Special Needs Ministry

At First Christian Church, we recognize the uniqueness of each individual who worships here, and we realize that sometimes a child or adult might need an accommodation in order to participate in programming. We want to partner with the family of a special needs child of any age to help ensure safety and appropriate placement while participating in events at First Christian Church. Our staff has enlisted the help of special needs professionals to guide us in helping special needs individuals know that they are safe and loved. We have a plan.

If you have a family member with special needs, here are the steps to helping us serve your loved one well:

Fill out the Special Needs Information Form below or pick up a hard copy at the Guest Check-In desk located in the FirstKids lobby.
After we have received your completed form, a member of the Family Ministry Team will contact you to schedule a meeting and tour of the ministry space. This is to determine the best placement for your special needs family member.
Come to church with your special needs loved one. We understand just how much your special needs family member means to you. Therefore, we want you to feel confident that every member of your family will be well cared for during their time at First Christian Church.

If you have any questions, please contact Family Ministries Director, Heather Vance at hvance@firstdecatur.org or 217.875.3350.

Note: We also have a small group for families of those with special needs called Decatur Area Special Blessings. Everyone from the community is invited. We meet the first Tuesday of each month from 6-7:15pm at First Christian Church in the FirstKids Elementary Large Group Room. Childcare is provided for all ages. The meetings include a variety of formats: Q&A, resource and informational topics, guest speakers, and social events. For more info, contact Jodi VerHeecke at decaturareaspecialblessings@gmail.com.

Special Needs Information Form

Caring For Your Special Needs Child

Contact Information

Parent/Guardian Name(s) *

Child's Name *

Child's Date of Birth *

Address *

City *

State *

Zip *

Email *

Parent/Guardian Cell Phone 1 *

Parent/Guardian Cell Phone 2

Caring For Your Child

My child has the following diagnosis, medical condition(s), or learning difference(s):

Due to the nature of my child’s additional needs, the following program would be appropriate at this time:

Buddy Program: For children’s programming (birth through seniors in high school), the Buddy Program pairs children with different needs with a “Buddy,” who attends the age-appropriate class with the child and is the child’s one-on-one helper. Available as needed.

Alternative Classroom: For children birth to fifth grade an alternative classroom option provides a safe place for special needs children to learn about Jesus. This classroom would be for kids whose best placement is not in the regular programming environment. Available Sundays at 11am.

Adult Special Needs Class: For adults with special needs, this Sunday School class offers a safe space to grow in their faith and a chance to connect with other adults.

OtherOther

Health

Does your child have seizures?

Because you answered yes, what does one "look like?"

Other than contacting you immediately, what should we do if your child has a seizure while attending programming at FCC?

Is your child on medication?

Please list what type of medication they are on:

Is there a current health issue and/or devices or equipment that you child uses that our staff and volunteers would benefit from knowing about?

Please explain the current health issue and/or devices or equipment that you child uses.

Does your child have any allergies?

Please explain their allergies:

Does your child have any eating restrictions?

Please explain their eating restrictions:

Behavior

Are there certain circumstances or noises that trigger negative behaviors?

Please describe your child’s behavior. Can your child become aggressive and lash out (biting, spitting, running, etc.) if upset?

What can we do to redirect inappropriate behavior? Please give specific examples of what you do at home or school.

Does your child have a security item to help soothe fears or assist with calming down if upset?

Does your child have any specific fears? If yes, how should we deal with these fears, should they arise?

Toilet & Hygiene Needs

Note: First Christian Church's policy is to change a soiled diaper/pull up for children through age five. We will contact you if your older child or adult child needs a clean diaper or pull up. However, each special needs circumstance will be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine if additional accommodations need to made to adequately care for the individual.

My child

Should volunteers ask your child if he or she needs to use the toilet while in our programming at FCC? If yes, is there a certain phrase you use?

Communication

If your child verbal or non-verbal?

Verbal

Non-Verbal

How well does he or she understand directions given verbally?

What works best when communicating requests or information for activities?

Does your child understand sign language?

Please list specific signs if used:

Can your child read and/or write? Please explain:

What words, sounds, or word approximations does your child use and what are their meanings?

What can you tell us about your child to help us serve him or her better?

Your First Visit

Which service time(s) do you plan to attend?

Saturday 5pm

Sunday 9am

Sunday 10:30am

Note: The Alternative Classroom and Adult Special Needs Sunday School Class are available during the 9am service.

Worship Service Times

Worship Service Times

Special Needs Ministry

Special Needs Information Form

Contact Information

Caring For Your Child

Health

Behavior

Toilet & Hygiene Needs

Communication

Your First Visit

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