Not For Women Only – Paraprofessional Ed.
Nov 1, 2003 12:47 PM
Maternity and Child Care Leaves
What’s the difference between a maternity and a child care leave?
A woman who is pregnant or has given birth can take a leave of absence without pay for restoration of health. Many people informally call this a maternity leave.
In contrast, either parent can take a child care leave after a baby is born or adopted.
Both of these leaves are available only to full-time paraprofessionals.
What form do I need to apply for a leave of absence for restoration of health or for a child care leave?
File an Application for Leave of Absence for Employee in Educational Paraprofessional Titles. (There is a separate application for FMLA leaves.)
Can I file for a leave of absence without pay for restoration of health and child care leave simultaneously?
Yes, on the leave of absence form, check box D and fill in the time duration requested.
Do I have to take a leave of absence if I’m pregnant?
No. The union fought this battle for many years. Now you may work as long as your doctor believes you’re fit.
If I apply for a leave of absence, must I exhaust my sick days prior to the beginning of this leave?
No, you can remain on payroll by opting to use the sick days in your cumulative absence reserve (CAR). However to be eligible for continued health plan coverage (SLOAC) and/or UFT Welfare Fund disability coverage, you must exhaust your sick leave (cumulative absence reserve, or CAR) prior to taking the leave.
Can I use my sick days during a child care leave?
No, you may use sick days only for personal illness prior to the start of a child care leave.
You have the right to apply to the Division of Human Resources to borrow against the accumulation of future sick leave if you have exhausted your sick leave allowance (go to 65 Court St., Room 503, in Brooklyn.) You can borrow up to 10 days for illness, but they are a debt you owe the DOE and must repay.
You can (1) apply against this debt future sick days you earn but do not use, (2) instruct your school secretary to deduct a day’s pay to restore a day to your sick bank, or (3) deduct the days from any money owed you when you resign or retire. You should be given information on your accumulated sick leave in writing once a year.
If you decide to borrow days, file an Application for Borrowing Sick Days for UFT Paraprofessionals along with a diagnostic note from your physician.
NOTE: You do not have to borrow days to be eligible for SLOAC.
When does a leave of absence end and a child care leave begin?
For a routine pregnancy, a child care leave begins six weeks after the baby’s birth. For a caesarean section, the leave begins eight weeks after the delivery, if approved by DOE's Medical Bureau.
When does a child care leave end?
Your leave can last up to the September following the baby’s fourth
birthday.
