Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) is committed to providing a trusted, community-centered approach to early learning for families in Dayton. With several locations across Montgomery County, including Dayton, we offer affordable or free early education and child care services for children ages six weeks to five years. Families can select from a range of options, including center-based, home-based, or school-based programs, with flexible choices for part-day or full-day care, available on either a year-round or school-year schedule.

Our passionate teachers and staff in Dayton are "brain-builders," specializing in fostering children's early physical, social, and emotional growth. Guided by a research-based curriculum, we kick off the learning journey from birth. In addition to our educational programs, we are deeply committed to supporting Dayton families through our Family Support Specialists, Home Visitors, and Coaches, who provide assistance in areas like housing, career development, health insurance, and beyond.

Families in Dayton earning up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible, along with children who are homeless or in foster or kinship care. Children with disabilities may also qualify. Don’t assume your family won’t qualify—many Dayton families are eligible!

Complete our pre-registration form or call 937-236-7655 for assistance. We’ll reach out within 5 business days.

Many families in Dayton are eligible for free child care, and those who qualify for Publicly Funded Child Care often only need to cover a minimal co-pay.

In Dayton, we offer both full-day and part-day care options. Our infant and toddler program, which serves children from six weeks to three years old, is available year-round.

Our Dayton programs offer flexibility:

Our school-day program offers early learning for up to 6 hours per day during the school year.

Our part-day program runs for 3.5 hours a day, Monday through Thursday, with both a.m. and p.m. session options. This is a part-year program.

Our full-day program provides up to 10 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Families choosing this option must be working or attending school and are required to apply for ODJFS Publicly Funded Child Care assistance.

Yes! Children in full-day programs receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack. Morning part-day attendees get breakfast and lunch, while afternoon attendees receive lunch and a snack.

Click here to see this month’s menu.

Yes!

100% of teachers in our program have earned a minimum of a Child Development Associate credential.

64% of Head Start teachers have a bachelor’s degree.

73% of teachers at Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships have earned a Child Development Associate credential or are in the process of doing so.

Once a family qualifies to enroll in Early Head Start, their child can remain with us even if the family begins earning more than the allowable income threshold until he or she turns 3.

If a family enrolls in Head Start (this program is for children between the ages of 3-5), the same is true. The family is still eligible to continue until their child is 5.

Family Support Specialists in Dayton help families set and achieve their goals by connecting them to essential community services, including housing, job assistance, and more, all aimed at supporting the family's overall well-being and success. Our Family Support Specialists also connect Dayton families with parenting classes and workshops to support healthy child development at home.

Our Dayton team connects families with community partners for:

• Immunizations

• Health checks and physicals

• Speech/language screenings

• Hearing and vision exams

• Dental exams

•Lead/ Hemoglobin Screenings

Absolutely. Our Dayton staff includes professionals trained to support children with disabilities and behavioral needs.

Families know what’s best for their child!

MVCDC in Dayton provides in-home services through our Home Visitors, who offer resources, guidance, and activities to help families foster learning and development right in the comfort of their own home.

Absolutely! We encourage families in Dayton to take an active role in their child's early learning journey. Our Policy Council, made up of parents and caregivers, is crucial in guiding MVCDC's decisions and policies. If you're interested in joining this meaningful group, your Family Support Specialist or your child's teacher can provide more details.

Dayton parents and caregivers are welcome to:

• Volunteer in their child’s classroom

• Attend parent committee meetings

• Participate in parenting classes

• Join our fatherhood initiatives

Here’s a link to our Parent Handbook.

MVCDC offers a wide range of services for Dayton families, including free early childhood education, family support specialists, home visitors, and resources aimed at improving financial stability and independence.

If you are a Dayton resident interested in Publicly Funded Child Care, you can apply through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and MVCDC can assist in navigating this process. Contact us for more details or guidance on how to apply.

MVCDC offers specialized services for children with disabilities in Dayton, including personalized support from trained professionals to help children thrive in their early learning and developmental journeys.

Unlike traditional daycare, MVCDC focuses on providing educational programs that promote not just care, but the cognitive, social, and emotional development of children. Our curriculum is built around helping children achieve important developmental milestones through structured learning activities, skilled educators, and a nurturing environment. We offer a more comprehensive approach that goes beyond supervision—preparing children for academic success and lifelong learning, while also supporting their families in a meaningful way.

Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) offer comprehensive early learning programs that extend beyond the scope of traditional preschool. While preschools typically focus solely on educational instruction, MVCDC integrates a holistic approach that includes:

• Early Head Start & Head Start Programs: Serving children from six weeks to five years old, these programs emphasize early childhood development, school readiness, and family support.

• Family Support Services: Dedicated Family Support Specialists and Home Visitors assist families in accessing community resources, setting goals, and achieving self-sufficiency.

• Health and Wellness Services: MVCDC connects families with health services, including immunizations, vision and hearing screenings, dental exams, and more.

• Flexible Program Options: Programs are available in full-day, part-day, and home-based formats, accommodating the diverse needs of families.

• Inclusive Education: Support is provided for children with disabilities and behavioral needs, ensuring all children have access to quality education.

MVCDC’s Early Head Start program in Dayton serves infants starting at 6 weeks old through age 3, offering part-day (3½ hrs), school-day (6½ hrs), or full‑day (up to 10 hrs) schedules.

MVCDC’s toddler learning program (Early Head Start, ages 6 weeks to 3 years) supports key developmental milestones such as walking, talking, motor skills, and social interaction. Care includes language-rich activities, sensory-based play, obstacle courses, and fine & gross motor exploration through blocks, pull‑toys, and creative play.

Yes! MVCDC offers high-quality after-school programs in Dayton for preschool and early elementary-aged children. Our programs go beyond basic child care—providing hands-on learning, creative play, and social-emotional support in a safe, nurturing environment.

We partner with local schools and community sites across Dayton to make after-school care accessible for working families. If you qualify for Head Start or Early Head Start, you may be eligible for free or reduced-cost care.

To find a program near you in Dayton, contact MVCDC or start your application online today.