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!
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.
- The Leigh Family, Merit School of Doc Stone parents
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. 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!!!
* 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
Montessori
Youth Zone – Before and After School Program
Summer Camp
Schools Serviced
Anne E Moncure Elementary
Hampton Oaks Elementary
Kate Waller Barrett Elementary
Parkridge Elementary
Winding Creek 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 located in the Doc Stone Commons shopping center, convenient to I-95 and at the center of Garrisonville Road. 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. Our state-of-the-art facility also boasts shaded, age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds and heated infant room floors.
Childcare Assistance for Military Families
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
Merit School of Doc Stone 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 Doc Stone 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 are looking for nurturing preschool / daycare in Stafford VA near Doc Stone, check out our programs below!
Baby Steps: Infant Daycare in Stafford, 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 Stafford, 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.
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.
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.
Youth Zone - Before and After School Program in Stafford, 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 Doc Stone, 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. If you’re looking for daycare in Stafford VA at Doc Stone, check out our programs below!
Director
Jaylene Siwallace, ECE About Me
My name is Jaylene Siwallace, and I would like to introduce myself as your director. I have 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, beginning my career in a Childcare Center in Canada. I have been with LLE Education Group for more than ten years as a site Director for School Age Child Care, a teacher, a PM Supervisor, and an Assistant Director. I have a degree in Early Childhood Care and Education from Camosun College.
I am originally from Bella Coola, British Columbia, and I am from the Nuxalk Nation. I have two beautiful children, Treavyll and Jynasia. I have lived in Virginia since 2011.
I chose to work in early childhood education because I love watching children thrive and learn. It is gratifying to see them grow at Doc Stone, starting as an Infant and maturing to School Age. My favorite part of the day is walking into each classroom and getting greeted by all the children!
I am motivated each day by all the families and staff at Doc Stone; they really are the best children, parents, and teachers. I love working for the LLE Education Group and The Merit School of Doc Stone; they are part of my family!
Respectfully,
Jaylene Siwallace, Director
Assistant Director
Kirsten Goshen
District Director
Christine Mitchell, BS/Criminal Justice About Me
Christine Mitchell is a District Director for LLE Education Group.
This school is amazing! Our 2 year old learned so much from beginning to end of his time in the Montessori program. His teachers were amazing, and loving. I never worried about him, and knew he was in good hands. The front office staff was also so accommodating and understanding when things came up that were out of our control. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a loving, nurturing and accommodating program for their little ones.
We've been with this daycare for many years and we couldn't be happier. Our child is always engaged in fun and educational activities. The staff and managers are great and they all communicate very well.
My daughter attended this wonderful school since she was just 14 months old, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the love and care she received over the years. Jaylene, the director, and Christian, the assistant director, along with the entire staff, have always been incredibly kind, welcoming, and professional. They treated my daughter like family and made sure she was safe, happy, and learning every day. I always felt completely at ease leaving her there, knowing she was in such good hands. The environment is warm and nurturing, and it’s clear that the staff truly care about every child. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a safe, loving, and supportive place for their child to grow.
Love, love, love Merit! The (newish) Management Staff are absolutely amazing and will bend steel to make accommodations and address any concerns you may have. The teachers my child has had are fabulous, personable, and loving. It’s also cute how the center does a ton of fun activities for the kids (and family) too! I love how safe it is with the key pad and always having a member at the door. Highly recommend Merit of Doc Stone!
If I could give six stars, I would. My son has been attending School of Merit Doc Stone for over a year now and I’ve been SO happy with the great communication, the staff, management, and the program overall! My 8 year old daughter attends the summer camp which was so organized and fun. The facility is very clean and safe. There is ALWAYS someone in the front desk monitoring the door and cameras. I love receiving updates and pictures throughout the day from the school app.
