Childcare Resources
Locating Child Care Providers
MHCC Child Development Center 503-491-7169
The center provides good quality on-campus childcare, but unfortunately there are limited slots and many students cannot afford the minimum costs (you must pay for 20 hours per week whether you use those hours or not). Contact the center for more information, and enquire about scholarships. Some students do use the Center.
MHCC Head Start (ages 3-5) and Early Head Start (ages infant to 3) 503-491-6111
This program provides free, comprehensive, high quality child development services to low income families. The program may have a waiting list for services (the best time for application is in the spring), but applications are accepted for their waiting list.
Child Care Resource and Referral 503 548-4400 or toll free 1-866-227-5529.
This organization provides child care information and referrals for parents seeking care and resources for providers caring for young children. They also offer provider trainings and assistance with child care subsidies. www.ccrr-mc.org
Childcare Connect
This website links parents to home-based childcare providers in NE and SE Portland who are receiving training and support. Also provides tips on locating high quality childcare. This organization hopes to include more providers in East County in the future. www.childcareportland.org
Before and After School Programs
Medallion School Partnerships 503-254-9785
Provides on site childcare in the Gresham-Barlow and David Douglas elementary schools. They do offer scholarships.
YMCA 503-327-0007 (Gresham area)
Provides before and after childcare for school-age children at different locations throughout the metropolitan area. They do offer scholarships
Local School Districts -
Contact your local school district to find out about free or low cost programs. Some schools operate the Sun Program, which provides some free before and after school classes and programs.
Money for Child Care
Student Child Care Program -
The state occasionally offers funds for childcare for student parents through this program- funds are limited and often temporary. You must apply for this assistance, and sometimes there is a long wait. It’s worth checking out the status of the program. Some students have waited a year, but they did get the help. www.dhs.state.or.us/children/childcare/sccp
MHCC Child Care Scholarships –
The college occasionally offers child care scholarships if they have funds. Check at the Financial Aid office to see if there are scholarships available. (Funds will be available fall term, 2004 on a first come first serve basis. Application information will be posted the second week of fall term.)
Financial Aid -
Student parents who are eligible for federal financial aid may apply for additional student loans for child care. If you want to borrow funds for this purpose, talk to your financial aid coordinator and fill out a special child care form.
Tax Benefits-
There are a variety of tax credits, exemptions and deductions available to student parents, including the earned income credit and deductions for student loan interest. Talk to your tax advisor to make sure you are getting all the benefits to which you are entitled now and in the future!
Updated Aug 2004 – check all sources for current information.
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