Contra Costa County Office of Education

Family Leave and Medical Leave (FMLA)

The Family Care and Medical Leave Act, established February 1, 1994, provides for 12 weeks of unpaid leave per fiscal year with the continuation of health benefits. Benefits covered include health, dental and vision. No life insurance or disability will be covered.

The family care and medical leave is for employees who have worked 1,250 hours in the previous fiscal year (approximately a 90% contract). Generally, the family care and medical leave is unpaid and can be taken in situations which include child rearing and a serious health condition of an employee or immediate family member. You may be required to provide advance leave notice and medical certification. Taking of leave may be denied if requirements are not met.

Important to remember is that the employee will be required to reimburse the County Office for benefits incurred if they do not return to work at the end of the leave.

Reasons for family medical and care leave include:

• Birth of a child, and/or care of a newborn (may be used during the first 12 months after birth of a child)

• Placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care

• Care for the employee's spouse, child or parent who has a serious health condition

• Serious health condition of the employee that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the employee's job

Two exceptions to eligibility are “key employees” (Superintendent, Deputy Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, etc.) and when both parents of a child are employed by the same employer (District).

Request for Family Care or Medical Leave of Absence Form

Catastrophic Leave Bank

The Contra Costa County Office of Education offers a Catastrophic Leave Program to give employees a chance to support their colleagues who are facing a major health crisis, whether their own or that of a family member. The program allows employees to provide assistance in the form of donated sick leave.

Members of applicable bargaining units may apply for and receive catastrophic leave provided certain conditions are met. For additional information on the terms and conditions that govern Catastrophic Leave please refer to the appropriate sections of your unit bargaining agreement:

• Contra Costa County Schools Education Association/CTA/NEA agreement Article 10, Section 5

• Public Employees Union, Local One agreement, Article 10, Section 4

If you have questions about the donation of hours or how to apply, please contact a Human Resources representative at (925) 942-3387.

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