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Special Needs

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Special Needs Ministry Guidelines for Children Age 11 and Under

At Crestwood Baptist Church we want to share the love of Jesus with all children and their families. Our staff in the special needs ministry consists of volunteers who love children with special needs. We currently do not offer a separate special needs class. Instead, we utilize volunteers to work closely with the child in a mainstream setting. The following guidelines have been put together for the safety, security, and well being of children with special needs at our church.
In order to provide the best care for children with special needs, we prefer to schedule a one-on-one meeting with the parent/guardian and/or the child prior to participation in any children's program. Our Special Needs Ministry contact is available to discuss the child's needs. We will determine how the special needs ministry will best meet the needs of the child based on the following guidelines:

  • We request that a parent or guardian remain with the child on the first day of class until we have assigned a volunteer. This will provide a smoother transition and make each child feel at ease.
  • Parents agree to share pertinent information with regard to their child's special needs. The information will be made available to volunteers for the purposes of meeting the needs of the child.
  • Parents are required to complete a Children's Ministry Registration form.
  • Parents agree to bring their child on a regular basis at the agreed-upon class time. This consistency is important for both the child and volunteers.
  • Behavior is such that both the child with special needs and other children in the class will have a rewarding and positive learning experience.
  • Medical needs or disabilities are not beyond the capability of volunteers. However, if diapering is required for children over the age of three, parents will be asked to handle this for their child.
  • Parents agree to carry a beeper provided by the Children's Ministry while their child is in our care. If notified, parents agree to return promptly to their child's classroom.
  • Parents agree to work once every three months to assist children with special needs. Adults working in the Children's Ministry must complete a background check and a volunteer application form for approval.

Teachers will inform the Special Needs Ministry contact and/or Minister of Childhood Education of challenges as they relate to behavior, medical needs, availability of volunteers, etc. The child's parent or guardian will be contacted to discuss the child's needs and continued class participation.

 

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