At Stagg High School, independence is taking shape in bold shades of red, blue, orange and green.
Inside a newly launched, color-coded kitchen, students with special needs are learning how to cook, clean and organize on their own, using a visual system that turns everyday tasks into achievable steps. The space is part of the school’s ULTIMA and Occupations Program and was funded in part by a $3,000 grant from the District 230 Foundation.
Utensils, appliances and storage areas are grouped by color, giving students a clear and consistent way to navigate the kitchen. Teachers say the system reduces confusion and builds confidence, allowing students to complete tasks with greater independence.
“It’s given our students the ability to be independent in maintaining the kitchen and the tools they use during cooking instruction,” said Colleen Regan, one of the teachers leading the program. “They’re using the system and the visuals together to keep the space organized.”
The kitchen serves as a hands-on classroom where students practice meal planning, grocery shopping, kitchen safety and basic cleaning. Along the way, they develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that can carry into future jobs and daily life.
Regan said students are beginning to take ownership of the space in noticeable ways.
“They go to their assigned kitchens, gather what they need and, after they’re done, they wash, dry and return everything to the correct spot,” she said. “They’re even helping each other find where things belong instead of relying on staff.”
That shift reflects growing confidence and independence. Parents and caregivers have reported that students are more willing to take on similar responsibilities at home.
The program is designed to prepare students for employment opportunities in areas such as food service, retail and custodial work, as well as for more independent living arrangements.
Stephanie Young, who co-leads the initiative, said the impact reaches far beyond job training.
“This is about dignity and self-determination,” Young said. “It’s about giving students the tools they need to navigate their daily lives and their futures with confidence.”
As students continue working in the kitchen, the color-coded system remains a simple but powerful guide, helping them build skills that support greater independence every day.