Every Child Welcome: A Ministry Handbook for Including Kids with Special Needs - Softcover

Katie Wetherbee; Jolene Philo

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0825443504 ISBN 13: 9780825443503

Publisher: Kregel Publications,U.S., 2015

Synopsis

A guide to children's ministry that serves families with special needs.

Jesus set a high standard when He said "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." The call is not limited to children who will sit quietly at His feet and listen, who colour between the lines, who raise their hands and wait to be called upon, and who work at grade level. Children's ministries are responsible to be ready to bring children with disabilities to Jesus' feet too.

"Every Child Welcome" is the guide for leaders and volunteers to assist in purposeful planning and skill development for a ministry inclusive of children with unique needs.

Experienced children's ministry leaders, and parents of special-needs children themselves, the authors are superbly equipped to offer a thoughtful, thorough approach to creating a positive environment for children--one where all children will be able to digest the important concepts being taught. For leaders and volunteers, "Every Child Welcome" will provide the knowledge and tools to - create a welcoming environment before kids arrive - help children learn more effectively by connecting new information to what they already know - reinforce the main idea of a lesson, building background knowledge and reviewing important concepts - supplement instruction with hands-on activities to increase attention and participation - reinforce and wrap up an activity effectively.

About this title

About the Author

Katie Wetherbee (BA, Special Education, Vanderbilt University; MA, Education, Hood College) has worked as a public school teacher and is now a speaker and educational consultant. Her experience as a mother to a child with special needs, along with her teaching background and leadership in children's ministry give her a fully-developed perspective on children's ministry.

Jolene Philo (BA, Elementary Education, Westmar College; MS, Effective Teaching, Drake University). Her first child was born with a life-threatening birth defect. Their son survived and is an adult now, but their experiences created a deep desire to reach out to parents of critically or chronically ill children. Jolene has been a public school teacher with an inclusive classroom and is author of A Different Dream for My Child, Different Dream Parenting, and Caregiver's Notebook.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Every Child Welcome

A Ministry Handbook for Including Kids with Special Needs

By Katie Wetherbee Jolene Philo

Kregel Publications

Copyright © 2015 Katie Wetherbee and Jolene Philo
All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-8254-4350-3

Contents

Introduction, 9, 
Chapter 1 Setting the Table: Creating a Welcoming Space for Children, 13, 
Chapter 2 Greeting Your Guests: Communicating Warmth and Safety at Arrival Time, 33, 
Chapter 3 Appetizers: Strategies to Prepare Children for Learning, 43, 
Chapter 4 Every Child Welcome: Creating a Positive Classroom Culture, 53, 
Chapter 5 Main Dishes: Teaching the Truths of the Bible, 77, 
Chapter 6 Side Dishes: Activities to Enhance Learning, 99, 
Chapter 7 Party Time Treats: Ideas for Holidays and Holy Days, 115, 
Chapter 8 Service with a Smile: Teaching Children to Serve at Church, 127, 
Chapter 9 Washing Up: Strategies for Successfully Wrapping Up an Activity, 135, 
Chapter 10 To-Go Box: Bible Activities for Families to Enjoy at Home, 153, 
Conclusion, 157, 
Resources, 159, 
Appendix A Special Needs Ministry Covenant, 165, 
Appendix B Let Me Introduce Myself, 167, 
Appendix C "Looks Like, Sounds Like, Feels Like" Chart, 169, 
Appendix D Guidelines for Respect and Confidentiality, 171, 

CHAPTER 1

Setting the Table: Creating a Welcoming Space for Children

We've all experienced that awkward moment at a dinner party. We've gone through the buffet line and aren't quite sure where we're supposed to go next. We stand, uncertain between the dining and living rooms wondering what to do. Sit down and begin eating? Or wait until everyone has been served? Will we pray together first, or is this a mingling party where we'll stand around and eat? It can be distressing to even the most socially savvy party-goer. The bottom line is that we want our host and hostess to give us clear directions on what to do and where to go.

