Take Our Children to Work Day FAQs

What is the purpose of Bring Our Children to Work Day? 

Bring Our Children to Work Day is designed celebrate Penn State’s dedicated employees and provide an opportunity for parents and guardians who work at the University to show their children the work they do and the impact of Penn State. 

Do I have to pay to participate? 

The event is free to full-time employees and their children. Registration will be required. 

Will meals be included?

Yes. At University Park, participants will be treated to breakfast and lunch. 

How old do children need to be to participate?

The event is open to children in grades 2-12.  

What type of employees are able to participate?

This event is open to full-time employees, including faculty, staff and technical service employees, with approval from their manager or supervisor. 

Can an employee bring a child who is not a direct dependent?

No, this event is only open to employees' children. The definition of child shall include a biological, adopted, or foster child, a stepchild or a legal ward.

How can Commonwealth Campus employees participate? 

Each Commonwealth Campus is planning and organizing its own event. Campuses will be sharing details with their respective communities later this spring. 

Will I have to use vacation time to participate? 

No. Employees will not have to use accrued vacation time to participate in Bring Our Children to Work Day but should obtain approval from their manager before registering for the event. Managers will have final approval based on their assessment of work needs for that day. 

Will my child be able to obtain permission documentation to miss school? 

Employees should check the approved absence requirements for the school their child attends, as documentation requirements may vary.

Do I need to accompany my child throughout the day? 

Yes. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children throughout the entire day. Children must be accompanied by their parent or guardian at all times and may not be left alone at any time. 

Do my coworkers need to have clearances on file at the University if I choose to bring my child to my workplace?  

No. As the parent or guardian, you assume the duty of care of your child and are expected to always be in the immediate vicinity.  

Am I allowed to leave my child with a coworker or alone in my office if I need to attend a short meeting or take a call? 

No. You are expected to be in the immediate vicinity of your child (regardless of age) and assume the duty of care of your child at all times during this event.   

What does immediate vicinity mean?   

“Immediate vicinity” is an area in which you are physically present with your child and can see, hear, direct and assess the activities of your child.

Are there any work areas at the University which a child is not allowed to visit? 

Yes. There are areas that have been deemed high risk (any area deemed high risk by the Risk Management or Environmental Health & Safety offices, or any area with hazardous levels of radiation; hazardous chemicals or substances; hazardous biological agents or vectors; or, hazardous equipment or processes). There are no exceptions for these areas. If you are unsure of which areas have been deemed high risk, you should consult with your unit’s Safety Officer. There may be other work areas that are not suitable for children, therefore employees must obtain approval from their supervisor before registering for this event.

Can I bring my child into the classroom while instructing a course? 

Yes. This would be permissible if your child is in the immediate vicinity, would not be a disruption to the educational process, and the course content is appropriate for the child’s age level. 

Can I participate for only part of the day?

Yes, employees may choose to participate in the morning or afternoon activities, pending approval from their manager or supervisor.  

What if my children want to go to two different morning events? 

This would not be permissible as you are to always remain in the immediate vicinity of your children. 

Can I participate if I am primarily a remote or hybrid employee?

Yes, remote and hybrid employees are welcomed and encouraged to participate in Bring Our Children to Work Day at their assigned campus location. Participants will be responsible for their own travel to and from campus.

Will there be transportation available to get around campus?

The Blue and White Loops, Red Link and campus shuttles are free, ADA accessible and available for students, faculty, staff, visitors and community members. More information, including shuttle locations, can be found on Penn State's Transportation Services website. 

Is parking available at the Bryce Jordan Center?

Yes, parking is free at the Bryce Jordan Center for those with a valid Penn State University Park faculty/staff or student parking permit. More information about parking can be found on the Bryce Jordan Center's website. 

Can accessibility accommodations be requested?

If an employee is in need of an accommodation, they should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at [email protected].   

Why are some Penn State campuses recognizing this day on April 13 instead of on April 23, the nationally observed day?

The nationally observed Take Your Child to Work Day falls on the fourth Thursday of April, which overlaps this year with the annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) administration window. The University Park campus, along with some other campuses, has opted to schedule its event to avoid conflict with the state’s testing window. Some of the campuses, including Greater Allegheny, Fayette and New Kensington, will hold their events on April 23, the nationally observed day, as they have in previous years. 

Are employees who aren’t participating able to work remotely that day?

 Employees who choose not to participate should continue their regular work arrangement, whether it is on site, hybrid or remote.