Applies to:	Original Policy Date:	Date of Last Review:	Approved By:
Staff, Faculty, Student Employees  and Vendors/Contractors)	February 2025	February 2025	Dr. John Nicklow, President

Policy Owner: Human Resources

Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to create a supportive work environment that helps employees balance family obligations, ensures the safety of children on campus, and outlines the circumstances under which children may be present in the workplace.

Policy Scope 

This policy applies to all Florida Tech employees (staff, faculty, student employees) and contractors and vendors. 

Policy Statement

This policy establishes specific guidelines and procedures for when children may be present in the workplace. It aims to balance the needs of employees with family responsibilities while maintaining a professional and safe working environment.

Procedures/Guidelines

Bringing a child to the workplace or academic environment should be considered an exception, not the standard. Prior approval from both the immediate supervisor and the next-level supervisor is required for non-emergency requests. Prior approval from the immediate supervisor is required for emergency requests. The approval is at the sole discretion of the supervisors, and there is no burden of justification on the supervisors for turning down the request.

The following circumstances may warrant bringing a child to the workplace with supervisory approval:

• Emergency situations: If there are no other alternatives, not to exceed 2 hours and 30 minutes

Employer-sanctioned events where children’s attendance is encouraged do not require prior approval from supervisors. Brief visits are allowed if the employee is not overseeing the children, and their presence does not disrupt productivity or the work environment. Supervised children may be in public spaces on campus, such as the dining hall, garden, or library.

Employees are responsible for ensuring that their children are always supervised, this includes during work hours, breaks, and visiting public spaces. Minors visiting campus for reasons other than university programs shall be under the sole supervision of that minor’s parent or guardian. The parent or guardian is fully responsible for a minor’s supervision, safety, and actions and may not delegate this responsibility to another University community member. Florida Tech assumes no liability or responsibility for minors on campus.

When children are in the workplace, their presence must not disrupt the work or school environment or negatively impact productivity. Additionally:

• Sick children are not permitted in the workplace
• Children are prohibited from entering high-risk, hazardous, or restricted areas. These areas include:
• Power plants, mechanical rooms, confined spaces, and food preparation areas.
• Areas with power tools or machinery that have exposed moving parts or rotating equipment.
• Facilities work areas or areas under construction.
• Classrooms during teaching hours: children are not permitted in classrooms while classes are in session and students are present.
• Residential Halls except for those employees’ children living on campus.
• University vehicles, heavy-duty or other motorized equipment.
• High-risk areas such as rooftops, construction zones, etc.
• Laboratories or other specialized work areas that include chemicals, biological hazards, radioactive hazards, flammables, explosives, compressed gasses, sharp objects, lasers, animals, or hazardous wastes.
• Patient treatment areas.

Remote Employees

Remote employees are expected to maintain a professional work environment, which includes having suitable childcare arrangements in place during working hours. While unexpected situations may occur, it is important to communicate with your manager if childcare issues significantly impact your ability to meet work responsibilities.

Contractors and Vendors

Contractors and vendors should not be allowed to have children on campus, even in emergency situations.

Enforcement

Failure to comply with this policy may result in the termination of approval to bring children into the workplace and may lead to employee disciplinary action.