Head Start in Springfield, Ohio
Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) is Clark County's trusted Head Start and free preschool provider, proudly serving Springfield, Ohio families for 60 years. We offer free and low-cost infant care, toddler care, and preschool enrollment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Expectant mothers in Springfield receive essential services through our programs, and once their baby is born and reaches six weeks old, the child can seamlessly transition into our early learning centers. Our Family Support Specialists, Home Visitors, and Coaches partner with Springfield families to promote financial stability and independence.
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 are also eligible. In some cases, children with disabilities may qualify.
We are committed to supporting Springfield families through several convenient locations in Clark County, tailored to this vibrant community's needs.
Clark County Head Start Programs
MVCDC is the designated Head Start agency for Clark County, Ohio. Our Springfield Head Start and Early Head Start programs follow federal guidelines to deliver high-quality early childhood education to Clark County families who qualify. If you're looking for a Clark County Head Start program near you, MVCDC has multiple convenient Springfield locations.
Early Learning & Child Care Programs in Springfield, Ohio
Miami Valley Child Development Centers proudly operates early learning and child care programs throughout Montgomery, Clark, and Madison counties, including right here in Springfield. In addition to our centers, we partner with in-home Family Child Care providers to offer even more flexible options for families.
MVCDC also offers after-school programs in Springfield for preschool-age and early elementary children — providing a safe, enriching environment that supports continued learning and social development. Families who qualify may receive after-school childcare in Springfield at no cost.
Springfield Locations
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Home Base
MVCDC Springfield Home Base is a community organization based in Springfield, OH, offering a range of services and support to local residents.
1111 Sunset Ave Springfield, OH 45505-4213

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Clark ECEC
MVCDC Clark ECEC offers Early Head Start, full day, school day, and Therapeutic Intervention Classroom hours.
1001 East John Street Springfield, OH 45505-4205

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Springfield Children’s Center
MVCDC Springfield Children’s Center offers Early Head Start and full day hours.
1450 S Yellow Springs St. Springfield OH, 45506-2545

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St. Joseph Center
MVCDC St. Joseph Center offers part day and school day hours.
819 Kenton Street Springfield, OH 45505-2125
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Town & Country
MVCDC Town & Country offers part day and school day hours.
2430 Van Buren Ave Springfield, OH 45505-2555

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Metropolis
MVCDC Metropolis offers school day hours.
102 W High Street Springfield, OH 45502

