The following guidelines have been developed for both experienced employees and those who may not have had previous experience working with minors:

Minors take seriously everything that adults say…especially those they look up to. Treat the student, his parents or guardians, and other adults in the student's life (e.g., other instructors, and government officials) with respect. Avoid criticizing or making negative comments about them to or in front of the student.

Minors are very good at catching "off-handed" comments. Always strive to be respectful towards members of the same and opposite sex and to all ethnic and religious groups. For the same reasons avoid making any comments that can be construed as racist, sexist, bigoted, or culturally insensitive.

Employees working with minors will be familiar with the District's sexual harassment policy. The policy can be found at the district web site under Human Resources.

Minors take promises very seriously…avoid making commitments to students you can't fulfill.

Minors embarrass very easily. Unless the child imparts information needed by the parents, guardian, or proper authorities keep the information private. Things that might be funny or cute to you as an adult are often very embarrassing for a child.

There are many things that take place outside the regular class time. Examples of this are field trips, organized activities associated with the class, and phones calls reminding students to bring certain items to class. Contact with a student outside these types of class activities can easily be misinterpreted and is strongly discouraged. If you wish to have an end of the semester social gathering, inviting the parents is always a good idea.

If possible there should always be another adult present when supervising one minor. In situations that require personal conferences, the meeting is best conducted in view of other adults and students keeping the office door open. Never have a meeting alone with a minor with the door closed.

Private activities will be supervised in pairs. During outings, camps, or overnight trips, situations will occur where students need to change clothes, put on bathing suits, or shower. At these times, children will be supervised by more than one person who is the same gender as the student.

When a student has missed their transportation (or their transportation never arrived) it is best to contact the campus police. Do not transport student(s) by yourself.

All District policies and guidelines will be followed regarding motor vehicle usage.

Students are never to be allowed in the back of an open pickup/ truck or similar motor vehicle..

All employees should experience good judgment when dealing with students. A handshake, a pat on the back, or even an occasional side hug, is generally acceptable. More intimate forms of contact are generally not appropriate.

As an instructor you may be drawn to students who are shy or discouraged. Support them in a way that respects their level of comfort with physical and emotional displays of affection.

Sharing personal dating or sexual experiences with students outside curriculum content will be avoided.

Employees will exercise caution socializing with students outside of the classroom.