Βι¶ΉΣ³»­

3,025: Children in the Classroom

Revised: December 2019

The Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ 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 classroom 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 UNR. In general, the classroom is typically not appropriate places 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 classroom for extended periods of time.

Children in the Classroom in Limited Emergency Situations

If bringing a child to class is unavoidable, the student must attempt to first contact their instructor as soon as possible to discuss the situation and obtain permission to have the child accompany them in the classroom. If the student is unable to contact the instructor, the child may be brought to the classroom provisionally, pending approval at the beginning of class. Factors the instructor will consider are the age of the child, how long the child needs to be present, the learning environment, and any possible disruption to the learning environment. Additionally, a department may prohibit children in the classroom 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 student is obligated to follow the department’s policy.

A child brought to the classroom will be the responsibility of the student parent or guardian and must be accompanied and be under the direct supervision of the student parent or guardian at all times. Even in emergency situations a child may not be allowed into the classroom 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, instructors, students, child, and the University.
  4. The child’s presence poses a risk of breach of confidentiality with respect to information in the classroom.
  5. The child’s presence disrupts the classroom environment and/or creates an atmosphere that is not conducive to achievement of the specific goals and objectives of the classroom.
  6. The parent, guardian, grandparent, etc. does not agree to supervise the child at all times
  7. The instructor identifies other factors as appropriate.