Positive Practices

1.  Commercial businesses should abide by State labor laws:  http://lni.wa.gov/workplacerights/teenworkers/
2. All work should include a fair wage -- remember when you were young.
3. Gloves, knee-pads, eye protection, proper clothing, sunscreen, and other safety steps should be followed.  
4. “Being on time means being late” -- suggest teens show up early out of respect.
5. The safety of vulnerable children and adults should be considered at all times:   http://www.nsopr.gov/en-us/Education/CommonQuestions#answer-07
6. Keep medications in locked locations  (#1 way that drugs are introduced to schools)
7. Keep firearms in a locked location.
8. Provide opportunities for compassionate breaks and lunch, as applicable.
9. If work was conducted in a high-quality manner, provide a “Letter of Reference” to departing teen -- remember when you were building your own resume.
10. Teens should arrive at jobs professionally dressed:   not provocative clothing or low-hanging pants.   Deodorant should also be worn.
11. If further services are needed, the hiring adult will reach out to the teen again.
12. If at any time a teen feels that a job is unsafe, or that a request is unreasonable, they should feel confident in informing the hiring adult or their parents.
13.  Teens should restrict phone activity to breaks -- phones should be kept in a backpack or car otherwise.  Ignoring this area is a common reason for not being asked back.
14. Work payments should be agreed upon in advance, and be payed promptly -- per week or per day is recommended.  
15.   Adults should remember that they are not simply providing a job, but creating an opportunity for personal development.   Invest in young hearts and minds!
16.   Teens should provide all their own tools, unless told otherwise -- their own lawnmower, babysitting games, etc. 
17.   Teens are expected to provide their own transportation to and from work sites.
18.  Teens should bring any lunch or snacks with them each day.