, and pesticides shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. 1. In the Prep-B classroom there was an unlocked upper cabinet with a spray bottle of disinfectant and a spray bottle of sanitizer. 2. In the JK classroom there was an unlocked upper cabinet with a spray bottle of disinfectant and a spray bottle of sanitizer.”
8VAC20-780-560-F
“A menu listing foods to be served for meals and snacks during the current one-week period shall: Be posted in a location conspicuous to parents or given to parents. The menu for the week was not posted in a location conspicuous for parents.”
8VAC20-780-560-G
“When food is brought from home, the following shall apply: The food container shall be sealed and clearly dated and labeled in a way that identifies the owner. Child A brought food from home in two containers that were not dated.”
- Apr 25, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
Show 16 earlier visits
Mar 31, 2025Visit4 rules cited
8VAC20-780-550-G
“Documentation shall be maintained of emergency evacuation drills. There was no emergency drills documented for the months of October, November and December of 2024.”
8VAC20-780-570-E
“Prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated and labeled with the child's name. 1. In the Infant 2 Classroom, Child A had 2 bottles in the refrigerator without dates. 2. In the Infant 1 Classroom, Child B had 3 bottles in the refrigerator without dates.”
8VAC20-780-80-A
“For each group of children, the center shall maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. In the Infant 2 Classroom, there were 7 children present but only 6 on both the written and electronic attendance.”
8VAC20-780-240-B
“Staff shall complete orientation training prior to the staff member working alone with children and no later than seven days of the date of assuming job responsibilities. Staff A, employed for 2 months, did not have documentation showing the staff completed orientation training.”
Mar 31, 2025Inspection4 rules cited
8VAC20-780-550-G
“Documentation shall be maintained of emergency evacuation drills. There was no emergency drills documented for the months of October, November and December of 2024.”
8VAC20-780-570-E
“Prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated and labeled with the child's name. 1. In the Infant 2 Classroom, Child A had 2 bottles in the refrigerator without dates. 2. In the Infant 1 Classroom, Child B had 3 bottles in the refrigerator without dates.”
8VAC20-780-80-A
“For each group of children, the center shall maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. In the Infant 2 Classroom, there were 7 children present but only 6 on both the written and electronic attendance.”
8VAC20-780-240-B
“Staff shall complete orientation training prior to the staff member working alone with children and no later than seven days of the date of assuming job responsibilities. Staff A, employed for 2 months, did not have documentation showing the staff completed orientation training.”
Mar 31, 2025Inspection4 rules cited
8VAC20-780-550-G
“Documentation shall be maintained of emergency evacuation drills. There was no emergency drills documented for the months of October, November and December of 2024.”
8VAC20-780-570-E
“Prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated and labeled with the child's name. 1. In the Infant 2 Classroom, Child A had 2 bottles in the refrigerator without dates. 2. In the Infant 1 Classroom, Child B had 3 bottles in the refrigerator without dates.”
8VAC20-780-80-A
“For each group of children, the center shall maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. In the Infant 2 Classroom, there were 7 children present but only 6 on both the written and electronic attendance.”
8VAC20-780-240-B
“Staff shall complete orientation training prior to the staff member working alone with children and no later than seven days of the date of assuming job responsibilities. Staff A, employed for 2 months, did not have documentation showing the staff completed orientation training.”
- Oct 30, 2024VisitNo rules cited
Oct 18, 2024Inspection1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Hazardous substances must be in a locked place that prevents access by children. In the school-age classroom, there were 2 cans of spray paint labeled ?Keep out of reach of children? unlocked on an upper shelf.”
Oct 18, 2024Inspection1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Hazardous substances must be in a locked place that prevents access by children. In the school-age classroom, there were 2 cans of spray paint labeled ?Keep out of reach of children? unlocked on an upper shelf.”
Mar 29, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-510-P
“When authorization for medication expires, the medication shall be picked up by the parent within 14 days or the medication must be disposed of by the center or the authorization must be renewed. The duration of the physician authorization expired on 1/5/24 and the Inhaler for child #1 was not picked up within 14 days nor did the parent renew the authorization nor did the center dispose of the medication.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“The center shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. The Licensing Inspector observed the cords to wall mounted phones in reach of children in classroom # 2 and #8. The phone cords present a strangulation risk.”
Mar 29, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-510-P
“When authorization for medication expires, the medication shall be picked up by the parent within 14 days or the medication must be disposed of by the center or the authorization must be renewed. The duration of the physician authorization expired on 1/5/24 and the Inhaler for child #1 was not picked up within 14 days nor did the parent renew the authorization nor did the center dispose of the medication.”
8VAC20-780-270-A
“The center shall be maintained in a clean, safe and operable condition. The Licensing Inspector observed the cords to wall mounted phones in reach of children in classroom # 2 and #8. The phone cords present a strangulation risk.”
Aug 14, 2023Inspection1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-40-M
“Based on interview and a review of recordkeeping it was determined that a child with a diagnosed food allergy was not listed on the current written allergy list. Evidence: Child #1 has a diagnosed milk allergy that was not listed on the written allergy list”
Aug 14, 2023Inspection1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-40-M
“Based on interview and a review of recordkeeping it was determined that a child with a diagnosed food allergy was not listed on the current written allergy list. Evidence: Child #1 has a diagnosed milk allergy that was not listed on the written allergy list”
- Mar 2, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
- Mar 2, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
- Oct 6, 2022InspectionNo rules cited
- Oct 6, 2022InspectionNo rules cited
- Mar 17, 2022InspectionNo rules cited
- Mar 17, 2022InspectionNo rules cited
Reviews
Parent reviews
No parent reviews yet
If your child goes or went here, your review helps other parents. We check every review against our review guidelines.
Daycares near The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31)
YMCA SACC at Conway Elementary School
105 Primmer House Road, Fredericksburg, VA
3.8· 148 reviews
YMCA SACC at Falmouth Elementary School
1000 Forbes Street, Falmouth, VA
Cleremont Academy
81-85 Cleremont Drive, Fredericksburg, VA
5.0· 2 reviews
Renew Life Worship Center
454 Cambridge Street, Fredericksburg, VA
YMCA SACC at Grafton Village Elementary School
501 Deacon Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Callahan Learning Center Falmouth
628 Cambridge Street, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA
5.0· 7 reviews
Children of America Deacon Road
2 South Pointe Lane, #105, Fredericksburg, VA
4.5· 50 reviews
Rappahannock Area YMCA
212 Butler Road, Falmouth, VA
FAQ
Questions about The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31)
Is The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31) 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 Leeland Station (#31) last inspected?
Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists the most recent visit on August 24, 2026, with 2 rules cited. It lists 18 visits in the last 3 years.
Has The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31) had rules cited by the state?
Yes. Inspectors cited 26 rules across 15 of 18 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 Leeland Station (#31) care for?
184, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve school-age children.
Does The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31) accept child care subsidies?
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
What are The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31)'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 of Leeland Station (#31) cost?
It has not listed its tuition. Call (571) 565-3191 to ask.
What is The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31)'s phone number?
(571) 565-3191.
Where is The Merit School of Leeland Station (#31)?
115 Primmer House Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405. The nearest other daycare we list is YMCA SACC at Conway Elementary School, under 0.1 miles away.