Children are welcome on Oregon Coast Community College campuses and properties in appropriate situations and while actively supervised by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult. This statement outlines the College's approach to ensuring that reasonable steps are taken to protect the study and work environment of the College, and the health, safety, and liability issues associated with children on OCCC properties.
SCOPE
This statement applies to minor children under the age of 16 who are not officially enrolled in classes or employed by the College. It does not apply to school field trips, and approved programs including, but not limited to productions, art programs, and other events targeted to children. Students under the age of 16 who are officially admitted, and who have completed the Underage Admission process have the same rights, responsibilities and privileges of any other student in the classroom and on college properties.
APPLICATION
The College seeks to provide an adult learning environment which is conducive to study and work. Children must be actively supervised by their parent, guardian, or responsible adult at all times when they are on college properties. College staff, faculty, and administrators have the responsibility to direct the removal of a child in accordance with the "responsibilities of OCCC staff and instructors" section of this statement. Due to safety and liability issues, except as otherwise defined, under no circumstances may unsupervised children be on college properties, including playing, roaming, and occupying campus grounds or buildings. Any college employee who finds an unaccompanied child on college properties should inform the Dean of Students and/or the Facilities & Public Safety Manager of the location of the child.
RESTRICTED AREAS
Children cannot be allowed in areas where their presence is disruptive to the adult learning environment or where health, safety, and liability risks are identified. Areas in which children are NOT permitted include:
- Testing centers
- Classrooms
- Laboratories and laboratory preparation areas
- Scientific, technical and maintenance work spaces
- Fine or performing arts work spaces or studios
- Areas that contain hazardous chemicals, machinery or equipment
- Commercial kitchens and other food preparation areas
Other areas may be identified as unsuitable for children as a result of a risk assessment and supervisors of the respective areas are required to inform staff and students of requirements or restrictions.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COLLEGE
- To provide an adult learning environment conducive to study and work for all students, staff and visitors.
- To provide a healthy and safe study and work environment for all students, staff and visitors and to comply with legislative requirements.
- To take reasonable steps to assist students, staff and visitors who may have special needs to enable access to facilities and services.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PEOPLE BRINGING CHILDREN INTO THE COLLEGE
- To take reasonable steps to safeguard the health and safety of the children in their care while on college properties.
- To consider the potential risk to the health and safety of others that may come with bringing children into the College environment and to take reasonable steps to safeguard against those risks.
- To be responsible for the behavior of the children in their care, so as not to disrupt, inconvenience or endanger staff, students or other visitors.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF OCCC STAFF AND INSTRUCTORS
- To direct removal of a child in accordance with this statement if: The child's health or safety is at risk;
- The child is presenting a health, safety or liability risk to property or others;
- The child's behavior is causing undue disruption to the work of students or staff; or
- The presence of a child is unsuitable.
In the case of public areas, any member of staff on duty has the authority to direct that children be removed from the area. Concerns and complaints regarding this statement will be adjudicated by the Dean of Students.