MVCDC Springfield: Early Head Start & Full-Day Childcare for Clark County

For over 60 years, Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) has been the trusted name for Early Head Start and comprehensive early learning in Springfield, Ohio and Clark County. At our Springfield Children's Center (located at 1450 S Yellow Springs St.) and other convenient locations, we proudly deliver high-quality, free and affordable childcare for children from six weeks through age five, including crucial support for expectant mothers.

Our mission goes beyond the classroom. MVCDC provides full-day specialized learning options like dedicated Family Support Coaches to help local families achieve financial stability.

Eligibility for our free or low-cost enrollment is based primarily on family income (100% of the Federal Poverty Level or less), but we strongly encourage all Springfield families to apply—especially those with children experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or with identified disabilities. MVCDC is dedicated to ensuring every child in our community has access to the foundational support they need to succeed.

Serving Families Across Clark County and the Miami Valley

The MVCDC Springfield Children’s Center plays an essential role within the Miami Valley Child Development Centers network, offering high-quality early learning programs to families throughout Montgomery, Clark, and Madison counties. Deeply connected to the Springfield community, this center provides dependable early childhood services that support working families with reliable, structured care.

At the Springfield Children’s Center, our Early Head Start program is thoughtfully designed for infants and toddlers—from six weeks to three years old—during their most important stages of development. Children receive warm, responsive care from trained early childhood professionals who tailor learning experiences to each child’s individual needs. From language growth to motor skills, every milestone is nurtured with intention.

Families across Clark County benefit from convenient access to our Early Head Start services, ensuring that parents have trusted, high-quality care options close to home. The Springfield Children’s Center is committed to building strong developmental foundations that support each child’s healthy growth, school readiness, and long-term success.

Learn more

Springfield Locations

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
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
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
St. Joseph Center

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

MVCDC Town & Country offers part day and school day hours.
2430 Van Buren Ave Springfield, OH 45505-2555
Metropolis

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

Springfield Child Care Opportunities!

The MVCDC Springfield Children’s Center is committed to delivering premier Early Head Start and Head Start programs for children aged six weeks to five years in Springfield, Ohio. Our center provides a highly nurturing environment staffed by skilled "brain-builders" who focus on guiding every child through essential developmental milestones. We offer comprehensive, high-quality free and low-cost early education and childcare options to qualifying local families, ensuring your child is fully prepared for kindergarten and long-term academic success.

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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Eligibility for our free Early Head Start program is primarily based on family income, which is generally required to be at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. However, we strongly encourage all Springfield families to apply, especially those with children experiencing homelessness, those in foster care, or those with diagnosed disabilities, as they may be immediately eligible regardless of income. Our specialists will help you determine your exact eligibility.
Our full-day childcare option at the Springfield Children's Center is designed to support working families and typically offers care for up to 10 hours per day, Monday through Friday. To qualify for this flexible, extended schedule, parents generally must be working or attending school and need to apply for Publicly Funded Child Care assistance.
To streamline your application for MVCDC's Early Head Start in Clark County, please prepare documentation including your child's birth certificate, proof of income for the last 12 months (or tax forms), proof of residency (like a utility bill), and your child's immunization records. Having these ready will significantly speed up the enrollment process.
The Springfield Children's Center specifically focuses on the Early Head Start program, which serves infants and toddlers from six weeks up to age three. Children aged three to five are typically served by the Head Start program at our separate Clark ECEC location, ensuring that all age groups receive specialized, high-quality early learning tailored to their unique developmental stage.
Yes, the MVCDC Early Head Start program extends crucial support to the entire family unit, including pregnant mothers in Springfield. We offer home-based services and resources designed to assist expectant caregivers with guidance on maternal health, nutrition, and child development, ensuring the best start for both mother and baby.