Mission

Special Needs Ministry mission is to serve Jesus Christ by caring for his children.

Vision

To glorify Jesus Christ and meet the needs of everyone we touch - one child, one family,

Objectives

• Establish a special needs Ministry Advisory Council. 
• Sponsor programs facilitating active that conscious participation in church life.
• Increase involvement of special needs youth in leadership opportunities in Christian Education,
• Introduce a youth buddy program for older youth to sponsor special need youth. 
• Make available and encourage participation in social and worship activities.

Special Needs Guidelines

Shaw Temple A M E Zion 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 guidelines for children with special needs will be followed. 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 all do not have special needs training.

Admittance to the Special Needs Ministry:

In 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 (770) 801-8185 to set up an appointment. A Christian Education staff member 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 Shaw Temple A M E Zion Church Christian Education department 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 committee to determine continued service.