MECP Parents and Caregivers

Multnomah Early Childhood Program

Parent Involvement

Research shows parent involvement is the most important factor in determining a child’s success in school. At MECP we believe that you are your child’s best teacher. We look forward to working together with you to help ensure your child enters Kindergarten ready to learn.

How can parents be involved?

Try the ideas and suggestions recommended by your child’s providers.
Read to your child every day.
Talk to your child often. Describe, label, comment and ask questions.
Play with your child.

Peer Preschool Program

Multnomah Early Childhood Program has a preschool program for children three to five years of age. This is an integrated preschool for children with identified learning challenges and their non-disabled peers.

For more information click here: Peer Preschool Program

Communication

MECP will request your email address at the point of initial referral to our program. This is so that we can send you important documents, schedule meetings, and communicate with you. We will also ask if you prefer to receive information for scheduling purposes via text message.

Please let your service coordinator know your preferred communication method, whether it is via telephone, email, text messages, or notes back and forth.

Procedural Safeguards (Parent Rights)

For MECP Procedural Safeguards click here: PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS

Parent Handbooks

For MECP Parent Handbooks click here: PARENT HANDBOOK

Program Calendars

For MECP Program Calendars click here: PROGRAM CALENDARS

If your child is sick

If your child is sick and/or you need to cancel your appointment, please call your service coordinator. Not sure whether you should keep your child home or not? Read this document to find out.

MECP sends out newsletters to all families via email 3-4 times per year.

For past MECP Newsletters click here: NEWSLETTERS

Resources for families

2021 Tax Information for Parents of Students Experiencing Disability

The following summary provides information for staff and parents regarding the Oregon tax exemption for parents of children with disabilities. Feel free to share this information as appropriate in your district and with parents.

2021 Tax Exemption for Parents of Children with Disabilities

The Oregon Tax Code provides an additional tax exemption for parents of eligible children with disabilities in Oregon. The procedure for claiming an exemption for the 2021 tax year is explained in the Oregon Individual Income Tax Return and Instruction booklets.

Who qualifies for the exemption?

A child qualifies if they meet all of the following criteria:

Qualifies as a dependent of the parent(s) for tax year 2021;
Is eligible for early intervention services (birth to age 3), early childhood special education services (ages 3 to 5) or receives special education as defined by the State Board of Education of the state where the child attends school; and,
Is considered to have a disability as of December 31, 2021 under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related Oregon laws.

What documentation must be submitted with the tax return to qualify for this exemption?

As the tax instruction booklet indicates, the child must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), as well as a current eligibility statement as a student with a disability. If you do not have these documents contact your District for a copy of the IEP/IFSP cover sheet, and eligibility statement. Copies of the IEP/IFSP cover sheet and eligibility statement are not required to be submitted with the tax return. However, parents are advised to retain a copy with their 2021 tax records as the Oregon Department of Revenue may ask the parents to provide such documentation. If you have any Special Education related questions, please contact your local education provider.

Oregon Department of Revenue Online Instructions and Forms

For further information and assistance in completing Oregon tax forms, consult a tax professional or contact the Oregon Department of Revenue at 1-800-356-4222. Oregon income tax forms/publications are available at the DOR website (www.oregon.gov/DOR). That process will allow you to claim the additional tax exemption for the 2021 year.