Ms. Tamara Gilchrist
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
The Merit School of Southpoint (#45)
- licensed capacity
- 176
- 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 Southpoint (#45)
The Merit School of Southpoint (#45) is a licensed child care center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 176 children, serving school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety made 16 visits in the last 3 years and cited 14 rules across 8 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
School-ageAccepts 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
- 176 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 |
|---|---|
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Licensed capacity | 176 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Tuition and costs
The Merit School of Southpoint (#45) 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 Southpoint (#45)
License
- Status
- Licensed and operating
- License type
- License (Two Year)
- Capacity
- 176 children
- Ages
- School-age children
- License number
- #1106878
Summary
16 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Aug 20, 2026: no rules cited
Rules cited on 11 of 16 visits · 14 rules in all
- Supervision and ratios 4
- Staff training and qualifications 4
- Health, medication and illness 2
- Safety and hazards 1
- Food and nutrition 1
- Records and paperwork 1
- Discipline and child guidance 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 25 visits
- Aug 20, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
- Jun 1, 2026VisitNo rules cited
- Feb 25, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
- Feb 25, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
Nov 10, 2025Complaint investigation3 rules cited
8VAC20-780-40-E Complaint related: Yes
“COMPLAINT RELATED The center is required to ensure the center's own policies and procedures that are required by these standards are in compliance. The center's procedures for identifying where children are at all times states: "Name to face accountability is when you look at your rollcall sheet and confirm by actually putting your eyes on each individual child marked present on the rollcall sheet. This procedure does not take the place of counting the number of children as you cross each threshold on a regular basis. However, children are busy and constantly moving around which makes it easy to count the same child twice. All areas should be checked prior to transitioning." On 11/03/25, Staff #1 and Staff #2 did not follow the center's Name-to-Face procedure when transitioning children outdoors and did not check all areas of the classroom before transitioning. The staff acknowledged counting the children when they lined up to go outside, but a count and the name-to-face check was not done again when the children were out on the playground. Staff reported a final check of the room was not completed when the group exited the room and Child #1 (2-years-old) was left behind for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.”
8VAC20-780-340-A Complaint related: Yes
“COMPLAINT RELATED When staff are supervising children, they shall always ensure their care, protection, and guidance. On 11/03/25, Child #1 (2-years-old) was left behind in the classroom when the rest of the class went to the playground. Staff #3 was in the Toddler Explorers classroom when she heard muffled crying coming from the room next door. Staff #3 looked in the room and observed Child #1 was alone, on the ground, crying, and alerted a member of management. It is estimated Child #1 was left behind for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.”
8VAC20-780-340-F Complaint related: Yes
“COMPLAINT RELATED Children under 10 years of age always shall be within actual sight and sound supervision of staff. On 11/03/25, Child #1 (2-years-old) was left behind in the classroom when the rest of the class went to the playground. It is estimated Child #1 was not within the actual sight and sound supervision of staff for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.”
Sep 17, 2025Inspection4 rules cited
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. The training shall include an in-person competency demonstration. The record of staff #1 contained documentation of CPR certification that expired three days ago.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. The record of staff #1 contained documentation of first aid certification that expired three days ago.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. A canister of deicer, disinfectant and absorbent cleanser were observed unlocked on the van used for transporting children.”
8VAC20-780-130-A
“The center shall obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center. The record of child #1, enrolled for 24 days, did not have documentation of immunizations.”
Sep 17, 2025Inspection4 rules cited
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. The training shall include an in-person competency demonstration. The record of staff #1 contained documentation of CPR certification that expired three days ago.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. The record of staff #1 contained documentation of first aid certification that expired three days ago.”
8VAC20-780-280-B
“Hazardous substances such as cleaning materials shall be kept in a locked place using a safe locking method that prevents access by children. A canister of deicer, disinfectant and absorbent cleanser were observed unlocked on the van used for transporting children.”
8VAC20-780-130-A
“The center shall obtain documentation that each child has received the immunizations required by the State Board of Health before the child can attend the center. The record of child #1, enrolled for 24 days, did not have documentation of immunizations.”
