How to Make 'Take Your Child to Work Day' a Success
By Jane Chapman, Department of Licensing Representative & ICSEW Vice Chair
Children of employees of the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor, Wash. pet a dog in the prison’s animal adoption program during a “Take Your Child to Work Day:” event in 2018. Photo Courtesy Washington State Department of Corrections
Governor Inslee has proclaimed April 25, 2019 as this year’s “Take Your Child Work Day” for state agencies. It’s recognized nationally on the fourth Thursday of April each year. The annual event is an educational program in the U.S. and Canada where parents take them to work with them for one day.
“Showing what a child’s parent or mentor in their lives does during the work day is important, but showing them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, providing them an opportunity to share how they envision the future, and allowing them to begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive environment is key to their achieving success,” national organizers say.
Here are some tips to make the event a success at your agency/work site.
- Recommended Age Range. The Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Foundation recommends the educational program for girls and boys be ages 8 to 18.
- Get approval. Be sure to notify your supervisor that you plan to participate in the day.
- Supervisors – If there are any staff in your area participating with their children, please ensure you are tracking the additional individual(s) as all individuals in a building need to be accounted for in case of an emergency (i.e. Fire, earthquake, terrorism, etc.)
- Work schedule. Plan on having your child(ren) participate in your regular scheduled work day. If you need to leave early with your child(ren), you will need to submit a leave request accordingly.
- Ensure confidentiality. Be mindful of sensitive records that you have in your work area.
- Give a tour. Show your child(ren) around the workplace and introduce them to your co-workers, explaining what each person does.
- Keep them busy. Involve and engage him or her in your daily routine, so they can see how you tackle problems and execute solutions.
- Reward them for a job well done. They could be a future state employee in the making!
For more ideas on how to make the event a positive one for your child, check out the Bright Ideas Guide on the Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation’s website.
Is your agency hosting a “Take Your Child to Work Day” event? Tell us about it. We’d love to share pictures and write ups about your experience on our blog.