DDAD-AP: Extended Leave: Childcare Leave for Professional Staff

The superintendent may grant extended childcare leave to professional staff for the purpose of preparing and providing parental care for a natural, adopted, or foster child or children of the employee for an extended period of time. To be eligible for childcare leave, the professional staff member must have completed a minimum of three consecutive years of experience within the district. Leaves must be requested in accordance with regulations. Maximum childcare leave granted shall be for the duration of the current school year, less any paid and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave used (for those employees FMLA eligible). The minimum duration of childcare leave shall be 30 calendar days.

BENEFITS

A professional staff member granted childcare leave shall not be entitled to receive any salary or fringe benefits during the duration of the extended leave. The professional staff member will not accrue additional experience credit for pay purposes or leave time during the period of absence.

RETURN TO DUTY REQUIREMENTS

Intent to return to duty must be submitted in accordance with regulations set forth by the human resources office. Provided that written notice of intent to return is submitted in accordance with regulations, employees on leave will be assured of a position in the school system at the conclusion of the leave, but reassignment to the same school or teaching area is not guaranteed. Professional staff members may be subject to return to duty restrictions contained in FMLA regulations.

Failure to submit written notice of intent to return on or before the timelines set forth in regulations shall be deemed to be a voluntary resignation and a waiver of re-employment rights.

Instructional staff members on childcare leave are still subject to the reduction-in- force policy.

Adopted: 03/26/79

Reviewed:

Revised: 12/21/84, 03/13/89

01/25/93, 04/10/95

06/29/98, 10/26/98

07/27/09, 01/03/17