This new ministry to children with special needs will focus on children ages 5-11 who are diagnosed under the Autism Spectrum Disorder. This will also include children with special needs that may not be included under the Autism Spectrum Disorder, i.e Down syndrome AND children diagnosed with emotional disorders such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, etc.

Since this is a new ministry we are not currently prepared to include children with specialized physical needs such Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy,-------- just to name a few

1. Autistic Disorder: this involves moderate to severe impairments in communication, socialization and behavior
   
   
2. Asperger's Syndrome: people with Asperger's syndrome usually function in the average to above average intelligence range and have no delays in language skills, but often struggle with social skills and restrictive and repetitive behavior
   
   
3. Rett Syndrome: A key indicator of Rett syndrome is the appearance of repetitive, meaningless movements or gestures
   
   
4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: involves a significant regression in skills that have previously been acquired, and deficits in communication, socialization and/or restrictive and repetitive behavior
   
   
5. Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): includes children that do not fully meet the criteria for the other specific disorders or those that do not have the degree of impairment associated with those disorders
   
   
   

• Each child with the opportunity to participate at their ability level
• Bible/scripture lessons presented in small group or even individual settings for the children so they may better understand the message of Christ
• Coming soon…BUDDY program. Some children may be paired with an aide or “buddy” while attending on Sunday morning. This is a very important part of the ministry that will become an integral part of this ministry by late spring of 2012. Watch for more about the “Buddy” part of this ministry
  
  
  

• Therapy
• Behavioral modification programs
• Medical intervention (only in emergency situations.)
  
  
  

The first step is to contact the special needs ministry director, Bob Nooe at nooer@ccc.org or Loretta Standley in the Children’s ministry office at standleyL@ccc.org. A meeting and interview time will be set up with the parent or guardian so that you may be able to express your child’s needs and the placement for your child. It is very important that you contact her before your first planned Sunday in the HIM program, so that she can make arrangements and be able to provide your child with the support that he/she needs.

Click here to download the enrollment form.

All we ask is that you call 316-425-0655, our Central Kids Hotline, as soon as you know you will not be attending to let us know. If it is very last minute, please call before 8:45 on Sunday mornings. This will allow us to make other plans in advance.