The teachers and staff make this place truly a wonderful place, especially Ms. Lauren and Ms. Robyn, they are AMAZING!! They are patient, loving and super engaging with the children. My son has learned so much since coming to Doc Stone and I’m confident he is more than ready for kindergarten. We will miss Doc Stone so much when we transitions.
My daughter started with them about 2 weeks ago. So my experience has been great. The director is amazing. She actually takes the time to talk to me when I have any questions.
My daughter was in previous school where she would get hit and bit by her other children. The staff didn’t do anything about. I had to go back multiple times to ask what happened to her whenever I noticed a bruise.
Switch has been the best decision I’ve made. My daughter seems more happy now. She’s actually playing with the other kids and being more interactive. Her teachers are great and amazing. They’re constantly in communication with me. They also interact with the kids very well. They teach, play with them. Also, they’re very attentive and supportive.
My daughter feels more comfortable there and she is not being bullied anymore. If I had any doubts after dropping her off on the first day, I’ve felt a bit more at ease switching her.
It has been a breath of fresh air. Definitely 100% would recommend them to any parents who’s looking for a good and caring school for their children
The staff at this location embodies a care definition not found in a dictionary because many words combine to create a new description. We feel like our little one has many aunts and overwhelming love here. There are so many staff members to mention staff (e.g., Ms. Jalen, Mrs. Kerren, Ms. Kaitlyn, Ms. Brittany, Ms. Robin, Ms. J, and Ms. Ashley), to name a few who have impacted, taught, cared for, and so much more each day for our child. Everyone in that building has cared for our child in the best way possible and continues to do so daily. As a parent, no one likes when your kid comes home sick, but the benefits received from this establishment are so beneficial, and the hard work it takes to teach and care for so many at once does not go unnoticed in our home. We miss you all on holidays but are glad you all have extra days off sometimes.
My husband and I moved to NOVA this past August. At first we were looking at other schools in the area until my coworker brought to my attention that the merit school was right here in the same building where I work. I am so happy he told me about the merit school. Our daughter stayed home with my husband until this past June and adjusting to a move and a school can be really tough. The staff have been nothing but supportive and attentive to her needs.
I also recently had my second child and had some complications during my pregnancy that kept me from being able to lift my 3 year old out of the car. They did not hesitate to help me in the mornings and evenings to get her into and out of the car. They literally try to meet the needs of every family no matter what it is. I'm the type of person who hates to ask for help and will naturally feel guilty and I never got that feeling from them. They helped with open arms. They also care about how we are doing as parents.
They also take the time to just chat with you and I think that's important to have in the place where your child is in school. Getting to know the teachers and directors and seeing them take the time to just banter with me helps me know my daughter is in thr right hands. I would not hesitate to recommend this school to anyone looking for a new program or moving to the area!
Our daughter has been going here since she was about 4 months (she's almost a year now). Everyone has been very friendly and all the kids, of all ages, seem happy to be there. I think when we first started they were struggling with leadership changes but the new director jumped right in and organized a lot so the rooms and administrative things run more smoothly now. I like that each baby has a weekly curriculum, they do painting crafts, she eats well for them, and has bonded with teachers and friends. We're very grateful to be somewhere where our daughter is thriving!
My son is 2 years old and he absolutely loves going to school here. He hated going to school do to his last daycare " Children Of America ". As a mother it feels amazing to drop your baby off at school and they are excited about going and an even better feeling is when my husband or I pick him up and look thru the door and he’s in his class laughing and playing and actually enjoying himself . Every evening he has great art work and projects that have shown me he is actually learning and not just sitting around or running wild with no structure.
Also the Director and Assistant director and the teachers are absolutely amazing as well, they are very well mannered and genuinely care about the " parents and the children " . and everything at this center runs smoothly and perfect. As a mother it feels good to also walk into a center that "I" enjoy my child being at as well .At the end of the day as a parents we just want our children to enjoy life and be happy and this center will fill your kids with joy and give them the right direction on enjoying school .
Accredited by COGNIA
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
