The TOPS Program utilizes a variety of functional life skills curriculums which together, address the crucial competencies our students will need to be productive independent citizens upon exiting the school system.  Contained within our curriculum are major domain areas:  These include Eating/Food Preparation, Household/Outdoor Maintenance, Budgeting, Shopping, Hygiene/Health/Safety, Travel Training/Pedestrian Skills, Social/Recreation Leisure, and Community-Based Work Experience.  Most of the skills our students learn are taught in real life situations within the community as opposed to sit-down paper and pencil lessons.  Our domain areas are described in greater detail below.

Great smelling cookies!

Students cook lunches and prepare snacks at the TOPS house on a weekly basis.  Kitchen items must be selected and food prepped before cooking begins.  Students learn how to use the stove, oven, knives and  various cooking appliances/utensils safely to prepare simple but tasty dishes... spaghetti, quesadillas, macaroni and cheese, broccoli casserole, potato salad, meat loaf, chicken and rice, are some of the many meals prepared by the students.  Students also learn how to set a table and store leftover items.  Safety and sanitation are very important skills that are regularly taught.  Dishwashing and kitchen clean-up begin immediately after meals and snacks are eaten. Additionally, students learn how to order food in fast food establishments as well as from a menu in "sit down" restaurants keeping within a specified budget, eating with proper etiquette, and leaving an appropriate tip for the waiter/waitress.

With the goal of living on their own one day, students learn how to maintain both the interior as well as exterior of a household through real life activities.  On a rotating weekly basis, rooms of the TOPS site are cleaned by the students.  Mopping, sweeping, dusting, vacuuming are some of the many skills taught.  When occasions arise, students pitch in by assisting the TOPS staff in assembling furniture and equipment.  Students take pride in the outside appearance of the TOPS site as well.  Flowers are regularly planted and watered, grass mowed, hedges trimmed, leaves raked, driveway and sidewalk swept, all performed by the students after training.

Mowing the TOPS site lawn.

Students selecting clothes for purchase.

TOPS students regularly travel on foot and/or by city bus to shop at a wide range of stores (Doschers, K-Mart, Target, Citadel Mall, etc.) in the West Ashley area.  Prior to heading out, students first make a list of needed items and estimate their costs.  Students review newspaper advertisements and circulars to see if there are any specials or coupons that can be used.  They quickly learn that the "cheapest" item isn't necessarily the best buy!  There is so much that goes into becoming an effective shopper... locating the item, comparing available items to get the most value and quality for their money, asking a store clerk for assistance, finding the shortest checkout line, giving the cashier the appropriate amount of cash/coin, and so much more.

Students learn how to exercise caution walking on sidewalks and crossing streets and highways safely.  Their endurance and stamina dramatically improve walking to/from stores, bus stops, and other community locations.  For destinations too far to reach by foot, students learn the necessary skills to ride the city bus, CARTA.  These include learning/recognizing landmarks to exit at the correct bus stop, asking for transfers, and understanding routes and schedules.  Most students use Tel-A-Ride to get to/from the TOPS site.  They are responsible for making their own appointments and maintaining transportation tickets.

Using free time appropriately is a very important skill emphasized in the TOPS Program and students regularly take advantage of the many recreational opportunities available in the area.  Some of these include the St. Andrews Branch Library, Triangle-AMF Bowling Lanes, Barnes and Noble, WL Stephens Pool, among others.  Utilizing CARTA, TOPS students travel downtown to visit the IMAX Theater, Charleston Visitor Center, South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston Museum, RiverDogs Baseball, among other attractions and activities to access varied leisure pursuits.  Students are also encouraged to choose books and view television programs/movies that are age appropriate. TOPS students exercise on a regular basis at the West Ashley Lifequest Fitness Center for cardiovascular and strength training.  Each student is provided an individualized workout program designed to meet his/her goals and needs.

Working Out at Lifequest

TOPS student interning at St. Francis Hospital

A major emphasis of the TOPS curriculum focuses upon community-based vocational training in which students procure essential work related skills at a wide range of businesses throughout the Charleston area.  Students may start their vocational training with job shadowing (observations) and non paid internships to gain varied experiences prior to their becoming competitively employed.  TOPS staff train and monitor/support students' vocational training to ensure successful experiences.  It is a major goal of the TOPS program that each student procures a paid position based on his/her individual interests, preferences, and skills/abilities. For more information about our Community-Based Work Experience Program, click here.