The Merit School of Southpoint provides caring, quality daycare in Fredericksburg VA at Southpoint. Established in 1980, The Merit School of Virginia has built a reputation for excellence in educational childcare. The Spotsylvania County community trusts The Merit School of Southpoint to offer children a safe, nurturing environment in which they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have served hundreds of families in the Fredericksburg area through the years, and we’d love to welcome your family into ours!
Came to Merit School after having a HORRIBLE experience with a different local daycare. The difference between the two have been night and day. I no longer have terror to leave my baby with people and I get sent SO many pictures and updates, I feel as if I'm with him all day. Merit School has been a blessing to my babies and this workin' mama! Thankful for you guys.
- Kourtney B., parent at Merit of Southpoint
I just really wanted to commend the Southpoint Merit School location and their staff. My son has been going just over a year and I've never had an issue. In fact, these teachers go above and beyond. Everyone is always friendly and I've never had to worry about the quality of care my son receives.
- Amber, parent at Merit School of Southpoint
As a kindergarten mom, the staff there have put my mind at ease time and again, and have my utmost confidence in their abilities, teamwork, and sense of family. They should be commended for their hard work, especially during these unprecedented and challenging times. I can't thank them enough, and I highly recommend they be awarded for their continued care and support. They truly are THE BEST!
* Meals / snacks are not included for children with food allergies. This is the safest approach. Meal / snack exclusions do not affect tuition costs.
Programs Offered
Childcare
Baby Steps: Infant Daycare
Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare
Preschool Explorers
PREP – Preschool Readiness Enrichment
Junior Kindergarten
Youth Zone – Before and After School Program
Summer Camp
Schools Serviced
Cedar Forest Elementary
Courthouse Road Elementary
Courtland Elementary
Lee Hill Elementary
Parkside Elementary
Riverview Elementary
Spotswood Elementary
NOTE: The Schools Serviced are subject to change based on number of students enrolled from each public school.
Features of Our Clean, Secure, and Conveniently Located Facility
We are close to I-95 in the Massaponax area. We are proud to be accredited by Cognia, the gold standard of early childhood education accreditation. Nutritious USDA-approved meals are included* at no extra cost. Transportation to and from area public schools (listed above) is also available.
Our colorful, well-lit classrooms are designed to inspire your child’s creativity. Our furniture and classroom storage solutions were chosen or custom-built with your child’s safety in mind. A covered outside play porch and multiple age-appropriate playgrounds give the children ample opportunity to enjoy being outside!
Childcare Assistance for Military Families
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
Merit School of Southpoint is proud to support our military families and partner with the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). NACCRRA’s program, Child Care Aware of America works with U.S. Military members to find and afford child care that suits their unique needs.
More Than Daycare: We Offer Safe and Caring Childcare, Preschool, Before and After School Care, and More!
From infancy through preschool and into the crucial school-age years, The Merit School of Southpoint is committed to fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Our programs, curriculum, classrooms, play areas, toys, and learning materials cater to a variety of ages and developmental stages. We actualize our “Knowledge, Character, Achievement” motto by placing a strong emphasis on building character and instilling values such as kindness, respect, and responsibility. Students learn the importance of cooperation, empathy, and good citizenship through interactive activities and positive reinforcement. If you’re looking for preschool / daycare in Fredericksburg VA at Southpoint, check out our programs below!
Baby Steps: Infant Daycare in Fredericksburg, VA
The Baby Steps program focuses on the growth and development of infants through nurturing and individualized care. It fosters language development and trust between infants and caregivers with activities like singing, reading, and playing. The program emphasizes real-time communication with parents and uses a literacy-rich curriculum to support infants' social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare in Fredericksburg, VA
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: Preschool in Fredericksburg, VA
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.
PREP - Preschool Readiness Enrichment in Fredericksburg, VA
The Preschool Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP) is designed for three- and four-year-olds to develop essential language, math, and social skills. Using curricula like More Story Stretchers and Count On Math, children engage in group activities that build confidence and foundational knowledge. The program includes STEM learning and social-emotional development to prepare children for future educational experiences. Classrooms are structured to encourage exploration and creativity, with regular parent-teacher communication to track progress.