Jun 3, 2025Complaint investigation3 rules cited
8VAC20-780-570-E Complaint related: Yes
“Prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated and labeled with the child's name. On 05/16/25, the center did not ensure two bottles with prepared infant formula were dated and labeled with a child's name.”
8VAC20-780-530-A-2
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3, who works directly with children, completed the first aid certification 11 days late.”
8VAC20-780-530-A-1
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3, who works directly with children, completed the CPR certification 11 days late.”
Jun 3, 2025Inspection3 rules cited
8VAC20-780-570-E Complaint related: Yes
“Prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated and labeled with the child's name. On 05/16/25, the center did not ensure two bottles with prepared infant formula were dated and labeled with a child's name.”
8VAC20-780-530-A-2
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3, who works directly with children, completed the first aid certification 11 days late.”
8VAC20-780-530-A-1
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3, who works directly with children, completed the CPR certification 11 days late.”
Jun 3, 2025Inspection3 rules cited
8VAC20-780-570-E Complaint related: Yes
“Prepared infant formula shall be refrigerated, dated and labeled with the child's name. On 05/16/25, the center did not ensure two bottles with prepared infant formula were dated and labeled with a child's name.”
8VAC20-780-530-A-2
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in first aid appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3, who works directly with children, completed the first aid certification 11 days late.”
8VAC20-780-530-A-1
“All staff who work directly with children shall have within 90 days of the date of employment current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of children in care. Staff #3, who works directly with children, completed the CPR certification 11 days late.”
Show 15 earlier visits
Dec 5, 2024Inspection1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-140-A
“Physical examinations completed by a physician shall be obtained prior to the first day of attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance. There was no physical examination in the record of Child #5, who had been in attendance for over two months.”
Dec 5, 2024Inspection1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-140-A
“Physical examinations completed by a physician shall be obtained prior to the first day of attendance or within 30 days after the first day of attendance. There was no physical examination in the record of Child #5, who had been in attendance for over two months.”
- Jul 10, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
May 14, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-80-A
“Based on observation and documentation review, the center did not maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. Evidence: In the Junior Kindergarten classroom, there were 9 children signed in on the written attendance but only 8 children were present in the classroom.”
8VAC20-780-340-D
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not ensure that at least one staff member who meets the qualifications of a program leader or program director is regularly present in each grouping of children. Evidence: Staff #2 (Date of Hire: 11/21/2023) was identified as the lead teacher in the Junior Kindergarten room, Staff #4 (Date of Hire: 11/29/2021) was identified as the lead teacher in the Baby Steps I room, and Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 5/2/2024) was identified as the lead teacher in the Preschool Explorers room. Staff #2, Staff #4, and Staff #5 do not have documentation of program leader or program director qualifications on file.”
May 14, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-80-A
“Based on observation and documentation review, the center did not maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs. Evidence: In the Junior Kindergarten classroom, there were 9 children signed in on the written attendance but only 8 children were present in the classroom.”
8VAC20-780-340-D
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not ensure that at least one staff member who meets the qualifications of a program leader or program director is regularly present in each grouping of children. Evidence: Staff #2 (Date of Hire: 11/21/2023) was identified as the lead teacher in the Junior Kindergarten room, Staff #4 (Date of Hire: 11/29/2021) was identified as the lead teacher in the Baby Steps I room, and Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 5/2/2024) was identified as the lead teacher in the Preschool Explorers room. Staff #2, Staff #4, and Staff #5 do not have documentation of program leader or program director qualifications on file.”
Nov 8, 2023Inspection1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-410-1
“Based on interviews, a staff member engaged in a forbidden action by roughly handling a child in care. Evidence: In the Twos classroom, on 11/3/2023 at approximately 2:30pm, Child #1 (Age 2) was sleeping under a blanket on a cot when Staff #1 yanked Child #1 by the arm and roughly pulled Child #1 to a standing position. Staff #1 pulled Child #1 quickly across the room to the changing table. At the changing table, Staff #1 grabbed Child #1 by the upper left arm and roughly lifted the child onto the changing table.”
Sep 13, 2023Inspection3 rules cited
8VAC20-780-260-B
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center has not had an annual health inspection. Evidence: The most recent health inspection was conducted 8/16/2022.”
