Take a child to work at JMU on April 27

The Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation has designated Thursday, April 27 as Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day; an opportunity to create an enriching educational experience for our daughters and sons, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and even our neighbors’ and friends’ children. For over 16 years, individuals, families, organizations, and workplaces have participated in this initiative.

“Designed to be more than a career day, the Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day program goes beyond the average practice of ‘shadowing’ an adult,” said Carolyn McKecuen, a program administrator at The Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Foundation. “Exposing girls and boys…to what a 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, and providing them an opportunity to share how they envision the future and begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive environment is key to their achieving success.”

JMU encourages faculty and staff to create their own personal agenda to embrace the day, or a portion of it, in a way that is meaningful to you and a child.

A few necessary details to take into consideration before planning your day:

• Seek your supervisor’s approval first.

• Activities must comply with departmental policies.

• Children 8-15 years of age may participate provided there is parental or mentor supervision always.

• Check-in with your co-workers to see if they would be okay with possible distractions.

• Don’t forget to plan the visit around important meetings, tasks, events that are occurring.

• Some areas of your work environment may contain hazards for children and should be avoided.

• Consider if your child’s school considers this event an excused absence. 

This event is brought to you by the university’s Work/Life Balance and Wellness Council. Contact JMU Human Resources with questions about the day at humanresources@jmu.edu.