The Junior Kindergarten program is for four- and five-year-olds who miss the September cutoff for public or private school Kindergarten and who have completed a preschool program. It prepares them for kindergarten by focusing on literacy, math, science, and social studies. Children engage with stories, letters, sounds, and words to enhance literacy, while math concepts are taught through hands-on activities. The program also develops handwriting skills with creative materials and includes technology instruction. Social skills are fostered through interactive play and activities.
Youth Zone - Before and After School Program in Fredericksburg, VA
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 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! We also have camps for winter and spring breaks!
Our Directors, Teachers, and Staff Are Dedicated and Well-Trained
Our team embraces the philosophy of learning in a loving environment by creating a nurturing environment where learning is fun and exciting! At The Merit School of Southpoint, we are proud to employ a culturally diverse, highly trained, and caring staff. Our teachers and management engage our children in activities and experiences that propel them to grow and learn. These childcare professionals provide a “home away from home” for your child with stimulating social, emotional, and physical learning opportunities.
Director
Beth Richardson, BS/Early Childhood Education About Me
Please allow me to introduce myself as your Director. My name is Beth Richardson, and I
am honored to serve at The Merit School at Southpoint.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have five years of
experience in the field. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving as a
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Director of a Childcare Center, and Public School
Teacher for first and second grades. I have also worked as a Computer Lab
Instructor and spent eight years as a nanny. When my own children were
young, I enjoyed caring for other children in my home as well.
I am originally from Plymouth, Massachusetts, and proudly embrace my inner
sci-fi nerd! I enjoy fish keeping and have two axolotls, and I especially love
doing art projects with my daughter. My husband and I are blessed with two wonderful
children; Leah is a Research Specialist at UVA and Matthew is a middle school teacher. As a
family, one of our favorite traditions is traveling to Disney together.
My passion for Early Childhood Education was shaped early in life, inspired by my
mother, who was a Kindergarten teacher. I truly enjoy being with children and believe
that early learning is the foundation for a lifetime of growth, happiness, and success. One
of my favorite parts of the day is visiting classrooms and watching the meaningful
educational activities that our teachers are sharing with their students.
I am excited to partner with you in supporting your child’s learning journey.
Respectfully,
Beth Richardson
Director
Assistant Director
Sarah Linneman-Carter
District Director
Jeaninne Kroll, Business Management Degree About Me
My name is Jeaninne Kroll, and I am honored to step into the role of District Director with LLE Education Group. I bring over 20 years of multi-site leadership experience across early childhood education and retail operations, most recently overseeing licensed childcare centers and before- and after-school programs across Virginia. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about building high-performing teams, strengthening program quality, and creating cultures where every teacher feels valued, supported, and able to make a meaningful impact on children and families.
My leadership is shaped deeply by my personal journey. I was born and raised in Bucharest, Romania, and at 22 years old, I came to the United States with a suitcase and the determination to build a better life. That leap of faith taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of leaving a positive mark wherever I go, values that continue to guide me in my work today.
I have been married to my husband, Jeff, for 28 years, and together we have two wonderful daughters, Julia and Jaden, along with our two Boston Terriers, Jamie and Daisy-Jay. (A fun fact: all our names start with “J”, even the dogs!) When I’m not working, I love playing piano, ice skating, reading, and spending time with my family. I also have a deep love for Christmas, so much so that I typically set up at least seven Christmas trees in my home, a tradition rooted in my childhood, when the holiday brought so much joy to an otherwise difficult era.
Professionally, I am most fulfilled when I am developing leaders, supporting strong center cultures, ensuring safe and high-quality environments, and helping teams achieve their goals. I love winning, but even more, I love watching teams win together. I’m thrilled to bring that same passion and energy to LLE Education Group, and I look forward to learning from all of you, supporting your work, and contributing to the success of our programs and communities.
I’m truly grateful to be here and excited for the journey ahead.
Jeaninne Kroll
Merit School in Spotsylvania has been an absolutely phenomenal experience for our family. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine sense that every child truly matters.
