Children in the Workplace (New)

  1. Issued:July 8, 2026
  2. Revised:July 8, 2026
  3. Last Reviewed:July 8, 2026
  4. Policy Number: HR-89 (New)
  5. Responsible Office:Illinois Human Resources
  6. Policy Contact: Labor and Employee Relations
    217-333-3105
    University Risk Management
    217-333-3113
  8. Print Policy

Purpose

This policy governs the circumstances when University employees may bring children into the workplace.

The purpose of this policy is to establish criteria that permit children to visit their parents (or other relatives) who work at the University, protect their welfare and safety, reduce potential liability and risk for the University, and promote an environment in which faculty, staff and students remain productive.

Scope

All University of Illinois employees.

Authority

Illinois Human Resources

Policy

  1. Children are not permitted in high-risk areas or areas where their presence would cause a health, safety, confidentiality, or operational risk.
  2. In general, children are not to be brought to the workplace for and extended visits or in lieu of extended and regular childcare. Employees should not bring a child to the workplace if the child is unable to go to school/daycare due to the school/daycare illness policy.
  3. An employee may bring a child or other minor (any person under 18, regardless of relationship) into workplace only:
    • a. for a program or activity sanctioned by the university or a unit thereof; or
    • b. with approval from their Unit Executive Officer (UEO) or supervisor.
  4. UEOs and supervisors may address immediate workplace disruptions consistent with this policy. Human Resources should be consulted as needed regarding unusual, recurring, or complex situations.
  5. If an employee is on duty and needs to attend to parenting/caregiver responsibilities that they cannot work productively, they shall coordinate with their supervisor and use break time or leave time as appropriate.
  6. In all other respects, this policy does not limit the rights of children to be present on university property, attend events, participate in activities, or receive services, consistent with other applicable laws and university policies.

Processes/Procedures/Guidelines

Employees should consult (and seek approval if needed) from their supervisor, UEO or Human Resources if they intend to bring a child to the workplace.

Supervisors and UEOs should consult with Human Resources as needed regarding any of the above matters or if they have concerns about adherence to this policy.

In the event of an immediate health or safety emergency, dial 911 immediately.

Definitions

Child or Children: an individual under the age of 17 years old, who is not an enrolled or admitted student or employee of the University of Illinois.

High Risk Area: includes any area with hazardous levels of radiation, hazardous chemicals or substances, hazardous biological agents or vectors, or hazardous equipment or processes or any area deemed high risk by university risk management.

Examples of High-Risk Areas include:

  • laboratories (excluding those designed for research subjects who are minors)
  • machine shops, woodworking shops, or similar workshop areas
  • mechanical rooms
  • steam plants
  • construction areas
  • maintenance garages
  • animal care or animal research facilities
  • fitness centers
  • high security areas
  • areas that are excluded for general employee or student access
  • food preparation areas

Examples of non-High-Risk Areas include:

  • Private offices
  • Break rooms or staff lounges
  • Conference rooms when not in use
  • Outdoor public space

University Property: all buildings, grounds, and other internal and external spaces owned or controlled by the university ().

Workplace: the location(s) on university property where the employee performs duties  that are within the scope of their employment role.

Exceptions
This policy does not apply if an employee’s conditions of employment include residency in a campus facility (e.g., live-in residence hall director), and their child/children live with them in that residence.

Violations

Any employee who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with relevant University policy and practice.

Resources

Contact

Questions regarding this policy should be directed to:

  • Labor and Employee Relations section of Illinois Human Resources, (217) 333-3105.
  • University Risk Management, (217) 333-3113
  1. Issued:July 8, 2026
  2. Revised:July 8, 2026
  3. Last Reviewed:July 8, 2026
  4. Policy Number: HR-89 (New)
  5. Responsible Office:Illinois Human Resources
  6. Policy Contact: Labor and Employee Relations
    217-333-3105
    University Risk Management
    217-333-3113
  8. Print Policy
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  4. Alcohol and Drugs
  5. Annual Reappointment of Certain Administrative Personnel
  6. Approved Public Service Activities
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  12. Effort and Compensation on Sponsored Projects
  13. Employment Agencies
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  17. Evaluation of the Ability to Work
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Campus Administrative Manual
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