PAP.22.7.140 Internet and Telephones

(a) All electronic and telephonic communication systems and all communications and information transmitted by, received from, or stored in these systems are the property of the LCO Day Care and as such are to be used solely for job-related purposes. The use of any software and business equipment, including, but not limited to, e-mail, internet access, facsimile machines, computers, telephones (land lines and cellular phones) and copy machines for private purposes is prohibited.

(b) No employee may not use a pass code or voice-mail access code that has not been issued to that employee or that is unknown to the LCO Day Care. Moreover, improper use of the e-mail system (e.g., distributing offensive jokes or remarks) will not be tolerated.

(c) Cell phone usage for personal use, including calls, texting, and internet browsing, is completely prohibited in the classroom and the playground unless the employee is on an official 15 minute break.

(d) Employees shall not use the LCO Day Care's internet, voice mail and e-mail resources, phones, and other systems in a prohibited manner, including:

(1) To transmit, view, retrieve, or store any communications of a discriminatory or harassing nature or materials that are considered obscene or pornographic;

(2) To access pornographic internet sites, display or print any associated materials, pictures, and cartoons;

(3) To harass or transmit messages with derogatory or inflammatory remarks about an individual's race, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, religion, national origin, or physical attributes or transmit abusive, profane, or offensive language;

(4) For non-business, personal or private use, including but not limited to game playing and personal communication not associated with business;

(5) To disclose any confidential or proprietary information except where such disclosure is authorized or permitted in this personnel policy and procedural manual.

(e) Employees shall not use the LCO Day Care's internet, voice mail and e-mail resources and other systems and equipment, including but not limited to computer hardware, software, copier, fax machine and postage machine in a manner that is contrary to the provisions of any purchase or lease contract, such as unlawful copying of computer software.

(f) Notwithstanding the LCO Day Care's right to retrieve and read any voice or electronic mail messages, such messages should be treated as confidential by other employees and accessed only by the intended recipient. Employees are not authorized to retrieve or read any voice or e-mail messages that are not sent to them. Any exception to this policy shall receive prior written approval by Management.

(g) The LCO Day Care may monitor, record and listen to all internet, e-mail and voice mail usage, to assure compliance with its policies, for cost analysis and for legitimate business purposes. Thus, the LCO Day Care may listen to, access, and disclose any information in the electronic communication and telephone systems, even such information or communication protected by an employee's personal password, at any time, with or without notice to the employee. Employees have no expectation of privacy in connection with the use of these systems, or the transmission, receipt, or storage of information in such systems.