| Policy Number: ACAD 210 | Policy Title: Children in the Learning Environment |
| Supersedes Existing Policy: Yes | Policy Sponsor: Senior Vice-President Academic |
| Associated Procedure: No | Policy Owner: Senior Vice-President Academic |
| Next Review Date: January 2029 | Date Last Approved by CET: January 28, 2026 |
1. Purpose
Loyalist College is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and accessible learning environment that supports the success of all students, including those with caregiving responsibilities.
This policy outlines the conditions under which students may bring their children into learning spaces.
The purpose of this policy is to provide clear, compassionate guidance that balances the needs of student caregivers with the importance of maintaining a safe and effective learning environment for all. It reflects the college’s values of caring and inclusive and affirms the right of student caregivers to participate fully in their education.
2. Application
This policy applies to Loyalist College students and governs the conditions under which children, including infants and toddlers, may be present in college learning environments at any campus or location. Adolescents are not permitted in learning environments.
3. Definitions
Adolescent: An individual between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age.
Child: An individual under the age of 12.
Infant: A child under the age of 12 months.
Learning environment: Any space where academic instruction or assessment occurs, including classrooms, labs, shops, clinical and field placements, and virtual settings.
Occasional and temporary: Unplanned, short-term circumstances in which usual childcare arrangements are unavailable.
Student: A person who is enrolled, or is in the process of enrolling, in a program or a course, on a full-time or part-time basis.
Toddler: A child over the age of 12 months up to 36 months.
4. Policy
Loyalist College recognizes that some students have caregiving responsibilities for children and is committed to supporting students’ participation in their education. The college affirms that, under specific circumstances, children may be present in learning environments in a manner that upholds the safety, respect, and productivity of the academic experience for all.
However, the presence of children is not permitted in environments where safety regulations or external policies prohibit their entry (e.g., laboratories, shops, work-integrated learning settings).
4.1 Breastfeeding Infants and Toddlers
In alignment with the Ontario Human Rights Code, students have the right to breastfeed, chestfeed, or bodyfeed (referred to as breastfeeding henceforth) their infants in public spaces, including classrooms and other learning environments. As such, students may bring their infants and toddlers to class when necessary to support feeding.
Infants and toddlers accompanying students for this purpose are welcome in learning environments, provided their presence does not pose a health or safety concern or cause significant disruption to the learning of others. Students are responsible for the care of their child and for minimizing any disruptions during class.
Employees are encouraged to support students in these circumstances with compassion and flexibility. While the College may provide designated spaces for feeding or expressing milk, students are not required to use these spaces and may feed their child where they feel most comfortable and where it is safe to do so.
4.2 Occasional and Temporary Lack of Childcare
Loyalist College recognizes that unexpected disruptions in childcare may create barriers to full participation in academic life. In such circumstances, students may bring their children to class on an occasional and temporary basis when no reasonable alternative is available.
Requests of this nature are considered a form of accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code, which protects against discrimination based on family status, including caregiving responsibilities. While the College is committed to supporting student caregivers, it remains the responsibility of the parent or caregiver to secure regular childcare arrangements.
Children must not pose a health or safety concern or cause significant disruption to the learning environment. The College affirms that faculty are not responsible for supervising students’ children and may take appropriate steps to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.
5. Resolving Concerns and Requests for Review
Loyalist College recognizes that circumstances may arise in which there is disagreement between a student and a faculty member or other college employee regarding the presence of a child in a learning environment under this policy.
Where possible, concerns should be addressed informally and respectfully at the time they arise. Faculty and students are encouraged to engage in dialogue to clarify expectations, consider the specific circumstances, and identify reasonable options that support both the student’s participation and the integrity of the learning environment.
If a student believes that a decision made under this policy does not appropriately consider their circumstances or their rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code, they should follow the steps outlined in ADMIN 127 Harassment and Discrimination Policy.
6. References
- Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19.
Available at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90h19 - ADMIN 127 Harassment and Discrimination Policy
- ADMIN 127 Harassment and Discrimination Procedure for Students