Teen Exposure Program

Sunflower Teen Exposure Program (STEP)

Teen baking classes and work exposure for students in high school ages 16 through graduation, with a variety of learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or Level 1 or some Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorders. Classes provide a hands-on opportunity to experience baking in a professional kitchen, learn basic baking skills, safe food handling, kitchen safety, explore job opportunities in the food industry and have a taste of job expectations.

Baking topics covered

  • following recipes
  • measuring and weighing ingredients
  • using equipment and tools
  • piping
  • mixing
  • scooping
  • rolling
  • cleaning

Featured “soft skills”

  • following directions
  • sharing equipment/tools
  • appropriate communication
  • focus
  • being a team member

Job Exploration

  • understanding importance
  • employment options
  • training/education needed
  • resources for next steps

There will be 4 weekly sessions offered the last 4 weeks of July 2025. A new schedule of classes offered during the school year will be available in the summer. The curriculum will be the same for all sessions. Each session will meet on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30pm-6pm, for a total of 4 classes. A teen may only register for one session each fiscal year. Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must be at least 16 years old at the start of their session. All classes are held at 5951 Halpine Road in Rockville. See dates and times on the Application Form.

Safety is of utmost concern in a kitchen with industrial equipment and sharp tools.

Potential risk factors include uncontrolled seizures, difficulties with balance, control of anger or frustration, sensitivity to sensory irritants, and/or inability to remain standing throughout the 2½-hour class. If a student requires 1:1 assistance, please indicate that on the application form so we may plan accordingly. Generally, teens are expected to participate as one of 4-5 students with a professional Chef Instructor and two assistants.

For funding, Sunflower is approved under the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program of the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide our teen bakery exposure classes. If your teen has signed up with the DORS Pre-ETS program, then inform your counselor, so DORS can begin the approval process. There will be no needs assessment in order to qualify. If you live in Maryland and have not yet signed up for Pre-ETS, please contact the nearest office of DORS for assistance. If a teen is not in Maryland, or not known to DORS, families may pay the fee privately.

To apply, please complete the Application and return as indicated on the Application Form. Please contact us at teens@sunflowerbakery.org if you would like more information or have any questions or concerns.

©2025 Sunflower Bakery