Matthew’s Ministry
An Enrichment Program for Adults with Special Needs
HandbookMission: To extend the love and message of Jesus Christ to all persons with special needs and to help incorporate them fully into the life of
the church.
Purpose: To provide a Christ-centered program where adults with special needs engage in fellowship, enriching activities and serve the
community while becoming deeply committed Christians.
Revised 7/22/14
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection 13720 Roe. Ave. Leawood, KS 66224 (913) 897-0120
Program Description
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Sonflower Adult Learning Program (SALP) creates an environment for learning and independence for adults with special needs. SALP focuses on spiritual formation and opportunities for learning and practicing job skills as well as enhancement of physical and cognitive abilities. SALP strives to create a caring environment within a Christian community for all Learners to reach their full potential.
Learner’s Rights
To be treated with respect and dignity To participate in programming which promotes positive attitudes regarding
ones usefulness and capabilities To participate in programming designed to encourage learning and growth in
skill areas To be cared for in a Christian atmosphere of sincere interest and concern in
which support is provided To have privacy and confidentiality To be free of mental and physical abuse
Learner Qualifications and Expectations
Applicants must meet the following entry criteria:
Consent of applicant or responsible party for admission No longer eligible for school services Diagnosed with a developmental disability Ability to care for personal needs with minimal assistance (transfer from
wheelchair, locate necessary hygiene items, independent bathroom skills, etc.)
Ability to successfully participate in the program based on a 4:1 Learner/Staff ratio. We do not provide 1 on 1 care or have medical staff available. In case of emergency as determined by SALP staff we will call 911.
Reasonable expectation that applicant will benefit from program as determined by SALP staff
Behavior which would not significantly interfere with the learning process of others or that is not harmful to self or others including:
Ability to stay with group and not wander off Maintaining personal belongings. ( SALP is not responsible for any
personal belongings that Learners bring to class. If they become a distraction, SALP reserves the right to lock the item(s) up until daily departure.)
Consistently demonstrates: Independent bathroom skills Verbal communication skills Ability to follow multi-step directions Absence of challenging behaviors
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Ability to work independently and stay on task for up to 5 minutes
Dress Code
Learners are expected to dress modestly. No flip flops allowed. Tank tops and short skirts/shorts that are distracting are not allowed. Logos on t-shirts should be appropriate for an educational and Christian environment.
Medication
Medication will not be distributed at the Sonflower Adult Learning Program (SALP). If a Learner is capable of taking their medication on their own and is able to keep it in a safe place, this may be allowed if discussed prior with the program coordinator.
Attendance and Schedule
In order for Learners to receive the maximum benefit from the program consistent attendance is important. SALP operates from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday except days the church is closed, program closure or weather closure. Learners should not be dropped off or allowed to go to the classroom earlier than 9:55 am. The calendar is online at www.cor.org/matthews under the “Sonflower Adult Learning Program” tab.
Before & After Care
We offer care from 9am-10am and 3pm-4pm for an additional fee. The fee is an additional $10 per hour per day. Arrangements are made through the coordinator.
Late Pick-Up
It is vital that Learners be picked up no later than 3:00 pm. If a Learner is picked up later than 3:00 pm the family will be invoiced a late fee of $5.00.
Lunch
Learners should bring a sack lunch each day with utensils. A microwave is available for meals that need to be heated. Learners will assemble or make food products on occasion. However, that will be supplemental to their lunch unless otherwise notified. Parent/guardian will be notified of food preparation activities.
Absences
Please call 913-232-4110 or text to 913-219-5824, if your Learner will be absent or late for any reason. You may also email: [email protected] or [email protected]
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Late Arrival
If a Learner arrives late, it is the responsibility of the parent /care provider to contact the staff before dropping off the Learner and to accompany the Learner to the location of the program staff & participants. It is not allowed or safe to leave a Learner alone for any reason. Program activities will be in various locations on campus, therefore contacting staff is essential to find out the specific location where you can help your Learner join us.
Illness or Other Absence
Please notify SALP if your Learner will be absent due to illness or for any other reasons. Parents/ guardian will be contacted to pick up Learner who develops or exhibits symptoms of illness during programming time. Learners should not attend programming if they have had a fever, vomited, had diarrhea or some type of contagious illness in the last 24 hours. There will not be a reduction in fees due to illness or other reasons for absence of the Learner.
