Broward County Public Schools observes 2026 Take a Child to Work Day with students visiting workplaces across the county

Pompano Beach, Florida – Students across Broward County Public Schools will soon have a chance to step beyond the classroom and into the real world of careers. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the district will join organizations nationwide in recognizing Take a Child to Work Day—an annual initiative that invites young learners to explore what the future of work might look like.

The idea is simple but powerful. Instead of following their usual school routine for a day, students accompany a parent, guardian, or trusted adult to their workplace. There, they observe daily tasks, meet professionals, and gain a glimpse of how different jobs function in real life. From offices and hospitals to construction sites and creative studios, the day opens doors to environments students might never otherwise experience.

Participation is open to students from second grade through twelfth grade, giving children and teenagers alike a chance to see how classroom lessons connect to real-world careers. For younger students, the experience often sparks early curiosity. For older ones, it can offer a more concrete understanding of what skills and education may be needed for the paths they are beginning to consider.

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This year’s theme—“Take a Child to Work Day and Beyond – The Future is @ Work”—encourages students to think beyond a single day. The goal is not only to observe but to imagine. What interests them? What problems would they like to solve one day? What careers might allow them to use their strengths?

In many cases, the most valuable moments come from simple conversations. Students ask questions, listen to stories from employees, and learn how people arrived at their careers. Some professionals share how education shaped their journey. Others explain how determination and curiosity helped them grow in their field. Together, these exchanges help students understand that there are many routes toward a successful future.

“Take a Child to Work Day is an opportunity for students to see the possibilities that await them beyond the classroom,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “When students engage with professionals and observe the workplace firsthand, they gain valuable insight into how education, skills and determination can open doors to future career success.”

Within the district, the observance is coordinated by the Career, Technical, Adult and Community Education Department, often referred to as CTACE, which operates under the district’s Office of Academics. The department continues to expand opportunities for career exploration, workforce readiness and real-world learning experiences for students throughout Broward County.

Programs like this are part of a broader effort to prepare students for life after graduation. Exposure to careers early on can help students think differently about their studies, recognizing how subjects such as math, science, communication and technology translate into professional skills.

For families, the day offers a unique opportunity as well. Parents and guardians become guides, introducing children to colleagues, workspaces and daily routines that shape their professional lives. The experience often becomes a shared memory—one that sparks conversations long after the workday ends.

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Schools throughout the district are encouraging families to participate in the initiative by helping students connect with workplaces that highlight the diverse industries found across Broward County. From healthcare and technology to public service and the arts, the range of possibilities reflects the many directions students may choose as they begin imagining their futures.

While it lasts only a day, the impact of Take a Child to Work Day often reaches much further. For many students, it becomes the first real glimpse of what lies ahead—an early step toward discovering where their interests, talents and ambitions might eventually lead.