The Merit School of Doc Stone
Open today 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Description provided by the business.The Merit School of Doc Stone provides caring, quality daycare in Stafford VA at Doc Stone. Established in 1980, The Merit School of Virginia has built a reputation for excellence in educational childcare. The Stafford County community trusts The Merit School of Doc Stone to offer children a safe, nurturing environment in which they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have served hundreds of families in the Stafford area through the years, and we’d love to welcome your family into ours!
Openings Now
The Merit School of Doc Stone is now enrolling for one or more spaces.
Location Info
95 Dunn Dr
Stafford, VA 22556
| Monday | 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Accreditations
-
Cognia
Military Assistance
- Offers Military Subsidies/Benefits
Financial Aid
- Free Meals
- Sibling Discount
- Subsidies & Vouchers
Languages Spoken
- English
Location Details
- Offers camp programs.
- Offers out-of-school time care.
- Offers summer care programs.
- Outdoor play space is available.
- Program includes field trips.
- Meals are provided.
- Transportation services are available.
Programs Offered
Baby Steps
Toddler Explorers
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
Our Toddler Explorers program caters to children aged 16-24 months, providing a nurturing and safe environment. Individualized lesson plans, designed by early care professionals, support social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The program emphasizes daily communication with families, ensuring parents are informed about their child's activities and progress. Classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to create a home-like atmosphere, with age-appropriate materials and outdoor play spaces to encourage exploration and learning.
Preschool Explorers
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Preschool Explorers program provides a nurturing and creative environment for two and three-year-olds. Children engage in age-appropriate activities such as filling containers at the water table, stacking blocks, and working on puzzles in large, bright classrooms designed to stimulate exploration and learning. The program emphasizes individualized lesson plans, daily teacher-family communication, and the development of social, creative, and self-help skills. Teachers create structured yet flexible schedules that support each child's developmental needs.
Montessori
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Full Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
Our Montessori program helps children aged three to five develop their full potential in a nurturing environment. It features self-paced learning with specialized materials, fostering independence, confidence, and a love for learning. The program includes sensory education, mathematics, cultural studies, creative arts, literacy skills, and practical life activities. It encourages parental involvement and prepares children for future academic success by promoting self-motivation, character development, and respect for all life.
Education Types
- Mixed Age
- Montessori
Youth Zone (School Age)
Schedules
Before Care, After Care
Calendar
School Year
Languages Taught
English
Description
The Youth Zone provides before and after school care, offering a safe and supportive environment for children during the hours before and after their school day. The program ensures children can spend time with friends in a fun, friendly, and relaxing setting. Activities are designed to keep children engaged and entertained, promoting social interaction and relaxation. This service is ideal for working parents who need reliable care for their children outside of school hours.
Summer Camp
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
Summer Only
Languages Taught
English
Description
Summer Camp at The Merit School makes it easy for parents to keep their routines by providing an exciting, safe, activity-driven place for their kids when school is out. Our summer camp program begins at the conclusion of the school year and continues through June, July, and August. Outdoor activities are a mainstay of the program, including swimming!
Winter Break Camp
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
School Breaks
Languages Taught
English
Description
School’s out for Winter Break, but the learning and fun don’t have to stop! School Break Camps at The Merit School make it easy for parents to keep their routines by providing an exciting, safe, activity-driven place for their kids when school isn’t happening!
Spring Break Camp
Schedules
Full Time, Part Time
Calendar
School Breaks
Languages Taught
English
Description
School’s out for Spring Break, but the learning and fun don’t have to stop! School Break Camps at The Merit School make it easy for parents to keep their routines by providing an exciting, safe, activity-driven place for their kids when school isn’t happening!
Licensing
The Merit School of Doc Stone is a licensed child care center.
Type
Licensed Child Care Center
Identifier
1107492
Capacity
157
Issued
12/22
Parent Reviews
We would like to thank you for the excellent educational, mental, and physical care provided to our son by all the staff members and teachers at The Merit School of Doc Stone. We are extremely satisfied by his educational and behavioral preparedness level which will allow him to embark on Kindergarten journey with great ease. On that note, we would like to underscore our special gratitude to the teachers.
Merit School of Doc Stone is an outstanding school. There is not enough room to write all the excellent things about this facility and the childcare professionals who work here. I wish I could give them more than 5 stars. I had always been hesitant to place my children in a daycare facility but it came to a time in life where it would be what was best for my children. I toured five other day care facilities in Stafford before finding Merit School of Doc Stone. I had started to lose hope that I would find an amazing daycare for my children. Merit of Doc Stone impressed me from the first phone conversation and continues to impress me each day. The facility is open, bright, beyond-clean, organized and cheerful. The staff is welcoming, educated, supportive, engaged and fun. My experience has been with the Stepping Stones Montessori class and the Youth Zone, before and after school program. I am beyond pleased with the level of learning and growth I have seen from both of my children from their attendance at Merit of Doc Stone. The teachers in the Stepping Stones class engage each child and make learning exciting and hands-on. I appreciate that in the Stepping Stone class (2 to 3 year olds) they allow for learning through play, reading, circle time and activities. Each week a set of detailed lesson plans are put together by the teachers and the plans are actually executed and provided to the parents. It is a great tool to use with my child at home for continued learning. One of the first things I noticed when I toured Doc Stone that was a major difference from all the other places I toured was that each staff member I met was engaged and interacting with the children while maintaining structure within the classroom. The staff at this facility will not just "watch" children all day. They will take interest in each child and assist the children with learning at their levels. The playgrounds are separated into age appropriate areas, they are fun and shaded. My children love the warm meals and nutritious snacks. I appreciate the location of the facility as well. It is tucked back off 610 and not near many other businesses. The childcare professionals at Doc Stone allow me to go to work each day knowing that my children are in qualified, capable and caring hands. I am so thankful for the positive impact that the teachers and staff are making on my children's daily life and future. Keep up the hard work Doc Stone, you are the best in Stafford!!!