22.1-289.035-B-4
“Based on record review, the center did not obtain the results of a criminal history record check prior to employment from each state staff have resided in the preceding five years. Evidence: Staff #2 (Start Date: 8/8/2023) has resided in the state of Massachusetts within the last five years and did not have the results of a Massachusetts criminal history record check on file at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-780-260-A
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center has not had an annual fire inspection. Evidence: The most recent fire inspection was conducted 8/3/2022.”
Sep 13, 2023Inspection3 rules cited
8VAC20-780-260-B
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center has not had an annual health inspection. Evidence: The most recent health inspection was conducted 8/16/2022.”
22.1-289.035-B-4
“Based on record review, the center did not obtain the results of a criminal history record check prior to employment from each state staff have resided in the preceding five years. Evidence: Staff #2 (Start Date: 8/8/2023) has resided in the state of Massachusetts within the last five years and did not have the results of a Massachusetts criminal history record check on file at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-780-260-A
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center has not had an annual fire inspection. Evidence: The most recent fire inspection was conducted 8/3/2022.”
- Apr 6, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
Mar 1, 2023Inspection9 rules cited
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not ensure that all staff obtain current first aid certification within 90 days of the date of employment. Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 10/17/2022) did not have current first aid certification on file at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not ensure that all staff obtain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within 90 days of the date of employment. Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 10/17/2022) did not have current CPR certification on file at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-780-80-A
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs for each group of children. Evidence: In the Preschool Explorers room there were 8 children present, however, only 6 children were signed in on the classroom attendance.”
8VAC20-780-240-A
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that all staff complete the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course within 90 calendar days of employment. Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 10/17/2022) has not completed the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-780-330-B
“Based on observation of the playground, the resilient surfacing under playground equipment on the Prep/JK playground was insufficient. Evidence: 1. There were 3 areas within the poured-in-place resilient surfacing on the Prep/JK playground surrounding the rock wall tunnel that is approximately 4' in height that has cracked. In addition, there was approximately a 2" gap between two sections of the poured-in-place resilient surfacing that was located approximately 3' from the base of the rock wall tunnel creating a tripping hazard and not providing the minimum depth for the fall zone.”
8VAC20-780-160-A
“Based on record review, the center did not obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening or test for all staff by the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: Staff #1 (Date of Hire: 2/9/2023) did not have a tuberculosis screening or test on file at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-770-60-B
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that all staff complete a signed Sworn Disclosure Statement prior to employment. Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 10/17/2022) did not have a signed Sworn Disclosure Statement at the time of inspection. Staff #5 did complete a Sworn Disclosure Statement during the inspection and was dated 3/1/2023.”
8VAC20-780-40-M
“Based on observation and record review, the center did not maintain a written list of all children's allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions in each area where children are present. Evidence: In the Prep classroom, there was no posted list containing children's allergies, sensitivities and dietary restrictions.”
8VAC20-780-70
“Based on record review, the center did ensure that staff records contained all required information. Evidence: Staff #3 (Date of Hire: 2/21/2023) did not have documentation on file to demonstrate that the individual has completed orientation training.”
Mar 1, 2023Inspection9 rules cited
8VAC20-790-600-D-2
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not ensure that all staff obtain current first aid certification within 90 days of the date of employment. Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 10/17/2022) did not have current first aid certification on file at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-790-600-D-1
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not ensure that all staff obtain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within 90 days of the date of employment. Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 10/17/2022) did not have current CPR certification on file at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-780-80-A
“Based on record review and staff interview, the center did not maintain a written record of daily attendance that documents the arrival and departure of each child in care as it occurs for each group of children. Evidence: In the Preschool Explorers room there were 8 children present, however, only 6 children were signed in on the classroom attendance.”
8VAC20-780-240-A
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that all staff complete the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course within 90 calendar days of employment. Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 10/17/2022) has not completed the Virginia Department of Education-sponsored orientation course at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-780-330-B
“Based on observation of the playground, the resilient surfacing under playground equipment on the Prep/JK playground was insufficient. Evidence: 1. There were 3 areas within the poured-in-place resilient surfacing on the Prep/JK playground surrounding the rock wall tunnel that is approximately 4' in height that has cracked. In addition, there was approximately a 2" gap between two sections of the poured-in-place resilient surfacing that was located approximately 3' from the base of the rock wall tunnel creating a tripping hazard and not providing the minimum depth for the fall zone.”
