A Temecula Church That’s Invested in Children and Families with Special Needs
Families that have children with special needs can sometimes feel like they are on the outside looking in. This is true in many places from schools to playgrounds, and yes, even in churches. Unfortunately, many churches simply don’t have the appropriate accommodations in place for children with special needs, nor do they have a trained staff that is equipped to handle kids with different abilities. This makes it difficult for families with a child with special needs to attend church regularly. Even if they do come to church every Sunday, they may not be able to fully engage in the service because they also have to care for their child.
One Christian church in Temecula, Sunridge Community Church, has been working hard to change that over the past several years. They have a program called “Bridge Builders” that is designed to care for children with special needs and their families. The goals of the program are to:
- Provide a safe, nurturing environment for children with special needs.
- Connect caregivers and their loved ones with full access to church life.
On the Sunridge Church campus in Temecula, you’ll find a dedicated room for children with special needs that’s open during every Sunday morning service. It is a safe environment in which children can learn about Jesus, as well as have fun with other kids and the church’s dedicated Bridge Builders volunteers. Children are well cared for, regardless of their abilities. If parents are needed at any time during the church service, there is a paging system set up that will alert parents in the main church sanctuary.
If parents desire full inclusion for their child in a classroom with neurotypical children their same age, this is available at Sunridge Church as well. Kids can be paired with an aide or buddy, if needed.
In the past, Sunridge Church has also welcomed children with special needs at their community events, such as their annual Trunk-or-Treat event and their Summer Vacation Bible Camp. At their Trunk-or-Treat event, held every year on or around Halloween, the church opens up the event early to offer exclusive access for children with special needs and their families. This allows them to take advantage of all the activities offered in a less crowded environment. At their Vacation Bible Camp, Sunridge church pairs up children with special needs with a one-on-one buddy so they can enjoy the camp with their peers.
For the best experience on a Sunday morning, parents of children with special needs should fill out the church’s Enrollment Form, found at the bottom of the Bridge Builders page on the church website. By doing so, the church staff and volunteers can get a good sense of your child’s personality, abilities, and have the appropriate accommodations in place before they come.