Kids Special Needs Ministry
“…we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders.” – Psalm 78:4
Rock Point Kids Special Needs Ministry exists to encourage parents to lead their kids as they grow in relationship with Jesus. Our goal is to partner with parents by teaching kids the truth of God’s Word in a way that is accessible to their abilities and training parents to be the primary disciple makers so that God may be glorified in their homes.
Priorities:
Biblical – We teach and lead on the basis of God’s Word.
Meaningful – Ministry to kids and students is worth our attention, effort, and protection
Collective – As a church, we do this together; so as a family, you do not have to do this alone.
Fun – We create experiences that engage kids and student in order to build relationships with others.
THE MINISTRY:
This ministry serves children from infancy through 5th grade who have special needs. However, eligibility for older students will be determined on a case by case basis. This program is available both services. However you must choose which service you would like to attend to help with volunteer rotation schedule. Your child will be paired with a “buddy” (team member) in the regular classroom where they will be participating in the same curriculum and activities as their peers.
Why have this ministry?:
Exodus 4:10-16 gives us a biblical model for using help to fulfill what God calls us to do. Moses had a calling that he could not fulfill on his own. He said he was slow to speech and could not stand before Pharaoh and speak for God. God answered that he knew exactly what limitations held Moses back. In fact, he responded that even those limitations were part of his plan. Then God provided Aaron as a helper. Aaron was strong where Moses was weak.
This dependence on others is a major characteristic of the Christian life. We weren’t created to do it all on our own. This dependence also reflects “one body with many members” from 1 Corinthians 12. Having a buddy come alongside a person with a disability shows care and concern for that student. It reflects the interdependence we all have on each other. (www.sbtexas.com, Sandra Peoples)
A Safe and Caring Place:
At Rock Point Church, teens who are 14 years old and adults can be buddies. In order for a teen to be approved to be a buddy, they must be recommended by the youth pastor or a small group leader. We look for kindness, patience, empathy, creativity, and joy in all our buddies. We want to create a culture of trust, fun and friendship for all students.
In our Kids Ministry, we have policies and procedures in place for our volunteers. Our Kids Special Needs buddies will follow these same policies in procedures, including a background check for adults 18 years and older (renewed every 2 years). A volunteer application and interview process with the Children’s Ministry Director and the Special Needs Coordinator will be completed after a cleared background check. Our team members will receive training on how to work with children with special needs and receive profile information about the child they will be serving.
Upon arriving to church, you will check in using one of our stations that will print out 3 security tags. One tag goes on the child, one on a classroom roster, and the other you keep to show the classroom teacher when you go pick up your child. Once church service begins, the Kids wing is locked and doors are only opened for approved guests by one of the front desk volunteers.
If for some reason we need to get ahold of you during service, a text from our check in system will alert you and your child’s security number (located on check in tags) will be displayed in the corner of the worship screens in the worship center.
You will be asked to present the security tag that matches your child’s number. If for some reason you lose this tag, please find Katie Villines (Director of Children’s Ministries) or Kelly Mills (Assistant Director of Children’s Ministries and 1:1 Special Needs Coordinator) for help picking up your child.
How to get Started:
Every child who is involved in the Kids Special Needs Ministry needs to have a completed Child Profile Form on file with the Kids Department. This profile provides valuable information for team members to determine the best way to interact, teach, and ensure the safety of your child. Upon receiving the profile form, an Individual Spiritual Plan (ISP) with input from the parents/guardians and the Special Needs Coordinator. The ISP will be shared with the buddies and classroom teachers. For any questions regarding the Kids Special Needs Ministry, please contact Kelly Mills at 765-362-5494.
Special Events:
If your family or child with special needs wishes to attend a special event at church, we ask that you notify the Kids Special Needs Ministry Coordinator, Kelly Mills, in advance to allow time for additional volunteers and/or special accommodations to be made.
Communication:
In order to schedule our volunteers appropriately, we ask for open communication. If you cannot attend a service, please notify us by email or phone. We understand that life happens and if you need to cancel Sunday morning, please just email the Kids Special Needs Ministry Coordinator so we can notify your child’s buddy.
As changes occur in your child’s behavior, medicine, diagnosis, or home environment, please keep us up to date. Knowing these changes will help us better serve you and your child and allow us to help with prayers and/or resources.