Special Needs Ministry Checklist - Ministry-To-Children

Establish formal SN ministry policies & procedures, align with existing kidmin handbookConsult church insurance carrier and/or church attorneyRe-assess safety & emergency response across all kidmin with SN in mindDevelop behavior driven P&P and provide guidance for parent partnershipsCreate standard questionnaire and other ministry communication piecesSet up a process for in-take & updates for each participant & familyCreate a culture of acceptanceCreate a host team training event – for sample outline, see:http://theinclusivechurch.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/special-needs-training-for-church-greeters/Provide volunteer & support opportunities for ministry other than just childcareGive disability visibility in church events, during worshipCreate Facebook page, website for the ministryPhoneEmergency ContactsBathroom accessPosted RulesVisual ScheduleCurriculumMusicSensory ToysCause & Effect ToysGuide RopeSand TimerTri-write crayonsPainters tapeBean bag chairsSmall tentRocking ChairTherabandsSelf-Contained Classroom InventoryLand lines, working cell phones and/or walkie-talkiesPosted laminated sheet with emergency protocol and proceduresFamily bathroom that enables parents to toilet children (ideal); shower a bonus5 – 10 behavior guidelines w/ pictures to aid visual communicatorsPrepare children for transitions and make them part of the “change”Adapt and enhance existing curriculum or purchase new/additional curriculumMusic may be used to encourage movement & reinforce Bible teaching/ScriptureChildren may manipulate toys during Bible lesson or use as a calming toolUse as a calming tool or as a way to engage/distract a child during transitionsHelps wanderers travel between environmentsProvides personal countdown for children who require warning/remindersAids children with fine motor deficits with coloring activitiesDefines personal space on activity tables or on floor, denotes “line-up” spotProvides soothing and relaxing seat & recharge spaceDelineates recharge or quiet space & removes visual distractionMay fulfill a child’s need for movement or rocking motionFulfills child’s need for exertion or pressure when wrapped around legs of chairsRequirement of a completed participant intake form and annual profile updateToileting / DiaperingAdministering MedicationSnacks / Allergies / Peanut-free environment(s)Behavior guidelinesSteps for responding to behavior challenges & related parent partnership/communicationProcess for receiving and addressing parent or volunteer concernsResponse to a medical emergency; seizure recognition & responseParticipant/family privacy & confidentialityVolunteer roles & responsibilities; required vs. optional trainingParent partnership (parents onsite during church care, participation in volunteer rotation)Ministry PoliciesThis checklist may be copied for the purpose of helping your church. Please obtain authorization for reprint or repost if intended for use in anyother training, website, or publication. ~ Amy Fenton Lee