Part-Day Care at MVCDC Mad River

Mad River Early Learning Center proudly serves families in the Miami Valley as part of Miami Valley Child Development Centers, one of southwest Ohio’s most trusted providers of early childhood education. For more than 60 years, MVCDC has offered free and affordable early learning programs that help children build a strong foundation for future success.

Located at 1801 Harshman Road, Dayton, OH 45424, the Mad River center offers a part-day preschool program designed for children ages 3 to 5. The classrooms provide a safe, engaging environment where children learn through play, hands-on activities, and guided discovery. Each day is filled with opportunities to explore, imagine, and grow—preparing children socially, emotionally, and academically for kindergarten and beyond.

In addition to high-quality early education, families at Mad River receive personalized support from a team of caring professionals, including Family Support Specialists, Coaches, and Home Visitors. This team works closely with parents to strengthen family well-being and support long-term growth and independence.

Eligibility for the program is based on income. Families earning up to 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify, and children in foster care, kinship care, those experiencing homelessness, or with diagnosed disabilities may also be eligible.

Mad River is one of several MVCDC locations committed to helping children and families across the Miami Valley learn, grow, and thrive together.

School-Day Early Learning Programs at Aullwood Farm

Miami Valley Child Development Centers’ Mad River location provides high-quality early learning and child care to families in Montgomery, Clark, and Madison counties. Along with our centers, MVCDC partners with licensed in-home Family Child Care providers, giving families more flexibility and options for their child care needs.

The Mad River center offers part-day preschool programs designed for children ages 3 to 5. Kids learn and grow in a warm, supportive environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and social development—preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.

Families at Mad River also receive support from a caring team that works closely with parents to strengthen family stability and help children thrive.

MVCDC is committed to helping Dayton-area children and families succeed through trusted and convenient early learning programs.

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Other Dayton Locations

  • Lincoln Hill

    MVCDC Lincoln Hill offers Early Head Start, full day, and school day hours.

    200 Dover Street Dayton, OH 45410

    MVCDC Lincoln Hill
  • Hope Center

    MVCDC Hope Center offers school day and a therapeutic intervention classroom hours.

    1816 Harvard Blvd Dayton, OH 45406

    A children's playroom with wooden furniture, toys, a book display about Sam the cat, colorful play mats, and tables with chairs.
  • Kings Highway

    MVCDC Kings Highway offers Early Head Start, full day, and school day hours.

    3805 Kings Highway Dayton, OH 45406-3577

    Woman standing in a classroom with educational posters and furniture.
  • Dixie

    MVCDC Dixie offers Early Head Start, full day, and part day hours.

    5421N. Dixie Dr. Dayton, OH 45414-3946

    A smiling woman holding a young girl who is wearing a red top in a classroom setting, with educational posters and books in the background.
  • Miami View

    MVCDC Miami View offers Early Head Start, and full day hours.

    830 W. Fifth Street Dayton, OH 45402-8318

    A young boy in a blue shirt writes with colored pencils at a desk, with more colored pencils in front of him and a background of bookshelves.
  • Aullwood Farm

    MVCDC Aullwood Farm offers school day hours.

    9101 Frederick Pike Dayton, OH 45414-1241

    White school building with a blue metal roof, surrounded by trees and greenery, with a yellow school bus and children outside.
  • Mad River

    MVCDC Mad River offers part day hours.

    801 Old Harshman Rd Dayton, OH 45431

    A brick school building with an American flag on a flagpole in front.
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MVCDC Mad River Career Opportunities!

At the Mad River center of Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) in Dayton, Ohio, we offer high-quality early childhood education and care for preschool-aged children through our part-day programs. Our supportive classrooms help children reach key developmental milestones with the guidance of skilled educators, while providing free and affordable options for families who qualify.

In addition to serving children and families, we are also hiring dedicated individuals to join our team as educators, Family Support Specialists, and more. Whether you're a parent searching for trusted early learning in Dayton or someone looking to build a rewarding career in early childhood education, the MVCDC Mad River center is here to help children and families grow and thrive.

An older woman with colorful glasses smiling at the camera while holding a young girl with braids and pink beads in a classroom. The woman is wearing a jacket with a blue and white checkered pattern and the girl has a denim shirt. The classroom has colorful storage bins and educational posters on the wall.

See our job openings

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Enroll your child

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  • The Mad River center offers part-day preschool programs for children ages 3 to 5, helping prepare them for kindergarten with engaging, hands-on learning in a supportive environment.

  • Yes, the program is free for families who meet income eligibility requirements. Children in foster care, kinship care, experiencing homelessness, or with disabilities may also qualify for no-cost services.

  • Mad River offers part-day early learning programs. Specific hours may vary, so we recommend contacting the center directly for the current class schedule and availability.

  • In addition to early childhood education, families receive support from a caring team that includes Family Support Specialists, Home Visitors, and Coaches who work alongside parents to promote family stability and child development.

  • To begin the enrollment process or check your eligibility for free preschool, you can visit the MVCDC website or contact the Mad River center directly. Our team is happy to help guide you through the steps.

Enrollment starts here!
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Child Development Centers Across The Miami Valley

Part-Day Early Learning Programs at MVCDC Mad River

Part-Day Preschool and Family Support for Dayton Families