Miami Valley Child Development Centers, Inc.

Miami Valley Child Development Centers, Inc. Miami Valley's premier early childhood education/Head Start provider. We serve families & children 0

The agency's program outcomes focus on school readiness for children ages birth to five. Each child is assessed at the beginning of the school year and periodically throughout the year. Results are regularly reviewed and tabulated to determine each child’s progress and what is required to assist in their continued development. The program targets most of its services toward families of low income.

A primary focus of this effort is an emphasis on helping families by teaching parenting skills and life skills. MVCDC works holistically with each child and family through a balanced approach of parent involvement, health, nutrition, social competency, literacy and numeracy development. This combination is what ensures that Head Start children will be ready to learn when they enter kindergarten.

08/28/2026

MVCDC will have Open Interviews soon! Join us at the Lincoln Hill Early Learning Center, 200 Dover Street, Dayton OH on Wednesday, September 9th, 9 am until 1 pm!

MVCDC is searching for Cooks, Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Teacher Aides and Substitutes at this location.

Candidates are encouraged to come prepared for onsite interviews and to bring copies of their resumes and credentials.


💙 Every day, MVCDC’s staff impacts more than 2,000 young children across the Miami Valley. For 60 years, Head Start has ...
08/28/2026

💙 Every day, MVCDC’s staff impacts more than 2,000 young children across the Miami Valley.

For 60 years, Head Start has helped children get ready for kindergarten while giving families the support and opportunities they need to build brighter futures.

That’s why we’re deeply concerned about proposed changes to Head Start regulations that could substantially erode longstanding quality standards. These standards help ensure children have access to high-quality early learning, critical early interventions, and essential medical, dental, and mental health care.

We believe there is a better path forward.

We respectfully ask federal policymakers to work with Head Start families, educators, early childhood experts, and communities like ours to strengthen this vital program while protecting the standards that have helped make it successful for generations.

Head Start has spent six decades helping children prepare for school and helping families lift themselves out of poverty. Let’s build on that legacy, not diminish the standards that make it possible.

Our community has a voice in what happens next. We encourage our families, partners, friends, and Head Start supporters to learn about the proposed changes and submit a public comment by October 6.

👉 Read the proposed rule and submit your comment here: https://bit.ly/4wBGsUY

Please share this post to help more people in our community make their voices heard.

Local teachers bring Smithsonian mindfulness lessons home to SpringfieldFour local early childhood education teachers sp...
08/24/2026

Local teachers bring Smithsonian mindfulness lessons home to Springfield

Four local early childhood education teachers spent part of their summer break at the Smithsonian learning new ways to support their students’ mental health and emotional well-being this school year.

Smithsonian Institution affiliate museums — including the Springfield Museum of Art (SMoA) — were offered a unique opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to learn Artful Movement, a curriculum using social and emotional learning (SEL) wellness tools they can use in classrooms.

Clark Early Learning Center teachers Abby Fulk and Tara Bodey and Miami Valley Child Development Center teachers Michelle Ekey and Laura Patterson, along with SMoA museum educator Amy Korpieski, spent a week at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art with other teachers from around the country.

Artful Movement provides tools and support systems to enhance SEL wellbeing through mindful, relevant and purposeful engagement with art. The structured curriculum combines slow looking with art, mindfulness activities and movement.

The teachers found they were already familiar with some of the principles and discovered how Artful Movement can add to it.

Artful Movement combines art, physical activity, and controlled breathing to create resetting exercises that help young children stay calm and manage transitions throughout the day.

It can start with a calming exercise and build it up to a higher level and then bring it back down to a calmer level. The movements are linked to what a teacher is trying to do with children, such as working on hearing what others say or if teachers want them to focus on their internal thoughts.

Being able to mix with other teachers from across the country was another bonus as they were able to bounce ideas off each other and discover common similarities and struggles. Patterson was grateful Head Start and Springfield City can be resources for each other.

Now back in Springfield, the teachers want to continue the relationship with the SMoA and hope the community can also benefit from it.

For 60 years, Head Start has helped children build the strong foundation they need to succeed in school and in life. 💙 A...
08/21/2026

For 60 years, Head Start has helped children build the strong foundation they need to succeed in school and in life. 💙

At MVCDC, we see what that looks like every day. Our teachers help children reach important developmental milestones, build early literacy skills, learn to work and play with others, and get ready for kindergarten.

That’s why we’re concerned about proposed changes to the standards that guide Head Start programs across the country.

The proposal would remove some federal requirements related to teacher-child ratios, staff qualifications and professional development, and certain developmental, sensory, and behavioral screenings.

These standards matter. They help ensure that children receive the high-quality early learning and support families have counted on from Head Start for generations.

We support finding ways to reduce unnecessary paperwork so our educators can spend more time doing what they do best—teaching children and supporting families. But greater flexibility should not mean lowering the standards that help children thrive.

It’s also important to know that these changes are only proposed. Head Start remains open, services continue, and families should continue enrolling and attending.

The public has an opportunity to weigh in through October 6, 2026. We encourage our families, staff, partners, and community members to learn more and share their perspectives.

👉 Learn about the proposed changes and submit a public comment here: https://bit.ly/4wBGsUY

Head Start is open. And stays open. 💙 You may have heard about proposed changes to the federal rules governing Head Star...
08/17/2026

Head Start is open. And stays open. 💙

You may have heard about proposed changes to the federal rules governing Head Start programs. We want our MVCDC families and community to know the most important thing first: Nothing changes for families today.

