COOKING FOUNDATIONS

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COOKING FOUNDATIONS •

“This has been one of the most beneficial programs my daughter has participated in. She has not only increased her skills but has participated in activities which require her to plan, think, write and produce. Thank you for providing this lifelong learning opportunity." - parent

Cooking Foundations Supports and Fosters Students’ Exploration and Growth of Independence Through Cooking

Our Program

  • Cooking Foundations is standards aligned (CCSS/EEO’s) and was created for learners middle school through adulthood.

    Topics covered in this program include: basic safety, hygiene, use of kitchen tools, health, nutrition & exercise, meal planning, budgeting, cooking applications, connections to the six areas of focus & MORE!

  • Cooking Foundations was designed and created upon six areas of focus. Through cooking, students will learn and practice hygiene, safety, communication, self-advocacy, decision making and planning/execution skills.

  • Cooking Foundations is a comprehensive program designed with 12 robust lessons that target neurodivergent learners at a wide range of ability levels. Teachers will be equipped with the information and materials needed - making it accessible & simple!

    Districts, Day/Enrichment Programs, Organizations and/or Homeschool Based Programs will receive access to a secured page which includes downloadable PDFs including all program components. Digital data collection tools are provided in a Google Form format.

“My son expanded and increased his knowledge and skills in the numerous topics covered. These were important as he hopes to live independently one day.” - parent

Research

Research shows that “learning basic life skills, like cooking, is essential to functioning better as an adult and becoming independent.” (Rochelle Kenyon, 2019). People who work toward independent cooking are strengthening a wide range of skills including measurement, multi-step processing, reading comprehension and problem solving. (Stead 2014). Neurodivergent people should participate in their own food preparation to the greatest extent possible, with choice and individualization as integral parts of this development.

Cooking Foundations was reviewed by a team of experts including a BCBA, Chef & Special Education Director. A version of this program previously served over 100+ students - resulting in an 18% aggregate lift in skills per the six areas of focus.

With food as the glue and the kitchen and community as a teaching platform, participants gain independence, build confidence and realize untapped potential

Program Components

  • Interactive 12-lesson workbook with grocery store focused Community Based Instruction

  • Accommodation for the Student Workbook - visual cut/paste supports for learners to access

  • Detailed guide including lesson agendas, information handouts and structured delivery of instruction - including 24 hours of direct instruction and 6 hours+ of indirect instruction

  • Interactive activities designed for partner, small group or whole class extension of skill development

  • Visual recipes build upon each other throughout the program - providing learners with visual ingredients, tools and steps

  • One hour introductory virtual training included with and optional three hour bundle of ongoing virtual support

Cooking Foundations workbook and teacher guide side by side on kitchen counter

CURRENTLY USED BY

DSST Public Schools

Abby Dew For You

Archuleta School District

Trailhead Community

Tall Tales Ranch

Stepping Stone Support Center

Cooking Foundations supports Community Based Instruction (CBI) through the act of planning, shopping and preparing. Learners are provided with tips on how to navigate the grocery store & more!

Printed & Digital Visual Cookbook

Printed & Digital Visual Cookbook

Looking to expand your learners’ cooking and skills with recipes beyond the Cooking Foundations program?