MVCDC Clark ECEC: Your Local Head Start & Early Learning Center

Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) is the dedicated provider of Clark County Head Start and Early Head Start for families in Springfield, Ohio. Commonly known in the community as the Clark Early Learning Center or ECEC school, our main facility at 1001 East John Street delivers free and affordable early education for children from 6 weeks through age five.

Our comprehensive services go beyond a traditional Springfield daycare. Our Family Support Specialists partner closely with parents to foster financial stability and long-term independence.

Eligibility & Payment Options (We Accept Vouchers!)

We are committed to making high-quality childcare in Springfield, Ohio accessible to everyone:

Free Head Start: Eligibility is primarily based on family income (generally 100% of the Federal Poverty Level or less).
Priority Enrollment: Children experiencing homelessness, those in foster or kinship care, and children with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Child Care Vouchers: If you are searching for childcare programs that accept vouchers, MVCDC proudly accepts ODJFS Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) to help working families afford full-day care.

Early Learning & Child Care Programs in Springfield, Ohio

MVCDC Clark ECEC proudly operates premier early learning and childcare programs across the region. In addition to our center-based classrooms, we partner with in-home Family Child Care providers to offer Springfield families flexible options that fit their schedules.

At the Clark Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), we offer comprehensive programs to meet the diverse needs of our community:

Infant Care (6 weeks to 3 years): High-quality Early Head Start focusing on early developmental milestones for babies and toddlers.
Clark Preschool (Ages 3 to 5): Evidence-based kindergarten readiness programs tailored to support early growth and learning.
Therapeutic Intervention: Specialized classrooms designed for children who need extra developmental or behavioral support.
Flexible Hours: Choose from full-day or school-day options based on your work or school schedule.

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

Educational Excellence at Clark ECEC

At the Clark Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) in Springfield, we are dedicated to providing premier Early Head Start and Head Start programs for children from six weeks to age five. Our center offers a safe, nurturing environment where skilled early childhood educators guide every child through essential developmental milestones.

With free and low-cost options available, qualifying families can access enriching childcare and Clark preschool education that ensures their child is ready for kindergarten and life 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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MVCDC Clark ECEC in Springfield, OH, offers comprehensive programs including Early Head Start (infants/toddlers 6 weeks to 3 years), Head Start (children 3 to 5 years), Full Day, School Day, and a specialized Therapeutic Intervention Classroom. This variety provides flexible, high-quality early childhood education tailored to your family's needs.
The Clark Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) is conveniently located at 1001 East John Street, Springfield, OH 45505-4205. Our central Clark County location makes accessing our free and low-cost early learning programs easier for Springfield families.
Eligibility is primarily based on family income, generally 100% of the Federal Poverty Level or less. Children who are experiencing homelessness, or are in foster or kinship care, are automatically eligible for enrollment. We encourage all Springfield families to apply to determine qualification.
Yes. The Clark ECEC location offers a specialized Therapeutic Intervention Classroom as part of our commitment to inclusive education. We also dedicate enrollment spots for children with documented disabilities and have trained staff to support their developmental needs.
Yes, MVCDC is hiring dedicated professionals for our Springfield centers. We frequently seek educators, Family Support Specialists, and Home Visitors to help support our programs and the families we serve in Clark County. Check the careers section of the MVCDC website for current openings.
ECEC stands for Early Childhood Education Center. When families in Springfield search for the "Clark ECEC school" or "Clark Preschool," they are looking for our main Head Start facility located at 1001 East John Street.
Yes! We understand that finding affordable childcare is critical for working parents. We proudly accept state child care vouchers (ODJFS Publicly Funded Child Care) for our full-day early learning programs.
Yes. We provide high-quality infant care and toddler programs through our Early Head Start initiatives. These programs begin at six weeks of age and are available at the Clark ECEC and the Springfield Children's Center.