Special Needs Ministry

Mission:

The Special Needs Ministry mission is consistent with the mission of Shepherd of the Valley which is to connect all people with Christ through nurturing, building friendships and serving. The staff and volunteers of the Special Needs Ministry share that mission and are committed to working with you and your child(ren) to accomplish this goal and provide a safe environment to learn about Christ.

Welcome:

I welcome you to the Special Needs Ministry at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church! I am excited to have you here and committed to helping you connect your child(ren) with Christ! Tammie Proue, Coordinator of Special Needs Ministry for Children and Youth

What We Offer:

    •Handicap accessible parking     •Handicap accessibility throughout building
    •Assistance with hearing impairment through:
    •Hearing devices
    •Wheelchairs
    •Compliance with guidelines set by Americans with Disabilities Act
    •Adapted curriculum for children and youth
    •Prayer, support, and resources for families and individuals
    •Fragrant free rooms upon request
    •Service dogs welcomed
    •Pastoral visitations
    •For a list of various equipment availability, see list below

Available Special Needs Ministries:

    •Sunday School (link)
    •Special Friends
    •Confirmation (link)
    •Senior High Small Group (link)
    •Exciting Future Activities

Sunday School Schedule for Fall 2010!

The Special Needs Ministry follows along with the same basic principles and schedule as the Sunday School program with the addition of the following support systems:

    •Modifications to existing curriculum which are based on individual needs including skills related to gross motor, fine motor, sensory motor, music, crafts, movies, memorization, writing, and games. This curriculum is integrated and adapted to follow along with the existing Bible story/theme of the day in order to support the child’s ability to learn about Christ on an individual basis.
    •For example, the Bible story of the day may be about Samson: Adapted curriculum may be to provide an opportunity for gross motor skill development involving role-playing Samson by stacking and then pushing down small to medium sized empty boxes (the pillar) to support a greater understanding of the storyline/theme.
    •Modifications to the existing schedule which include adapting to fit the need of the child in large or small group settings.
    •For example, a student may have difficulty handling loud noise in a large group setting, but enjoys participating in small group discussion. The student may feel more comfortable moving away from the large group to a quiet room with a one-on-one assistant until the student feels comfortable to rejoin in the small group discussion.
    •Modifications to any other areas of need to the best of the ability of the staff, volunteers and families of the individual being supported.
    •For example, a student may have other needs which have not been addressed or identified above and SOV staff, volunteers, or families may not have had the opportunity to encounter. Shepherd of the Valley staff will assess those needs on an individual basis and assist whenever possible. Shepherd staff, volunteers, and families will not provide therapy services, equipment needs, behavioral modification programs, or medical interventions (except emergency intervention). Staff, volunteers, and families will do their best to connect you to the appropriate resources which are better equipped to provide such services should that need arise.

Various Equipment Available:

The following equipment is available to use with permission and supervision from staff or volunteers of Shepherd of the Valley. The availability of equipment is based on the Bible stories/themes being used throughout the year. Equipment is changed frequently and is cleaned with disinfectant on a regular basis.
    •Vestibular
    •Therapy swings
    •Bolster swing/glider
    •Disc swing
    •Platform swing
    •Hammock swing
    •Moon swing
    •Frog swing
    •Ekorre swing (snug-type swing)
    •Inner tube swing
    •Smooth grip ladder
    •Scooters
    •Spinning disc
    •Climbing wall
    •Therapy balls
    •Positioning
    •Supportive seating
    •Beanbag chairs
    •Mats
    •Weighted blankets/vest
    •Weights
    •Sensory Table
    •Boardmaker Picture Schedules
    •Gluten-free, scented or regular play dough
    •Peanut-free rooms
    •Timers for easier transitions

Special Needs Ministry Goals:

    •To connect all people to Christ
    •To provide a safe environment for all individuals to learn about Christ
    •To provide opportunities for all individuals to learn about Christ utilizing an all inclusive and/or a one-on-one approach
    •To provide support and encouragement to families through continuous prayer
    •To partner with families in providing and receiving guidance and support for the disabled individual

If you feel your child would benefit by receiving one-on-one attention from a “Special Friend” either in a classroom setting or on an individual basis, please contact the Special Needs Coordinator.
classroom setting or on an individual basis, please contact the Special Needs Coordinator.