Special Needs
This is a ministry for children from birth to 5th grade who need specialized care and assistance to participate in KIDS. We will search for a volunteer who will be a good fit for the child in a one-on-one capacity during regular service times. This allows parents to attend service knowing their child is being cared for in a loving environment.
F.A.Q.s
Volunteers offer physical assistance, behavior intervention, facilitation of communication, and help for the child so that they can participate in age-appropriate programming. Children are considered a part of the ministry, not separated from the group, as they are included in all activities offered.
Yes, anyone who regularly attends Friends Church is eligible for this ministry. There is no special requirement or that you have attended church here for any period of time prior. But, we do ask that you select a service you can regularly attend so your child and the volunteer can build a relationship.
We try to find a volunteer who matches your child and their specific needs. It may take only a week or it may take an entire month, but we will work with you to find the right person for your child. Our goal is for the volunteer and parent to form a solid partnership that can become a lasting friendship.
That depends upon the safety of your child and whether we have enough staff available to provide the care needed until a one-on-one volunteer is found. You will need to discuss bringing them to KIDS with a KIDS staff member. We do have a parent room that is available on the first floor of the Worship Center and there is a live video feed of the service.
To avoid disappointment on either end, it is courteous for the parent to contact the volunteer directly and vice versa, if they are unable to attend services.
The same security screening process applies to all KIDS volunteers. A state background check is done, along with reference checks, an interview, and more.
Some of the volunteers have professional training or education in special needs, but it is not required. Parents are the best people to teach the volunteer how to best work with their child. The greatest asset a volunteer can have in caring for your child, is parents who are an active part in helping them learn about your child.
Some of the volunteers have professional training or education in special needs, but it is not required. Parents are the best people to teach the volunteer how to best work with their child. The greatest asset a volunteer can have in caring for your child, is parents who are an active part in helping them learn about your child.
If you are interested in becoming a Special Needs Volunteer, call KIDS at 714-777-7382 or email us at tiffanyd@friends.church.
If you are a guest who wants to come check out our weekend, and you have a child with Special Needs, please call 714-777-7382 or email us, tiffanyd@friends.church, ahead of time so we can have a one-on-one ready for you for your first visit. After this, if you decide you want to come more frequently, we will search for the best fit for your child.
You can also come before a weekend service to Kid Info North on the second floor of the Worship Center to fill out a Special Needs form to let us know you would like to request a one-on-one volunteer for your child.