MVCDC St. Joseph Center: Part Day and School Day Childcare in Springfield, OH

Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) is proud to serve the Springfield community through our St. Joseph Center. Conveniently located at 819 Kenton Street, Springfield, OH, our center provides high-quality Head Start preschool programming tailored for children ages three to five.

For over 60 years, MVCDC has offered free and affordable early learning options that prepare young children for kindergarten. At our 819 Kenton Street location, we specialize in both Part-Day and School-Day schedules, giving Springfield caregivers flexible options that integrate seamlessly with family routines.

Beyond classroom education, our team of dedicated Family Support Specialists and Coaches partners directly with Springfield families to foster self-sufficiency, financial independence, and long-term stability.

Eligibility for Free & Affordable Care

Our programs are structured to support local families who need them most:

Income-Based: Families earning 100% or less of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for free programming.
Priority Enrollment: Children experiencing homelessness, those in foster or kinship care, or children with diagnosed disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Early Learning Programs at St. Joseph Center

MVCDC delivers premier early childhood education across Clark County. At our 819 Kenton Street location, we provide structured preschool environments focused on essential developmental milestones:

Head Start Preschool (Ages 3 to 5): Play-based, evidence-based classrooms focused on early literacy, math concepts, and social-emotional growth to ensure kindergarten readiness.
School-Day Schedules: Multi-hour daily schedules operating during standard school hours for consistent classroom learning.
Part-Day Schedules: Convenient 3.5-hour morning or afternoon options designed for families seeking flexible preschool coverage.
Comprehensive Family Services: On-site specialists providing parents with career tools, financial coaching, and direct community resources.

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

Excellence in Early Learning and Community Support

At MVCDC's St. Joseph Center, we are dedicated to providing premier Head Start programs for children ages three to five in Springfield, Ohio. Our facility at 819 Kenton Street offers a nurturing educational environment staffed by skilled early childhood educators who guide every child through foundational developmental milestones.

With free and low-cost options available, qualifying local families can access enriching, flexible preschool schedules that ensure every child is fully prepared for kindergarten and future 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!

Text image with the phrase 'Do you HAVE QUESTIONS?' in blue and purple letters.

The primary difference is the length of attendance. Our Part-Day hours option provides focused early education for a shorter duration, typically three to four hours per day. The School-Day hours option mirrors a standard school day, offering longer attendance to accommodate the schedules of working or attending-school parents in Springfield. Both options deliver the same high-quality Head Start curriculum.
Yes, the Head Start program at the St. Joseph Center is provided completely free of charge for families in Springfield who meet the federal income eligibility guidelines (generally at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level). Our commitment is to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent qualifying children from receiving premier early education.
No, the MVCDC St. Joseph Center specifically focuses on the Head Start program, which serves preschool-aged children, typically three to five years old. Infants and toddlers (six weeks to age three) are served by our specialized Early Head Start programs at other designated MVCDC locations in Clark County.
The Head Start program at the St. Joseph Center is expertly designed for children aged three to five years old. The curriculum is tailored to prepare these children for kindergarten and academic success by fostering cognitive, social, and emotional development before they enter public school.
Yes, Family Support is a foundational component of the Head Start model. The St. Joseph Center employs dedicated Family Support Specialists who work directly with parents in Springfield to offer resources, referrals, and coaching aimed at fostering family financial stability, accessing community services, and promoting overall well-being.
Part-Day sessions run for approximately 3.5 hours per day (morning or afternoon blocks), offering a focused introduction to classroom learning. School-Day sessions run for approximately 6 to 6.5 hours per day during the academic year, mirroring traditional elementary school schedules.
You can start enrollment by completing the pre-registration questionnaire on our main MVCDC enrollment page, or by calling our St. Joseph Center team directly to speak with a Family Support Specialist about eligibility guidelines and required documentation.