The Cove
Special Needs Ministry
To create a place of genuine belonging and formation for the disabled.
A Cove is a genuine part of the mountain, and it’s a place that is uniquely protected from the elements. In a similar way, we want the Cove Ministry to be a place where Participants feel like they meaningfully belong to our community AND are given care, attention and an environment that meets them right where they are.
We also hope for the Cove ministry to be a support to parents and families, because we know that the journey of caring for a child or student with special needs comes with many joys and gifts, and it also comes with challenges that can make one feel lonely and unseen.
Sunday Morning Drop-Off Options
We currently have 2 classrooms for Cove participants!
Harbor Cove Room
Open during the 11am service, this room is currently open for ages around middle school and can be found just off the main lobby by the prayer room.
Beacon Cove Room
Open during the 11am service, this room is currently open for ages around elementary school and can be found upstairs in the kids hall (accessible by the stairs or elevator).
How to Get Involved With Cove
Because individuals with disabilities, whether intellectual or physical, often require a greater level of care, there is an intake process leading up to a Cove Participant’s first Sunday.
Complete the intake form
Meet with a Cove leader to debrief the intake form you completed for collaboration on how to set up your child for success
“Meet the teachers” — this gives the Cove participant a chance to meet the Cove team who will be in the classroom on their first Sunday.
Register for the Sunday you plan for your child to attend (you will do this every Sunday they will be present)
Time for their first Sunday!
What Sundays are Like
Please pre-register your participant before 7:00 PM on the Saturday night before you plan to bring your Cove Participant
Pre-Registration
1
When you arrive, go straight to the class you have pre-registered for. Cove volunteers will be there waiting for you!
If your child needs a quieter/slower entrance into the building, please let us know and we may be able to accommodate.
Where To Go
2
We use a system that generates a tag for both you and your Participant. Both prints have a code that helps our team identify the proper person who ought to be picking up each participant. We will have both tags printed off before you arrive.
Tag Identification
3
Drop-Off / Pickup Time
4
Your Cove Participant may be dropped off starting at 10:50AM and pickup is immediately after service ends.
FAQ’s
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To start out, Cove will be focused on Sunday morning drop-off options. Simultaneously, we will be exploring ways we could make life within Cornerstone further accessible to individuals with special needs, beyond Sunday mornings.
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While we don’t currently have running classrooms for all ages, we are very open to working toward accommodating a diversity of ages as needs arise.
Additionally, Cove is more than just Sunday mornings. We want Cornerstone, through Cove, to be accessible to all ages of people with disabilities.
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Cove is for individuals with all sorts of disabilities including intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, or both.
That said, we cannot guarantee a classroom placement due to a number of variables at play for each classroom. But we do our absolute best to accommodate!
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Not at this time. Because special needs ministry takes intentional planning, and each person’s needs are unique, it’s important our team first learns about your child’s needs before you drop them off, and that cannot be done on a Sunday morning. There is a process that leads up to their first Sunday with Cove (see above)!
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Each of our classrooms are different, but we have them equipped with things like a swing, sensory toys, a crash pad (or bean bag), and much more. Additionally, each Cove Participant will have their own cubby just for their favorite things!
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Care Pastor – oversees the Cove Ministry
Cove Committee – acts as a coalition of mutual leadership
Cove Coordinator – a leader of the Cove ministry and responsible for much of the administrative work, especially scheduling
Cove Leader – the point leader for Sunday morning who floats from classrooms, helps handle conflict, directs during emergency, communicates with parents, and assists wherever needed.
Cove Teacher – the leader of a particular classroom for that particular service
Cove Assistant – a volunteer assigned to a classroom assisting the Teacher in whatever responsibilities are needed, especially loving on Cove Participants!
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Check out our Cove Serve Team Manual.
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The vast majority of our volunteers have extensive experience caring for individuals with special needs. And for those who don’t, we make sure they are equipped to the point they (and we) feel comfortable serving.
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Each class may have some diversity, but usually each Sunday will involve:
Play
Scripture lesson
Snack
Craft or activity
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We use Awe & Wonder Curriculum. We like it because it is highly interactive, adaptable to abilities/age, and follows an intentional pattern each year.
Learn More about Cove
If you are a caregiver and you’d like to discuss if Cove could be a good place for your child, there are few options.
Serve with Cove
If you are interested in supporting this ministry in some capacity, show your interest below! A Cove leader will reach out to you to discuss.