Planning for children's ministry activities is not much different from planning for a dinner party. We want our guests to feel welcome, enjoy each other's company, and be strengthened by our time together. Most of all, we want them to be excited to return.

Fortunately, we know more than we have ever known about how children learn and we understand their behavior much more intricately. This allows us to plan more proactively for our classes, worship services, and youth groups. However, before we even open our resource books or leader's manuals, we can plan for successful learning.

A Prayer of Preparation

Lord, as I open the leader's guides to plan for this week, I am aware of this wonderful opportunity to teach about You. I ask for Your guidance as I approach this task. You are a God of order. You created time and space and information. Help me to create a sense of order for these children so that nothing will distract them from learning about You.

Strategy 1 — Creating a Team

As with most ministries, special needs inclusion works best when a cohesive team is in place. After all, we're the body of Christ, and we need the gifts of everyone to be a complete community. We only need to look to the longstanding public school method of identifying and educating kids with disabilities to know that a team approach works. Here are some tips for creating your team:

• Identify stakeholders from all areas of your church. This includes facilities, children's ministry, leadership (elder board or pastor), parents of kids with special needs, parents of typically developing kids, medical or educational professionals from the church or community.

• Invite anyone who might be interested. Remember, this is a ministry of inclusion. Begin your ministry with a culture of acceptance and model that everyone who has a willing heart has gifts that can and should be used.

• Find another church with a similar ministry. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Invite the advice and counsel of other leaders, especially those who are connected in your community.

Strategy 2 — Web-Based Communication Tools

When it comes to communication, our world moves faster than ever before. Gone are the days of telegrams and carbon copies. Technology can definitely enhance our ministry to those with disabilities. Consider the following online tools to see what might work for your team.

• Ning. Mike Woods, Director of Special Needs Friends Ministry at First Baptist Orlando, uses Ning with his ministry volunteers. He says, "It's a social networking site that, for our ministry page, is 'invite-only.' We can talk, share information, post training videos, and keep it only to members who are invited." (www.ning.com)

• Google+. Another way to create online group communication. (www.plus.google.com)

• Facebook. This social media site has an option for closed groups which might be helpful for general communication between parents, volunteers, and Sunday school staff. Uses include posting Bible memory verses, links to curriculum activities or videos, and outlines of plans or upcoming events. (www.facebook.com)

• Free Conference Call. This recommendation also comes from Mike Woods: "We've been able to have volunteer or buddy meetings from the convenience of everyone's home." (www.freeconferencecall.com)

• Yammer. Laura Haas, who works in Children's and Inclusion Ministry at Faith Family Church in Canton, Ohio, recommended this resource. (www.yammer.com)

• Wiggio. Our friend and colleague Sara Moses suggested this tool. She used it for several groups, including an inclusion ministry. (www.wiggio.com)

• Live Binders. This resource was recommended by Michelle Thomas-Bush, Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. It allows you to upload docs, slide shows, links, forms, and other information to share with your team. (www.livebinders.com)

• Google Docs. This is another method of sharing information, including training materials, spread sheets, presentations, even brainstorming lists. Google also has a calendar feature that team members can access and edit. (docs.google.com)

Remember, you can use these tools for a variety of different reasons. One web-based tool need not fit all of your needs. As you peruse these sites, keep in mind that privacy is paramount.

In your ministry, you'll be privy to sensitive information about children and their families. As such, you cannot rely solely on the privacy capabilities of social media sites. Your volunteer and staff training must include in-depth discussions about handling information.

One final note: God created people long before computers ever appeared on the scene. So put people first. There isn't a high-speed connection anywhere that can ever replace human relationships. While technology, used well and wisely, can enhance communication, it won't ever replace community.

