Children with Special Needs
One in every five Americans has a disability. Of these families with a disabled person, 90 percent do not have a church home. The Special Needs Ministry focuses on ministering to these—and it is growing! We currently offer a Multi-Sensory Children's Sunday School class at 8:15 and 9:30 a.m. If you want more information, or would like to visit, call Lanette James, Children's Minister, at 903-525-1122.
Guidelines
Green Acres Baptist Church desires to share the love of Jesus with special needs children and their families. For the safety, security and well-being of these families, the following policies and guidelines for children with special needs have been adopted by Green Acres Baptist Church, with the understanding the guidelines will be supervised and could be amended by the current Children's Committee of the church.
Our staff in the special needs area consists of and is defined as volunteers that love children with disabilities, but do not have special needs training.
Admittance to the Special Needs MinistryIn order to provide the best care for special needs children, we request a one-on-one meeting before your child is admitted to the special needs ministry. Please call 903-525-1122 to set up an appointment. A minister and the parent of the special needs child will determine if the special needs ministry is the right place for the child, based on the following guidelines:
The child is 21 or below. After age 21 an adult special needs ministry is available.
Parents agree to fill out a basic needs survey for their child that will be kept confidential.
Medical needs or disabilities are not beyond the capability of our staff.
Behavior is such that it is agreed it can be controlled in the environment we have to offer.
If diapering is required, parents will be notified and must agree to handle this for their child.
In order for us to become familiar with your child we request that a parent or guardian remain with them on the first day of class.
Parents will agree to work once every three months on a rotating basis to assist with our special needs children. Anyone working in the Children's Ministry must agree to complete a Criminal Background Check that will be kept confidential.
As buddies become available, and if it is determined that children are capable, mainstreaming with a "buddy" will become an option.
An acknowledgement statement that policies have been read and understood, and a release of liability must be signed.
Parents agree to carry a beeper provided by the Children's Ministry with them when their child is in class, and return to their child's class when required.
If the parent has met with the minister and placement cannot be determined, a parent may make an appointment to address the Green Acres Baptist Church children's committee to determine placement for their child.
If at any time a staff member feels uncomfortable caring for a medical or behavior need, a parent may be asked to meet with the minister to determine continued placement.
Upon admittance to the Special Needs Ministry, the following times are available to children and families:
Special needs classes are available in the Children's Building on Sunday morning during 8:15 Bible Study and 9:30 Bible Study. Children must be picked up immediately following the 9:30 Bible Study/Worship hour.
Other Childcare Times
In conjunction with Kids Night Out, two Friday nights per year childcare for special needs children will be provided. At this time, special needs childcare is not available at other times or in other ministry areas.