Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) is southwest Ohio's Head Start agency, offering free and low-cost early learning and childcare for children from 6 weeks to age 5 in Dayton and across the Miami Valley.
For over 60 years, we have walked alongside families in Montgomery, Clark, and Madison counties, providing the kind of warm, nurturing early childhood education that gives every child a strong foundation, no matter their circumstances. If you are searching for infant care, Head Start preschool, or in-home learning support near Dayton, Trotwood, Springfield, or Miamisburg, we are here for your family.
In most cases, families must earn 100% of the Federal Poverty Level or less to enroll. Children experiencing homelessness or who are in foster or kinship care also are eligible. In some cases, children with disabilities may qualify.
We have 40+ locations in Montgomery, Clark and Madison counties.
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Early Childhood Programs Built Around Your Family
Every child grows differently and every family has different needs. MVCDC offers a range of early learning and childcare programs across southwest Ohio so you can find the right fit.
Our Early Head Start program supports infants and toddlers from 6 weeks to age 3 through center-based and home-based care. Our Head Start preschool prepares children ages 3 to 5 for kindergarten in warm, play-based classrooms across the Dayton area. For families who need flexibility, our in-home learning and Family Child Care Partner programs bring quality early childhood education directly into your community.
All programs are staffed by trained, caring educators who are committed to your child's growth and to your family's wellbeing.
With 40+ program sites in Dayton, Trotwood, Miamisburg, Springfield, Medway, London, and surrounding communities, there is likely an MVCDC location close to home. We also partner with in-home Family Child Care providers throughout Montgomery, Clark, and Madison counties so no matter where you are in southwest Ohio, quality early childhood care is within reach.
60 Years of Showing Up for Southwest Ohio Families
Since 1965, MVCDC has been more than a childcare provider. We are a partner to the families we serve. Our Family Support Specialists, Home Visitors, and Coaches work alongside parents and caregivers — connecting them to resources, building financial stability, and helping them become the confident, supported advocates their children need.
As a proud member of the national Head Start network and a Montgomery County Be Ready By 5 partner, we remain committed to one goal: making sure every child in the Dayton area and across the Miami Valley arrives at kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and belong.
It’s easy to make a one-time or recurring donation!
Miami Valley Child Development Centers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that is part of the national Head Start network. We support families experiencing poverty, providing early learning opportunities for children from 6 weeks to age 5. Our Family Support Specialists help parents and caregivers become financially stable and self-supporting.
Donations are tax-deductible. Please make checks payable to Miami Valley Child Development Centers, Inc., 215 Horace Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402.
Thank you for your support!
This website is partially supported by Head Start grants from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of MVCDC and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.