Strategy 3 — Policies and Procedures: Create Them from the Inside Out

Katie filed into the conference room, along with other new hires at the psychiatric hospital. This was her first job, and she was excited to get started. She would be teaching in the acute-care classroom, as well as helping to design a new unit for young children. She and her new colleagues looked around anxiously and made polite small talk in hushed tones. The director of human resources finally entered the room.

The chit-chat ended as he launched into a litany of policies and procedures. The new hires watched a video that featured pretty, tanned actors portraying staff and patients. Scenes in the video showed laughing families, therapists and patients engaged in meaningful dialogue, and a staff-patient volleyball game, complete with laughter and applause.

Katie couldn't wait to get started. However, during the time she worked there, she experienced nothing remotely similar to the lovely infomercial. Later, she realized that the hospital was very high on external policies and procedures. Employees were told what to wear, how to speak, what to say in public about the hospital. It was rather like biting into a mouth-watering, chocolate frosted, cream-filled donut, only to discover sour jelly inside.

What does this have to do with starting a special needs ministry? Simple: Your policies and procedures must be developed from the inside out. Too often, we belabor the formation of policies, and become mired in the minutiae. We need to avoid this in order to formulate policies and procedures that will make sense. We can do this by identifying the heart of the ministry: its mission.

With your team assembled, discuss the mission of your ministry. It's rather like choosing your destination for a trip. Until you do this, it's impractical and frustrating to pack up the car and drive. It will be important to review your church's mission statement, as well as the mission statements of the church's ministries for children and youth. Savvy special needs ministry planners will also consider the mission statement for the adult education ministry, knowing that kids with special needs will transition to adulthood one day.

Strategy 4 — Security Issues: How to Keep Safety First

Safety first!This motto used by Scout troops applies to ministry environments as well. Safety is an ideal that must be actively pursued, and consistently monitored, particularly when working with children who have special needs. Several aspects of ministry require safety inspections as well as careful planning.

Policies for Staff and Volunteers

All volunteers and staff must have a criminal background check prior to working with children. Although you've known Mrs. Ellis for decades and are sure she would never, ever harm anyone, you must show wisdom in staffing programs. Often, local police departments will help with the screening process, or churches can use a service like www. protectmyministry.com to obtain information.

In addition to a background check, volunteers should be trained to effectively and safely manage emergencies. If a child has a seizure or an allergic reaction, volunteers and staff will need to know how to care for the child and keep him/her safe until help arrives. By implementing training and even practicing procedures periodically, adults gain skills to anticipate and manage crises.

Finally, no child should ever be alone with an adult. The gold standard for safety in this area would be two supervisory adults who are not married to one another. Many couples enjoy teaching together, and this can be a very effective ministry for a marriage. If this is the case, be certain that the couple is not alone with an individual student. This protects both the child and the volunteers.

Facilities

Not all church buildings are accessible to those with physical disabilities. However, all buildings can be made safe. When planning for a program or class, be certain to assess the space for safety. The checklist below can help:

• Are outlets covered?

• Is the furniture in good condition? Can it collapse or fall over with normal use?

• Can you see every child in the room with the current arrangement?

• Is there a window to the hallway in each classroom door?

• Do windows/doors to the outside lock so that children cannot escape?

• Are scissors or other sharp objects placed away from kids' reach?

• Is there a bathroom or sink in the classroom? If so, how will this be monitored to prevent injury?

Staffing for Safety

Sometimes, the best way to provide security is by recruiting some extra volunteers. Safety patrol volunteers can be stationed at exit doors to be certain that kids don't leave the building. In addition, these folks can be assigned as rovers who move from class to class to provide additional behavioral support when necessary.

In addition to the safety patrol, consider policies and procedures for bathroom breaks and diapering. Each church handles this differently; some churches page parents for diaper duty while others have a diapering station in the nursery. When considering the needs of older children with disabilities, be sensitive to their emotional development as well as their physical needs. Creating a diapering station in an adult bathroom that is behind a partition can be one respectful way to manage this. A private room for this purpose can also be an alternative, though it is usually difficult to designate a room for this because of the demands for space. Whatever policy is adopted, remember that when volunteers or staff are changing diapers, they should not be alone with a child. This is a time when two adults, not married to each other, should be working together.

