Submitted by Heather Straight, Manager, Practice Education and Transition Support, Clinical Education
The first Wednesday in November every year is national Take Our Kids to Work Day, when Grade 9 students may be excused from school to attend work with their parent or legal guardian. It’s a day to see what their parents/legal guardians do, what responsibilities they have, and consider possible future career options.
For liability reasons, the child must be the child or legal charge of a VCH employee or a physician with VCH privileges. In addition, due to the nature of our work, the experience must be observational only. Parents/legal guardians may not bring the child of a friend, relative, or neighbour to work.
We recognize that not all areas of our organization are appropriate for this learning experience. Participation in this experience is optional. It is up to individual Sites, Departments, Programs, and/or Units to decide whether employees and physicians would be permitted to bring their child/charge to work that day. Some areas of practice are not appropriate for this experience. We must ensure that we protect the privacy of our patients/clients, maintain confidentiality, and keep everyone safe. Ask your site manager if your area is participating and, if so, how.
If your area is participating, print the attached documents and follow the instructions in the Take Our Kids to Work Day Parent Guide.