Springfield Child Care Opportunities!
MVCDC offers some of the highest-quality early learning and child care options in Springfield, Ohio, serving children from 6 weeks through age 5 at multiple Clark County locations. Whether you're searching for infant care in Springfield, a free Head Start preschool program, or affordable toddler care near you, we have flexible options to fit your family's schedule. We also support children with special needs and disabilities, with trained staff at every Springfield center. Many Springfield families qualify for completely free child care — don't assume you won't.
Don’t wait – enroll today! We’re here to support Springfield families and strengthen our community.
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Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) offers a trusted, community-centered approach to early learning for Springfield families. With multiple locations in Clark County, including Springfield, we provide free or low-cost early learning and child care for children from six weeks to age five. Choose from center-based, home-based, or school-based programs with options for part-day or full-day care on a year-round or school-year schedule.
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Our dedicated teachers and staff in Springfield are "brain-builders," skilled in fostering children's early physical, social, and emotional growth. Using an evidence-based curriculum, we start learning from birth. We’re also committed to supporting Springfield families through our Family Support Specialists, Home Visitors, and Coaches, helping with everything from housing assistance to career development and health insurance.
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Families in Springfield earning up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible, as well as 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 Springfield families are eligible!
Complete this pre-registration form or call 937-236-7655 if you need assistance. We’ll be in touch within 5 business days.
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Many Springfield families qualify for free child care, while those eligible for Publicly Funded Child Care may have a small co-pay.
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We offer full-day and part-day options in Springfield. Our infant and toddler program, serving children from six weeks to three years, runs year-round.
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Our Springfield programs offer flexibility:
Our school-day program provides early learning for up to 6 hours/day during the school year.
Our part-day program is for 3.5 hours/day, Monday through Thursday. We offer a.m. and p.m. sessions, and this is a part-year option.
Our full-day program is for up to 10 hours/day, Monday through Friday. Families choosing this option must be attending school or working and must apply for ODJFS Publicly Funded Child Care assistance.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Family Support Specialists help Springfield families set and achieve goals, connecting them to valuable community services like housing, job assistance, and more to support the family’s overall success.
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Our Springfield team connects families with community partners for:
• Immunizations
• Health checks and physicals
• Speech/language screenings
• Hearing and vision exams
• Dental exams
•Lead/ Hemoglobin Screenings
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Absolutely. MVCDC provides child care for children with disabilities in Springfield, Ohio. Our trained staff at every Springfield location are experienced in supporting children with a wide range of disabilities and behavioral needs, ensuring every child receives the individualized attention they deserve.
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Families know what’s best for their child!
MVCDC in Springfield offers in-home services through our Home Visitors. They provide resources, guidance, and activities that help families foster learning right in their own home.
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Absolutely! We encourage Springfield families to get involved in their child’s early learning experience. Our Policy Council, made up of parents and caregivers, plays a crucial role in shaping MVCDC’s decisions and policies. Your Family Support Specialist or your child’s teacher can provide more information about joining this impactful group.
Springfield 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.
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MVCDC Springfield is committed to accessibility. If transportation is a concern, we can assist families in finding local public transportation options or explore carpooling with other Springfield families to ensure that your child can attend.
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Yes! We encourage Springfield parents to join our Parent Committee, attend local parent meetings, and participate in parenting workshops. This is a great way to meet other families and share experiences.
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Absolutely! MVCDC in Springfield offers resources to support families as their children transition into kindergarten. We work with local schools to ensure a smooth shift from our early learning programs to formal education.
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At MVCDC Springfield, we go beyond the traditional daycare experience by offering a holistic approach to early childhood development. Unlike conventional daycare centers, we provide individualized learning plans tailored to each child's needs, focusing on both academic and emotional growth. Our curriculum includes a blend of structured learning, hands-on activities, and outdoor exploration, helping children build critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of social development through group activities and community engagement. We also offer specialized programs like music, art, and STEM, which are not typically found in traditional daycare settings, helping children build well-rounded skill sets from an early age.
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MVCDC Springfield offers a more comprehensive and flexible learning experience compared to a typical preschool. While traditional preschools often focus primarily on preparing children for kindergarten with a set curriculum, MVCDC takes a more personalized approach to learning, meeting each child's unique developmental needs. We offer extended hours to accommodate working families and a more diverse range of enrichment programs, including social-emotional learning and leadership opportunities. Our curriculum also integrates health and wellness initiatives to promote overall well-being, not just academic skills. This approach ensures that children are not only ready for the next step in their education but also equipped with the emotional and social skills necessary for long-term success.
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Head Start in Springfield, Ohio is available to families who meet federal income guidelines, have children with disabilities, or face other qualifying circumstances. Eligibility is determined through an application process that considers your family's unique needs.
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MVCDC's Early Head Start program offers infant care in Springfield for children from 6 weeks up to age 3, with part‑day (3½ hr), school‑day (6½ hr), or full‑day (up to 10 hr) options depending on family needs and eligibility.
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The toddler learning program (Early Head Start for ages 6 weeks–3 years) at MVCDC’s Springfield centers supports developmental milestones like crawling, walking, talking, and potty readiness. Children engage in language-rich conversations, sensory-based activities, gross/fine motor play, and age-appropriate social interactions.
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Yes! MVCDC offers after-school programs in Springfield, Ohio for preschool and early elementary-aged children. Our programs provide a safe, engaging environment with activities that support learning, creativity, and social development after school.
Eligible families may receive free or low-cost care through Head Start or Early Head Start. Contact your local MVCDC site in Springfield or start your application online.
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Child Development Centers Across The Miami Valley