8VAC20-780-160-A
“Based on record review, the center did not obtain documentation of a negative tuberculosis screening or test for all staff by the time of employment and prior to coming into contact with children. Evidence: Staff #1 (Date of Hire: 2/9/2023) did not have a tuberculosis screening or test on file at the time of inspection.”
8VAC20-770-60-B
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that all staff complete a signed Sworn Disclosure Statement prior to employment. Evidence: Staff #5 (Date of Hire: 10/17/2022) did not have a signed Sworn Disclosure Statement at the time of inspection. Staff #5 did complete a Sworn Disclosure Statement during the inspection and was dated 3/1/2023.”
8VAC20-780-40-M
“Based on observation and record review, the center did not maintain a written list of all children's allergies, sensitivities, and dietary restrictions in each area where children are present. Evidence: In the Prep classroom, there was no posted list containing children's allergies, sensitivities and dietary restrictions.”
8VAC20-780-70
“Based on record review, the center did ensure that staff records contained all required information. Evidence: Staff #3 (Date of Hire: 2/21/2023) did not have documentation on file to demonstrate that the individual has completed orientation training.”
Aug 25, 2022Inspection1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-570-E
“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that prepared infant formula is dated. Evidence: 2 of 5 bottles of prepared infant formula observed in the refrigerator in the Baby Steps 1 room were not dated.”
Aug 25, 2022Inspection1 rule cited
8VAC20-780-570-E
“Based on observation, the center did not ensure that prepared infant formula is dated. Evidence: 2 of 5 bottles of prepared infant formula observed in the refrigerator in the Baby Steps 1 room were not dated.”
Mar 3, 2022Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-510-B
“Based on medication review, the center did not obtain parental authorizations for all medications on site. Evidence: Child #6 had two emergency medications and Child #7 had one emergency medication on site. Parental authorizations granting the center permission to administer the emergency medications were not on file for Child #6 and Child #7.”
8VAC20-780-70
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment. Evidence: Staff #2 (Date of Hire: 11/29/2021) had reference checks on file that were completed 11/30/2021.”
Mar 3, 2022Inspection2 rules cited
8VAC20-780-510-B
“Based on medication review, the center did not obtain parental authorizations for all medications on site. Evidence: Child #6 had two emergency medications and Child #7 had one emergency medication on site. Parental authorizations granting the center permission to administer the emergency medications were not on file for Child #6 and Child #7.”
8VAC20-780-70
“Based on record review, the center did not ensure that two or more references as to character and reputation as well as competency were checked before employment. Evidence: Staff #2 (Date of Hire: 11/29/2021) had reference checks on file that were completed 11/30/2021.”
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 Southpoint (#45)
Madelaine Cuello
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Jacinta Grant
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 · toddlers to preschool · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Sahar Mohsini
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
DElaine Steele
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Veronica Molina
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Cheryl Strong
Fredericksburg, VA 22407 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
5.0· 5 reviews
Cadence Academy Preschool
9807 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg, VA
Mrs. Bee's Learning Academy
10203 Patriot Highway North, Fredericksburg, VA
FAQ
Questions about The Merit School of Southpoint (#45)
Is The Merit School of Southpoint (#45) 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 Southpoint (#45) last inspected?
Virginia Department of Education, Office of Child Care Health and Safety lists the most recent visit on August 20, 2026, with no rules cited. It lists 16 visits in the last 3 years.
Has The Merit School of Southpoint (#45) had rules cited by the state?
Yes. Inspectors cited 14 rules across 11 of 16 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 Southpoint (#45) care for?
176, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve school-age children.
Does The Merit School of Southpoint (#45) accept child care subsidies?
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
What are The Merit School of Southpoint (#45)'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 Southpoint (#45) cost?
It has not listed its tuition. Call (540) 898-3213 to ask.
What is The Merit School of Southpoint (#45)'s phone number?
(540) 898-3213.
Where is The Merit School of Southpoint (#45)?
4713 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22407.