Miami Valley Child Development Centers is southwest Ohio’s Head Start agency. For over 55 years, we’ve been providing free and low-cost early learning and child care to children from age 6 weeks to 5. As important, our Family Support Specialists, Home Visitors, and Coaches partner with families to help them become financially stable and self-supporting.

  • 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 also are eligible. In some cases, children with disabilities may qualify.

  • We have 40+ locations in Montgomery, Clark and Madison counties.

  • MVCDC has more than 50 locations link to the map in Montgomery, Clark and Madison counties. We provide free or low-cost early learning and child care to children from 6 weeks to age 5. We have center-based programs, home-based programs and school-based programs. Families may choose a part-day or full-day program; a year-round or school-year program.

  • Our highly trained teachers are brain-builders! We support children’s early physical, social and emotional development. Using evidence-based curriculum, we ensure children start learning at birth.

    We also support families. Our Family Support Specialists, Home Visitors and Coaches partner with families to give them the support they need to be great parents and caregivers. That assistance could be helping them find better housing, getting a new job or ensuring their child has health insurance.

  • In most cases, families must earn 100% of the Federal Poverty Level or less. Children experiencing homelessness or who are in foster or kinship care also are eligible. In some cases, children with disabilities may enroll.

    Don’t assume your family doesn’t qualify! You may be surprised!

    Complete this pre-registration form or call 937-236-7655 if you need assistance. We’ll be in touch within 5 business days.

  • Many families qualify for free early learning and child care! Those who receive Publicly Funded Child Care may have a small co-pay.

  • We have full-day and part-day options. Some programs operate on a school-year calendar; others run year-round.

    Our infant and toddler program that serves children from 6 weeks to age 3 is year-round.

  • You have choices!

    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.

  • Yes! If a family chooses to enroll their child in a full-day program, they’ll receive a nutritious breakfast, lunch and a healthy snack to go. Children attending part-day in the morning get breakfast and lunch, while children attending in the afternoon receive lunch and a snack.

    Click here to see this month’s menu.

  • 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.

  • No.

    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.

  • FSSs work with families to set and achieve goals. Then they link families with programs and services in the community, ensuring that parents and caregivers get the help they need for their children and themselves.

  • We help families get medical care for their child by connecting them with our community partners that provide:

    • Immunizations

    • Health checks and physicals

    • Speech/language screenings

    • Hearing and vision exams

    • Dental exams

    •Lead/ Hemoglobin Screenings

  • Absolutely! We have highly trained staff who can support children with disabilities and behavior issues.

  • Families know what’s best for their child!

    We have Home Visitors who come to a family’s home and provide resources and activities that they can use to teach their child at home.

  • We encourage families to be involved!

    Our Policy Council is made up of parents and caregivers who help us make decisions and policies. Family Support Specialists or a child’s teacher can share more information about this important group.

    Parents and caregivers can also volunteer in their child’s classroom, attend parent committee meetings, take parenting classes or join our fatherhood initiatives.

    Here’s a link to our Parent Handbook.