Special Needs Ministry Checklist

Knowing where to begin is half the battle when starting any new ministry or program.  Use this list as a guideline when walking your church through a special needs inclusion initiative.
This checklist was a handout provided in a workshop led by Amy Fenton Lee at the recent Children’s Ministry Expo in Lexington, KY.  Amy provides links to related articles on her own blog, The Inclusive Church Blog, as well as other helpful websites. You can also download this checklist as a printable PDF.

Pray!

• Pray for God’s guidance, protection, and blessing through every step!

Designate special needs ministry champion(s) & on-staff advocate

• Recruit advisory team & begin networking (parents, SpEd professionals)
• Establish roles & expectations for staff overseeing ministry, lay leaders

Research & develop church-specific vision

• Consider special needs statistics and  population already participating
• Target inclusion for already strong typical programming environments
• Initiate directed conversation & obtain broader staff buy-in
• Begin developing budget (note potential costs through checklist)

Establish a ministry mission statement

• Communicate the goals of the ministry
• Prioritize programming accommodation (Sun AM, Wed PM, VBS)
• Plan events:  celebration & visibility, mom’s brunch, family outing
• Visualize & differentiate long term goals (support groups, respite)

Anticipate accommodation adjustments across environments

• Self contained class, low stimulation area, H/C accessibility
• Plan alternative environments, make curriculum modifications
• Consider purchasing or creating special needs curriculum
• Add sensory-friendly inventory to classroom(s)
• Implement Buddy System & place additional volunteers

Recruit & develop volunteers

• Develop marketing & communication for recruiting volunteers through:
• church newsletter
• adult Sunday school & small group announcements
• worship video or impact interview
• church’s student ministry
• partnering with a local Christian college/seminary
• Incorporate behavior management strategies in all training
• Develop standard process for training/acclimating SN buddies
• Create a teen training program
• Consider need for volunteer medical provider or contracted onsite nurse
• Provide volunteer opportunities other than just childcare

Incorporate SN issues into kidmin policies & procedures

• Consult church insurance carrier and church attorney
• Re-assess existing safety & emergency procedures with SN in mind
• Develop behavior driven Policies & Procedures
• Create standard special needs intake questionnaire
• Develop other SN ministry information/communication pieces
• Set up a process for participant in-take & annual file update

Create a culture of acceptance

• Create a host team training event
• Give disability visibility in church events, during worship
• Create Facebook page, website for the ministry 

Self-Contained Classroom Inventory

• Phone – Land lines, working cell phones and/or walkie-talkies
• Emergency Contacts – Posted laminated protocol & procedures
• Profiles – Each participant’s pertinent info
• Bathroom access – Family bathroom ideal, shower a bonus
• Posted Rules – 5 to10 behavior guidelines w/ pictures
• Visual Schedule  – Prepare children for transitions
• Curriculum – Adapt existing lesson plans or purchase new curriculum
• Music  – Reinforce Bible teaching/Scripture, encourage movement
• Sensory Toys – Fidget toy during Bible lesson or calming tool
• Cause & Effect Toys – Calming tool for transitions
• Guide Rope – Helps wanderers travel between environments
• Sand Timer – Provides countdown or time warning
• Tri-write crayons – Aids children with fine motor deficits
• Painters tape – Defines personal space on activity tables or floor
• Bean bag chairs – Provides relaxing seat & recharge space
• Small tent – Removes visual distraction & delineates quiet space
• Rocking Chair – May fulfill  need for movement or rocking motion
• Bonus – Multi Sensory Environment or simulated distraction station

Ministry Policies

• Requirement of a completed participant intake form
• Toileting / Diapering
• Administering Medication
• Snacks / Allergies / Gluten-Free Casein-Free info sheets
• Behavior guidelines
• Steps for responding to behavior challenges & parent communication
• Process for receiving and addressing parent or volunteer concerns
• Response to a medical emergency; seizure recognition & response
• Participant/family privacy & confidentiality
• Volunteer roles & specific responsibilities; required vs. optional training
• Parent partnership (e.g. remain onsite during church care)

For more on this topic see this 13-minute interview on special needs ministry.