Parental / Adoptive Leave

There are several options available to teachers for the birth of a child as well as to teachers who adopt a child. Some rights and benefits derive from the State law and others from the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Paid Leave:

• Up to thirteen (13) weeks in accordance with the Rhode Island Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA);
• Utilize accumulated sick leave;
• May finish thirteen (13) weeks if sick leave is exhausted (remaining time will be without pay);
• Continuation of paid medical/dental benefits;
• School Department is required to hold teacher's classroom.

Unpaid Leave:

• Up to thirteen (13) weeks;
• Without pay;
• Continuation of medical/dental benefits;
• School Department is required to hold teacher's classroom;
• Available to both female and male teachers.

• Up to one (1) year;
• Without pay;
• Medical/dental benefits purchased by member at group rate;
• School Department is required to hold teacher's classroom;
• Available to both female and male teachers.
  

• Up to one (1) year;
• Without pay;
• Medical benefits purchased by member at group rate;
• Teacher must complete three (3) years of continuous service in Providence Public Schools.
• Teachers who elect to take a maternity leave under Article 4 (Sick Leave) may request a personal leave of absence once their thirteen (13) weeks expire;
• School Department is NOT required to hold teacher's classroom;
• Available to both female and male teachers.

What is FMLA?

The RI Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take up to thirteen (13) workweeks (or 65 school days) of leave for the following reasons:

• Birth of a son or daughter;
• Placement of a son or daughter less than 18 years of age with employee for adoption or foster care;
• In order to care for employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent who has a "serious health condition";
• School Involvement*

* Ten (10) hours of unpaid leave during a twelve (12) month period to attend school conference or other school-related activities for a child for whom the employee is the parent, foster parent or guardian.

If I give birth late in the school year or during the summer recess, am I still eligible to receive thirteen (13) weeks leave?

Yes. Under FMLA employees may use the thirteen (13) weeks during a calendar year (every two years). Therefore, you may elect to carry over the remaining days or commence your leave the following work year.

Can I collect benefits under T.D.I. (Temporary Disability Insurance)?

No. City of Providence employees, including teachers, do not contribute to T.D.I.

Who should I notify of my intent to take a leave of absence and how soon?

All requests should be sent thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of the leave, except for extenuating circumstances.

Send your written request to the Director of Human Resources. Indicate the type of leave, the anticipated date of commencement, and the duration of your leave.

Members have thirty (30) days from date of birth/adoption to add a child to his/her medical and dental plans.