PURPOSE

To promote a safe, healthy, and productive environment at all Skagit Valley College locations. These procedures are implemented in the context of welcoming visitors and families and protecting children, all while respecting the educational and work environments that are at the center of achieving the College’s mission

REFERENCES

WAC 132N-150-150 Children on Campus

POLICY

This policy pertains to all employees and persons who visit the College, participate in classes, and/or programs, events, or activities. A child is defined as a person who has not achieved their 16th birthday and is not enrolled as a Skagit Valley College student.

Skagit Valley College recognizes that children often appropriately accompany adults during visits to campus. Children, however, need at all times to be under the supervision of their parent(s) or designated guardian. It is inappropriate for a parent to ask a member of the college community to assume supervision, unless he or she is leaving the child in a college program sanctioned for children as defined in this policy.

PROCEDURES

Children are not permitted in classrooms, campus labs or clinical facilities at Skagit Valley College except with the specific approval of the faculty member responsible for the class to satisfy classroom or clinical objectives. Exceptions may be granted on an emergency basis, and for a specific and limited period of time. Children are NOT allowed in areas where dangerous equipment is operated and/or where chemicals, cleaning products, solvents, or any hazardous products are stored or used such as science and computer laboratories, art studios, the welding shop, and the weight room.

No employee, student, or visitor to the college shall leave a child unattended at the college, including in campus buildings, on campus grounds, or in a vehicle; nor shall a child be left with a college employee unless that child is enrolled in an authorized program of the college.

Skagit Valley College offers certain programs and activities targeted towards children (i.e., Head Start, ECAAP, Kid’s College). The college provides supervision for children enrolled in these activities. The college does not supervise children outside of such programs nor may its employees, agents, or students accept responsibility to do so on behalf of the college.

Children shall not be present at an employee’s workplace (e.g., office, classroom, shop, etc.) in lieu of other childcare arrangements during the employee’s working hours.

Exceptions may be granted on an emergency basis and for a specified and limited period of time by the appropriate supervisor or his/her designee.

When a child is present in the classroom or workplace, it is the responsibility of the parent/accompanying adult to ensure that children do not unduly disrupt the educational or work setting.