The proposed rule is just that—a proposal. It does not reduce Head Start funding, close classrooms, or change how programs operate today.

At Miami Valley Child Development Centers, our classrooms remain open, our services continue, and we remain focused on what we've always been focused on for the last 60 years: helping children and families thrive.

Families should continue enrolling and attending Head Start as usual.

One thing remains at the heart of that work: ensuring every child can be safe, healthy, and ready for school.

We'll continue to keep our MVCDC families and community informed as we learn more. Follow this page for updates.

Some of the most powerful stories at MVCDC have something surprising in common: they aren't unusual. 💙Stephenie is an MV...
08/15/2026

Some of the most powerful stories at MVCDC have something surprising in common: they aren't unusual. 💙

Stephenie is an MVCDC Coach and a former MVCDC parent. Her journey is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when someone is given an opportunity, surrounded by encouragement, and supported by people who believe in their potential.

But we don't want to tell you Stephenie's story. We want you to hear it from her.

Take a few minutes to watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xctr2Vp4Gpc

You'll see why the impact of MVCDC reaches far beyond the classroom. What begins with supporting one child or one parent can ripple through a family, and a community, for generations.

Learn more about MVCDC: mvcdc.org

💙 It takes a community to help children thrive. When people think about early childhood education, they often think abou...
08/12/2026

💙 It takes a community to help children thrive.

When people think about early childhood education, they often think about what happens in the classroom.

At Miami Valley Child Development Centers, we know the impact goes much further.

When families have access to high-quality early learning, parents have greater opportunities to work, continue their education, pursue career training, and build a brighter future for their families.

And that creates a ripple effect.
🌟 Children build a strong foundation for kindergarten.
🌟 Parents gain the confidence to pursue their goals.
🌟 Families become stronger.
🌟 Our entire community benefits.

For 60 years, MVCDC has been proud to partner with families by providing early learning, resources, and support that help children and parents succeed together.

Because when we invest in children, we also invest in their families.

And that's how stronger communities are built.

Want to learn more about the programs and services MVCDC offers?

Visit: https://www.mvcdc.org/what-we-offer

🐄 Learning comes to life through play!🚜During Choice Time in the Cutie Room at Clark Early Childhood Education Center, p...
08/06/2026

🐄 Learning comes to life through play!🚜

During Choice Time in the Cutie Room at Clark Early Childhood Education Center, preschoolers take the lead in their learning by exploring the activities that spark their curiosity and imagination.

In this sweet moment, two siblings are using a barn and farm animals for pretend play. While they're having fun, they're also building important skills like creativity, communication, problem-solving, and cooperation. These are skills that help prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

At Miami Valley Child Development Centers, we know that some of the most meaningful learning happens when children are encouraged to explore, create, and discover the world around them.

Interested in giving your child a strong start?
Learn how here: https://www.mvcdc.org/enroll

Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) is excited to announce the launch of MVCDC University, a new training pro...
08/03/2026

Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) is excited to announce the launch of MVCDC University, a new training program for Early Childhood Professionals across Montgomery, Clark, and Madison counties. This program will specifically help MVCDC staff earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

Why does the CDA Credential Matter?
Nationally Recognized: It is a trusted, early childhood credential.
Career Advancement: It is the best first step for professional growth.
Higher Quality Care: It raises the standard for local children and families.

The quality of early childhood education shapes how children learn, families thrive, and communities grow. All professionals doing this work deserve every opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers. MVCDC University makes that possible.

We are incredibly grateful to our supporters who make this workforce investment possible:
The Berry Family Foundation: Our first committed foundation partner.
Preschool Promise: Supporting our scholars throughout this journey.

Together we are investing in a workforce that makes quality early childhood education possible in our region. Our first cohort begins this fall. More details are coming soon. 🌱

University

The Springfield Museum of Art (Ohio) SMOA has partnered with MVCDC and the Clark Early Learning Center - Springfield Cit...
07/29/2026

The Springfield Museum of Art (Ohio) SMOA has partnered with MVCDC and the Clark Early Learning Center - Springfield City Schools; this school year to bring an exciting new iniative to the Clark County Community. SMOA was selected as one of only nine cultural organizations nationwide to participate in the Smithsonian initiative which recognizes the strength of educational partnerships and the commitment to helping young people develop creativity, empathy, and resilience through meaningful experiences with art. For the 2026/27 school year, teachers from Miami Valley Child Development Centers (MVCDC) and Clark Early Learning Center of the Springfield City School District are joining the project and bringing Artful Movement into their classrooms. Our very own Wendy Shaw, MVCDC Regional Director shared "The Springfield Museum of Art is an incredible resource for the teachers, children, and families served through Miami Valley Child Development Centers' Head Start program. Through our partnership, families attend museum events and gain meaningful opportunities to engage with art in new and enriching ways. The museum helps our teachers deepen their understanding of how to use art as a tool for learning, while providing valuable resources and support that can be implemented both in the classroom and at home. We are truly grateful to have such an outstanding community partner that enriches the lives of our children, families, and staff while fostering creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning."

Address

215 Horace Street
Dayton, OH
45402

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