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Revised: December 2019

The University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno values its employees and students and recognizes the importance that children and families have in our day-to-day lives. As such, the University provides some allowances for when children may be in the workplace in limited emergency situations. As used in this policy, the term “child” refers to a non-student, minor child who is not enrolled in classes at the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno. In general, the workplace is typically not an appropriate place for children to be present on a frequent or continuing basis and outside of the conditions outlined in this policy children are not allowed in the workplace for extended periods of time.

Children in the Workplace in Limited Emergency Situations

If bringing a child to work is unavoidable, the employee must attempt to first contact their supervisor as soon as possible to discuss the situation and obtain permission to have the child accompany them while working. If the employee is unable to contact the supervisor, the child may be brought to the workplace provisionally, pending approval, although depending on such conditions as listed below they may be refused entry. Factors the supervisors will consider are the age of the child, how long the child needs to be present, the work environment in the employee’s area, and any possible disruption to the employee’s and co-workers’ work. Additionally, a department may prohibit children in the workplace at all times due to business and operational concerns, safety considerations or customer needs. If the department policy regarding children in the workplace is more restrictive, the employee is obligated to follow the department’s policy.

A child brought to the workplace will be the responsibility of the employee parent or guardian and must be accompanied and be under the direct supervision of the employee parent or guardian at all times. Even in emergency situations a child may not be allowed into the workplace under the following, although not limited to, conditions.

1. The child is sick.
2. The parent, guardian, grandparent, etc. is unwilling to accept full responsibility for the child’s safety and for any damage to property or injury to persons that is caused by the child’s presence.
3. The child’s presence creates a potential danger to the child or exposes the department and University to liability. Safety is a primary concern for parents, supervisors, students, child, and the University.
4. The child’s presence poses a risk of breach of confidentiality with respect to information in the workplace.
5. The child’s presence disrupts the work or classroom environment and/or creates an atmosphere that is not conducive to achievement of the specific goals and objectives of the workplace.
6. The parent, guardian, grandparent, etc. does not agree to supervise the child at all times
7. The supervisor or instructor identifies other factors as appropriate.

The University is supportive of career explorations/development programs for children such as “Bring your Child to Work” day and similar activities. Employees and their children are encouraged to participate in these structured programs.

Children Visiting the Workplace

Employees may bring their children to visit their worksite, provided that the visits are infrequent, brief and planned in a fashion that limits disruption to the workplace, and must comply with all of the conditions as outlined above as it relates to health and safety. While children are in the workplace, they must be directly supervised by the host/parent at all times. If the frequency, length or nature of visits becomes problematic, the employee will be advised of the situation and will be expected to take corrective action.