Sandra Peoples shares 8 steps to take so you’ll be ready to welcome and support kids with disabilities at VBS this summer.
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Quick Links:
Amazon list of ideas for buddy bags
Tools and Tips to Help VBS Go Smoother for Every Child
3 Steps for Welcoming Kids with Special Needs at VBS
Supporting Students with Invisible Disabilities
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005: 5 Ways the Church can Support Special Needs Families this Summer with Sandra Peoples
034: 5 Tips for Hosting a Sensory-Friendly Worship Service with Beth Golik
023: Supporting Special-Needs Families with Stephanie Hubach with Sandra Peoples
Transcript:
Hi friends! This is episode 49 of Key Ministry the podcast, and I’m your cohost, Sandra Peoples. It’s the first week of May, and that means it’s time for those of us in children’s ministry and family ministry to get excited about our summer plans! One of the most fun things we’ll be doing at our church this summer is VBS, and like all our children’s ministry activities, we want it to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. So we’ve been counting down the weeks until VBS with one action to take each week that will help us be ready to welcome the kids with disabilities. In today’s episode, I’m going to share our inclusion to-do list to hopefully help you come up with your own plans to make this your most accessible VBS ever!
1. Adjust your registration form so parents feel comfortable communicating their child's needs.
“Our church cares for the success and safety of each participant at VBS. Does your child have any allergies, medical conditions, learning disabilities, behavioral diagnosis, special needs, or other disabilities we can prepare to support?”
2. Recruit buddies.
On the registration form for volunteers, include options for teen and adult buddies. Communicate your expectations for this position. Follow up with your plan for their training so they will feel comfortable and confident.
3. Order sensory tools and buddy bags.
Kids with sensory needs benefit from sensory tools such as a visual timer, fidgets, and noise-reducing headphones. You can order cinch backpacks for your buddies to carry with the sensory items.
4. Plan for a sensory spot.
When a kid needs a break, where will he or she go? It could be a sensory room, a hallway for a walk, or a quiet corner in a room. What do you need to get this spot ready?
5. Train buddies.
Host a special training or share a video for those who volunteered to be buddies. Be clear on their role with the students and who they can communicate with if they have any questions.
6. Train teachers and helpers.
Everyone can be part of making kids feel comfortable and supported at VBS. Make sure teachers and helpers have a basic understanding of the best practices to support their students and what to expect from the buddy in their room.
7. Communicate with the parents who shared information on the registration form.
If a parent shared a diagnosis or medical need, follow up with more questions to help you be prepared to meet the needs of the child and help the parents feel comfortable.
8. Review policies and safety protocols.
What plans are in place for a child who attempts to escape their group? What if there’s an injury? Do seizure protocols need to be posted in any classrooms? Prepare for common scenarios to help all your volunteers feel prepared.
No matter how many weeks you have between now and your VBS, you can take these steps to make sure you’re ready for the kids in your church and your community who will be part of VBS. Remember, our goal is always that kids will hear the gospel in a way they can understand in an environment where they feel comfortable. And these steps will help them reach this goal!
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