Early Head Start & Therapeutic Child Care at MVCDC Hope Center in Dayton, Ohio

Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) proudly serves southwest Ohio as a trusted leader in early childhood school options. For 60 years, we have provided free and affordable early learning programs that give children a strong foundation for future academic and life success.

Our campus at 1816 Harvard Blvd, Dayton is located within The Hope Center for Families. This multi-service facility allows us to work alongside exceptional community partners, including Dayton Children's pediatrics and Mini University, to provide families with streamlined access to education and healthcare. At this location, we offer a dedicated, school-day Head Start preschool program tailored specifically to prepare young children for kindergarten.

Families enrolled at the Hope Center also benefit from an on-site team of Family Support Specialists, Home Visitors, and Coaches. These professionals partner directly with parents to build financial stability, offer parenting support, and connect caregivers with vital community resources.

Eligibility for Free & Affordable Preschool Our enrollment process prioritizes families with the greatest need:

Income-Based: Families earning 100% or less of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for free programming.
Kinship & Foster Care: Children in foster care or kinship care are automatically eligible.
Disabilities & Referrals: Children with documented developmental or behavioral needs receive priority placement.

MVCDC Hope Center: Early Learning & Therapeutic Child Care in Dayton

MVCDC delivers premier early childhood education across the region through dedicated facilities, local public school partnerships, and licensed in-home Family Child Care providers.

For parents searching for a highly supportive, inclusive learning environment in Dayton, our program at 1816 Harvard Blvd delivers specialized classroom structures:

Head Start Preschool (Ages 3 to 5): Evidence-based, play-based curriculum focusing on reading readiness, math concepts, and social-emotional growth.
Inclusive Learning Environments: Classrooms structured to successfully support children with diverse learning, developmental, or behavioral needs.
Predictable School-Day Hours: Reliable daily schedules designed to align with traditional elementary schools for convenient family routines.
Co-Located Community Resources: Immediate access to family development tools, healthcare connections, and parent advocacy programs under one roof.

Learn more

Dayton Locations

Lincoln Hill

MVCDC Lincoln Hill offers Early Head Start, full day, and school day hours.
200 Dover Street Dayton, OH 45410
Hope Center

MVCDC Hope Center offers school day and a therapeutic intervention classroom hours.
1816 Harvard Blvd Dayton, OH 45406
Kings Highway

MVCDC Kings Highway offers Early Head Start, full day, and school day hours.
3805 Kings Highway Dayton, OH 45406-3577
Dixie

MVCDC Dixie offers Early Head Start, full day, and part day hours.
5421N. Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414-3946
Miami View

MVCDC Miami View offers Early Head Start, and full day hours.
830 W. Fifth Street Dayton, OH 45402-8318
Aullwood Farm

MVCDC Aullwood Farm offers school day hours.
9101 Frederick Pike Dayton, OH 45414-1241
Mad River

MVCDC Mad River offers part day hours.
801 Old Harshman Rd Dayton, OH 45431

Hope Center Early Head Start & Head Start Programs in Dayton

At MVCDC's Hope Center Preschool, we are committed to providing top-tier early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. Our experienced, compassionate educators are deeply trained in fostering an inclusive learning environment that respects each child's individual pace, building the curiosity and confidence required for kindergarten readiness.

Qualifying families can access free and low-cost childcare options and preschool programming at our center, removing financial barriers to excellent early education. We are proud to partner with local caregivers to give children across the Miami Valley the tools they need to learn, grow, and belong.

Four young girls standing in a classroom, smiling at the camera. They are dressed casually, and a colorful bulletin board is behind them.

Enrollment starts here!

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Our center is located at 1816 Harvard Blvd, Dayton, OH 45406. We operate within the larger campus known as The Hope Center for Families, situated right next door to our Miami View location.
MVCDC Hope Center offers a range of early childhood programs for children from six weeks to five years old, including Early Head Start, school day programs, and a therapeutic intervention classroom. These programs support emotional, behavioral, and academic development in a nurturing, inclusive 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.
The therapeutic intervention classroom at MVCDC Hope Center provides specialized support for young children with behavioral or emotional challenges. This program uses structured routines, trauma-informed care, and individualized attention to help children succeed in early learning settings.
Yes, MVCDC Hope Center offers free and affordable early childhood education for eligible families in Dayton, Ohio. Programs like Early Head Start are income-based and designed to ensure that all children, regardless of background, can access high-quality child care and learning.
You can enroll your child or apply for a job at MVCDC Hope Center by visiting the Miami Valley Child Development Centers website. The center is currently accepting applications for children and hiring for multiple roles, including teachers, family support specialists, and home visitors.
MVCDC Hope Center serves infants, toddlers, and preschoolers—from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Programs are tailored to meet the developmental needs of each age group and include both full-day and school-day learning options.
Absolutely. We specialize in providing a highly inclusive learning environment in Dayton. Our classrooms are fully equipped, and our educators are specially trained to support children with documented developmental delays, behavioral challenges, or individualized education plans (IEPs).
While both locations share the Harvard Boulevard campus, they serve different household needs. The Hope Center at 1816 Harvard Blvd focuses strictly on school-day preschool programming for children ages 3 to 5 with an emphasis on therapeutic inclusion. Our neighboring Miami View center at 1800 Harvard Blvd focuses heavily on flexible full-day and part-day care for infants and toddlers.