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 Mad River

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.

Learn more

Other 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

Early Learning Programs for Mad River Families

MVCDC’s Mad River center offers nurturing, high-quality early childhood education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from six weeks to age five. Our skilled educators create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

Qualifying families can take advantage of free and low-cost child care and preschool opportunities, making quality early education more accessible. At our Mad River location, we’re proud to partner with Dayton families to prepare children for kindergarten and a lifetime of learning.

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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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.