My daughter have an incredible time in her Prep A class, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about her teachers, Mrs. Rosa and Andrea. They created such a nurturing, engaging, and supportive environment that made learning exciting every single day. It was clear they genuinely cared about each child’s growth, both academically and emotionally. My daughter came home happy, confident, and eager to share everything she learned—which speaks volumes.
We also truly appreciate the amazing front desk staff, especially the director Mrs. Beth. They’re always welcoming, organized, and ready to help with anything we need. That level of friendliness and efficiency makes a big difference and sets the tone for the entire school.
What stands out most about Merit School is the strong sense of community. The communication with families is excellent, the classrooms are well-structured and inviting, and the curriculum strikes a perfect balance between learning and play. It’s clear that a lot of thought and care goes into every detail.
We feel incredibly lucky to have found such a positive, enriching environment for our daughter. Merit School has exceeded our expectations in every way, and we would highly recommend it to any family looking for a place where their child will thrive, feel supported, and truly enjoy learning.
The Merit School of Southpoint is AMAZING! We absolutely love this daycare! We toured every daycare nearby and no one compares. The directors, teachers and staff are all amazing, warm , attentive, truly caring and welcome us with a smile everyday. My 2 years old wakes up excited to go every day. They also host so many great family events that make it feel like a real community. We couldn't be happier!
Miss Beth the Director & her assistant Director Sarah are both amazing; along with the entire staff - everyone is so friendly! They love your child as if they were their own and you can tell they love what they do and every child they meet. I know mine is in safe hands 🫶🏼
🌟 If I could give this place 10 stars, I absolutely would! From the director and assistant director to the teachers, cook, and even the custodian—everyone greets you with a warm smile and genuine kindness. They care for both of my kids like family, and it shows in everything they do.
This summer camp has been an absolute blast so far—packed with fun field trips and creative in-house activities that my kids can’t stop talking about!
As a former early childhood educator with years of experience working in military child care (with all the regulations that come with it), I can honestly say this center goes above and beyond. Their standards, energy, and community spirit are unmatched—I would’ve been proud to work here myself!
And as a working mom who sometimes feels guilty for being away, it means everything to receive photos of my kids laughing, playing, and thriving. That peace of mind is priceless.
💯 I highly recommend this place to any parent looking for a safe, fun, and loving environment for their child!
This school has been a godsend. I don't worry about my children's well-being at all while I'm at work. The staff is friendly and you can tell they are passionate about the children in their care. The school is clean and modern. They also do tons of activities daily to keep the kids busy and engaged. The director and assistant director are so sweet and helpful. They also have a teacher named Mr. Brandon who is awesome with the kids, he's a Rockstar!
Absolutely love this before and after school program! They are open when the schools are closed and they have the best activities for family. My favorite was the spaghetti dinner and parent night. Everyone is very kind and genuinely loves your child. They always greet and that little gesture goes a long way!
AMAZING!!!The staff and the director are completely different than where my daughter was in the past. My daughter loves her teacher Ms Raven. I dont blame her because shes a great teacher and has helped me with my daughter in transitioning to potty training and she always has a new idea to try and its so helpful. My other little baby just started is doing great. Her teacher Ms. Kynisha is so sweet and gentle. shes always on top of it and keeps a good flow. This school has given us a completely different experience then we had in the past. I know the teachers may be tired sometimes but you would never know with how kind and helpful everyone is. Also, Sarah is amazing as well. She always on it with new information and understanding. She makes everyone feel so welcomed when they come in. 10/10 recommend this school
I love Merit School of Southpoint! My daughter has been here since she was 3 months and she is now 14 months. The staff has been anything short of amazing. This is my first child and I went to tour the facility when I was 7 months pregnant. While I was there the Director Ms. Tanisha and the Assistant Director Ms. Sarah were very attentive and they answered all of my questions in depth. My daughter is always well taken care of and always smiles when i drop her off and is in good spirits when i pick her up. Thank you guys for all that you do! And thank you for being my daughter’s second family!
My 3 years old niece and 5 year old nephew both attend The Merit School of Southpoint. They love it there and always have so much fun. The director and staff there are so caring, polite and attentive. I have seen so much growth in my niece academically. I would definitely recommend The Merit School of Southpoint.
Accredited by NAEYC
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