Safety procedures can be tedious and even uncomfortable to discuss. However, they set a tone of professionalism, care, and respect to which parents — and kids — will respond.

Strategy 5 — Space and Materials Planning

Before a dinner party, we sometimes need to pay close attention to seating arrangements. For example, we know that Cousin Jeffrey likes to be seated on the end of the table; he's a lefty who doesn't want to bump elbows throughout the meal. And of course, we don't want Aunt Sally and Grandpa seated near each other. Remember last Thanksgiving when they had that debate about foreign policy? Aunt Sally locked herself in the powder room for forty-five minutes after that showdown. We also like to arrange our pre-dinner space so that guests know how to find drinks, appetizers, and comfortable seating — out of the way of the cook's last-minute preparations.

Set-Up

Similarly, when we plan for activities, we want the space to reflect our desire for children's comfort and learning. When kids enter, they should feel welcome and comfortable. Clearly defined areas with distinct purposes help kids know what to do and how to behave when they enter the room.

In addition, if you are planning special activities — for example a stage to act out a story, or a cave to help kids experience the empty tomb on Easter morning — the set-up should be done in advance. The most enriching activity can be ruined if kids lose attention while leaders assemble the activity. Finally, we know that seating arrangements can make a difference. Knowing how to group children in the available space can assist them with focus, cooperation, and learning.

Materials

Make a list of all the props, papers, art supplies, and books you will need for your activity. This might seem tedious, but consider our dinner party analogy: Everything runs much more smoothly when your ingredients, dishes, and place cards are at the ready. It's awful when the host of the party needs to run to the attic to retrieve a serving dish. By making a list and setting the table for participants, you ensure that everything needed is at your fingertips.

Strategy 6 — Schedule and Transition Planning

An education mentor shared this bit of wisdom: "You have to plan every single minute. Kids get in trouble when they don't know what they're supposed to be doing."

We don't want kids to get into trouble, especially when we can prevent it. Thorough planning can eliminate many worries. To see how that happens, let's compare two activity plans for a second grade midweek program.

Plan One:

• Kids arrive, do worksheet

• Opening activity (procedure in leader's manual)

• Read Bible story

• Have kids write in their journals

• Talk about field trip to the nursing home (next week's activity)

• Work on group mural

• Discuss the importance of obeying God

• Clean up the room

• Sing closing song

Plan Two:

7:00-7:05 Kids arrive, write on Weekly News Board, work on tabletop activities

7:05-7:06 Transition to front of the room by playing Follow the Leader

7:06-7:10 Introduce the evening's topic, have kids pick color cubes from basket; break into small groups according to color to do opening activity (See leader's manual for activity)

7:10-7:20 Read the Bible story from manual; have kids write three facts in their journal. Stand and play Praise Ball (kids tell the group something they're thankful for when they catch the ball)

7:20-7:28 Return to seats while singing "This Little Light of Mine." In preparation for next week's service project (visiting the nursing home), practice introducing each other and asking getting-to-know-you questions.

7:28-7:30 Give verbal and visual directions for group activities. Transition to small group activity rotations (15 minutes each)

• Small group discussion with leader (questions in manual)

• Mural project with teen helper

• Free choice from the back table supervised by teen helper

8:15-8:20 Clean up, closing ceremonies

8:20-?Veggie Tales movie until parents arrive

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Every Child Welcome by Katie Wetherbee Jolene Philo. Copyright © 2015 Katie Wetherbee and Jolene Philo. Excerpted by permission of Kregel Publications.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Edition details

• Publisher: Kregel Publications,U.S.
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0825443504
• ISBN 13: 9780825443503
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176