Here are 15 steps to teach students with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities basic cash handling skills, including counting money, providing change, and familiarizing them with point-of-sale (POS) systems commonly used in food service establishments:

1. Start with coin identification: Introduce the different types of coins and their values. Teach students how to identify and differentiate between pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.
2. Teach coin counting: Practice counting coins individually and in various combinations. Use visual aids, such as coin charts or counting mats, to help students understand the value of different coin combinations.
3. Introduce bill identification: Familiarize students with different denominations of paper currency, such as one-dollar bills, five-dollar bills, ten-dollar bills, and so on. Teach them to recognize and differentiate between different bills.
4. Practice bill counting: Provide opportunities for students to count bills individually and in various combinations. Use visual aids or play money to simulate real-life scenarios and reinforce counting skills.
5. Teach addition and subtraction: Introduce basic addition and subtraction concepts using money. Help students understand how to calculate totals and provide change by adding or subtracting the cost of items from the amount given.
6. Utilize visual supports: Implement visual supports, such as pictures or cue cards, to reinforce concepts and assist students in remembering coin and bill values during cash handling tasks.
7. Practice giving change: Create scenarios where students need to provide change to customers. Simulate transactions using play money and teach them how to count back change accurately.
8. Introduce POS systems: Familiarize students with basic point-of-sale (POS) systems commonly used in food service establishments. Teach them how to use touchscreens, input orders, and process payments.
9. Provide guided practice with POS systems: Offer hands-on practice using simplified or mock POS systems. Guide students through the process of entering orders, calculating totals, and processing payments.
10. Teach reading receipts: Explain the information found on receipts, including the total amount paid, items purchased, and any change due. Help students understand how to read and interpret receipts accurately.
11. Role-play customer transactions: Engage students in role-playing scenarios where they act as both the cashier and the customer. Practice taking orders, calculating totals, processing payments, and providing change.
12. Teach problem-solving skills: Introduce problem-solving strategies for handling common cash handling challenges, such as dealing with discrepancies, making corrections, or resolving customer payment issues.
13. Practice cash reconciliation: Teach students how to reconcile cash at the end of a shift or transaction. Help them understand the importance of balancing the cash drawer and addressing any discrepancies.
14. Incorporate real-life experiences: Arrange field trips or visits to local businesses where students can observe and participate in real-life cash handling transactions. This hands-on experience can reinforce learning and build confidence.
15. Reinforce accuracy and attention to detail: Emphasize the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in cash handling tasks. Provide feedback and positive reinforcement for students who demonstrate accuracy and precision in counting money and using POS systems.

Remember to adapt these steps based on each student’s abilities, preferences, and learning styles. Progress may vary for each individual, so be patient and provide ongoing support and practice opportunities. Collaborate with teachers, job coaches, and caregivers to reinforce cash handling skills across different environments.