Inclement Weather
In severe weather conditions, we follow the same closure schedule as the Blue Valley School system. There will be no reduction in fees for days missed due to inclement weather. Check www.cor.org for church closing.
Parent / Care Giver Guidelines
Learners are encouraged to be as independent as possible. At dismissal, please allow your Learner to come out to your car unless they need assistance.
If you have questions about your Learner or the program, please schedule a time to meet with the coordinator. The staff keeps a full schedule so will not be able to accommodate drop-ins.
If parent/guardian has a concern with the program coordinator, please contact Jennifer Ross, Matthew’s Ministry Director.
Basic Communication
SALP strives to communicate and keep families updated of Sonflower Learner’s activities. Most information is communicated by email. Information can be found on the website as well.
Conferences will be held once a year and parent/guardian meetings will be scheduled periodically as needed.
If you have questions about your Learner’s progress, you can schedule an appointment with the program coordinator.
Tuition
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Payment is due the 1st day of the month and is considered late after the 5th
day of the month. Please make checks payable to Church of the Resurrection. Parents/Guardians will be invoiced a $10.00 late fee per day after the 5th of the month. The Learner will not be allowed to attend if tuition and/or late fee are not paid. Tuition is not considered a tax deduction. There will be no pro-rated tuition for holidays, church closures, inclement weather, or missed days due to illness or other reasons. The Sonflower Adult Learning Program will be closed two weeks in the winter and two weeks in the summer. Tuition will be pro-rated for the program’s 4 week closure.
Off Campus Activities
In the event of off campus activities, transportation and admission fees may apply above tuition costs
Exiting the Program
If a Learner or parent/guardian wishes to stop a Learner’s attendance at SALP, advance notice must be given to the program coordinator. No refund of tuition will be given for the current month.
If a Learner has a behavior that impacts the safety or environment of the Learners, staff or volunteers, as determined by SALP staff the Learner will be immediately dismissed.
If SALP is unable to provide the type of care that the Learner requires, services will not continue.
If a Learner violates SALP/Church of the Resurrection rules and policies or does not pay tuition, the Learner will not be allowed to return.
o If needed, a meeting will be scheduled with the director and/or program coordinator and the Learner and parent/guardian to discuss the resolution or dismissal of the Learner. SALP will make a reasonable effort to accommodate each Learner based on SALP Handbook and program requirements. If guidelines and requirements cannot be met, the Learner and family will be notified in writing and/or in person of specific violations and will be given a notice prior to dismissal.
The resolution process may include the following:
-Staff and family will meet to define the issues and develop a resolution process based on program requirements.
-A determined probation period and an evaluation of progress that will not exceed two weeks
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-A signed acknowledgment form by the parent or care giver indicating they have received and understand the requirements for continued participation in SALP.
-If program requirements are not met by the Learner and or parent/care provider during anytime of the probation period or beyond, a determination and notice of dismissal will be made.
o A reasonable effort will be made to accommodate a Learner based on SALP Handbook and program requirements. If requirements cannot be met, the Learner and family will be notified in writing and/or in person of specific violations and dismissal date.
o Dismissal will be immediate with no prior notice if the safety of the other Learners and staff are at stake as determined by SALP staff.
Conclusion
The Sonflower Adult Learning Program is a ministry of the Church of the Resurrection and is overseen by church leaders and follows all policies and procedures that Resurrection has in place.
We are excited to have your Learner with us at Sonflower Adult Learning Program. We understand that it is a privilege to spend time with each Learner and to assist them in continuing their educational and skills journey. We value the opportunity to joyfully spend time with each individual and help them learn in a caring Christian environment!
Joan Baird / SALP CoordinatorDirect Line: 913-232-4110Cell; 913-219-5824Email; [email protected]
Ashely Traub / SALP Assistant CoordinatorDirect Line: 913-232-4145Cell; 913-210-9417Email; [email protected]
Jennifer Ross / Matthew’s Ministry DirectorEmail: [email protected]
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection 13720 Roe. Ave. Leawood, KS 66224 (913) 897-0120
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