| Title | Children in the Workplace |
|---|---|
| Policy Owner: | Department of Human Resources |
| Applies to: | Faculty, Staff |
| Campus Applicability: | UConn Storrs, Avery Point, Waterbury, Stamford and Torrington, Hartford and Cooperative Extension |
| Effective Date: | August 5, 2013 |
| For More Information, Contact | Department of Human Resources |
| Contact Information: | 860- 486-3034 |
| Official Website: | http://hr.uconn.edu/ |
REASON FOR POLICY
This policy governs the circumstances when University employees may bring children into the workplace.
The purpose of this policy is to establish criteria that permit children to visit their parents (or other relatives) who work at the University, protect their welfare and safety, reduce potential liability and risk for the University and promote an environment in which faculty, staff and students remain productive.
APPLIES TO
This policy applies to Faculty, Staff, Students, and University affiliates (collectively referred to as “employees”) on the UConn Storrs, Avery Point, Waterbury, Stamford and Torrington, Hartford and Cooperative Extension campuses and locations. This policy does not apply to approved University programs and events or camps that involve children in education, research or supervised care. This policy does not apply to children enrolled in the University’s child care facility.
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this policy, a child is defined as an individual under the age of 18 years old, who is not a student or employee of the University of Connecticut.
POLICY STATEMENT
Children of employees are allowed in the workplace for brief visits, generally no longer than two (2) hours, or to participate in University programs and events, within the following parameters:
- Faculty and staff must notify Dean, Director or Department Heads (DDD) in advance of any visit, with the understanding that the DDD has the authority to approve or deny visits. Approved visit should be for a defined and limited duration
- The child must remain under parental supervision; within sight and sound of the parent or guardian at all times
- The child’s presence must not disrupt the work or school environment or negatively impact productivity
- Sick children are not allowed in the workplace
- Children are not allowed in areas containing confidential information
The supervisor will ask the employee to remove the child if the supervisor determines that this policy has been violated.
Children are not allowed in hazardous areas per the Environmental Health & Safety policy.
ENFORCEMENT
Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
PROCEDURES
Given the diverse nature of the work being performed on campus, the concern for the safety of all and the fact that not all work environments are suitable for children, employees will be required to obtain written approval from their supervisor prior to their child’s visit.
August 2013