Haven - Honoring and Valuing Every Need

BattleCreek Special Needs Ministry

Our Ministry

Our vision at BattleCreek Church is to help all people advance in their journey with Christ and this includes people of all ages and ability levels. Our Special Needs ministry seeks to provide spiritual growth and development for children, students, and adults with special needs and their families. All of our volunteers are trained and equipped to care for your children and have the heart to do so.

Meeting Your Needs

The Haven ministry at BattleCreek Church exists to glorify God by helping all people, of all ages and their families, advance in their journey with Christ by becoming full participants and contributors in the body of Christ. The heart of the special needs ministry is to give your child a worship experience that fits his or her needs and to create an environment where he or she can learn about God and experience the presence of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to serve your family with excellence.

Plan Your Visit

If you're planning to addend, on way to help the transition go as smoothly as possible is to submitting your completed Haven Intake form before you arrive.

Haven Intake Form

Broken Arrow Campus Haven Sunday Times

Preschool (ages 2-6)

9am & 11am

Elementary (ages 6-12)

9am & 11am

Students (ages 12-18)

9am & 11am

Adults (Ages 18+)

11am

Jenks Campus Haven Sunday Times

To learn more about the options available to your child or to plan your visit, email our Haven Director

Preschool (ages 2-6)

11am

Elementary (ages 6-12)

11am

Students (ages 12-18)

11am

FAQ

How will my child be integrated into their class?

Our special needs ministry aims to include children in general classrooms as much as possible. Each Sunday, the Special Needs Coordinator at your campus will place your child in the level of inclusion that will set them up for the greatest level of success. Children may be fully included, partially included, or stay in one of our Haven classrooms on any given Sunday depending on the child’s individual plan, volunteer availability, and classroom dynamic.

Where should I drop off and pick up my child?

Children who are part of the special needs ministry will always start and finish in their age appropriate Haven classroom.

What does my child do in class while I am in service?

Your child will have the opportunity to experience worship, engage in a Bible story, pray, have a snack, complete a craft, and play with other kids. Their time in class is designed to be structured, purposeful, and fun.

My child wears diapers, will they be changed?

Children age three and under will have their diaper changed during the service. Children age four and five that wear diapers will only be changed if the diaper is soiled.  Children over the age of five that wear diapers will not be changed.  If diaper is soiled, parents will be called to change their children.

Who is caring for my child?

The leaders in Haven love children deeply and have been trained for their roles by BattleCreek staff, but they are not necessarily professionals. These people offer their time freely and care for each child to the best of their abilities as members of the Haven volunteer team.

What if my child gets sick or hurt while in class?

Safety is one of our primary focuses at BattleCreek Church, but we know sometimes sickness and accidents happen. If your child appears to be sick, bleeding, or hurting him/herself, a coordinator will call/text you immediately. BattleCreek volunteers and staff will not perform medical procedures on children or give medication to children.

What if my child is having behavioral problems?

If a child starts behaving inappropriately, the Haven Special Needs Director or campus Coordinator will set up a meeting with you to discuss the behavior and develop a plan to encourage positive change.  The coordinator on campus may also call/ text you out of service if necessary.  We will call the number on file, so please make sure this number is kept current.

Will my child ever be alone with an adult?

We stand with you in prioritizing safety and accountability.  BattleCreek Kids and Haven ministry will always have two adults in the classroom at all times, including during diaper changes.

What if my child no longer needs special needs services?

If your child becomes independent in his or her classroom and no longer needs our services, the Special Needs Coordinator will set up a meeting to discuss next steps for your child.

Meet our Team

Pam Vance

Haven Director

Jennifer Hovis

Haven Coordinator

Next Steps

Set up an appointment with your local campus Special Needs Coordinator by emailing the Special Needs Director, Pam Vance.

Here is what you can expect at your appointment:

• We will evaluate the level of support your child needs and create a plan for success.
• You will receive a tour of our facility.
• You will complete paperwork to prepare for your child’s time at BattleCreek Church.

We look forward to meeting your family!