MATERNAL/PARENTAL LEAVE FOR NIC EMPLOYEES
North Idaho College employees on maternity or paternity leave are, if eligible, entitled to benefits under the provisions of The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Maternal/paternal leave under the FMLA includes the birth of a child and the placement of a child for adoption or state-certified foster care.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA)
To qualify, employees must physically work at least 1,250 hours within the last 12 months preceding the need for FMLA leave.
FMLA leave is unpaid; employees will be paid using eligible, sick leave, vacation leave, and (if applicable) short term disability.
For maternal/paternal leave purposes, FMLA leave applies to the birth of a child, or to the formal adoption or foster care placement of a child younger than 18 years of age; adoption or foster care placement may apply to a person over 18 years of age who is incapable of self-care.
Eligible employees will be granted up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave per rolling year; entitlement to maternal/paternal leave under FMLA leave expires 12 months after the birth or formal adoption/foster care placement in the home.
PAID AND UNPAID FMLA LEAVE
Per NIC procedure 3.04.09, employees are required to use all compensatory time before going on leave without pay.
Employee may be eligible for short term disability benefits if coverage was elected during open enrollment.
Paid/Unpaid Leave - Before and After Childbirth:
Mothers
- Appropriate paid leave (sick, vacation, short term disability) will be used for doctor appointments, prenatal visits, and medical recovery after childbirth.
- Leave without pay will be applied where appropriate.
Fathers
- Appropriate paid leave (sick and/or vacation leave) will be used for doctor’s appointments and prenatal visits.
- Accrued sick leave for absences in excess of three continuous working days must be supported by appropriate documentation.
- Leave without pay will be applied once all accumulated leave time has been exhausted.
Additional Information
Other laws or legislation may apply to certain employees using maternal or paternal leave. Use of paid and unpaid leave is subject to the policies of North Idaho College. Any differences between NIC policies and the Federal Law, the law will prevail.
References
3.04.09 - Family and Medical Leave
3.04.01 - Illness, Injury, Bereavement and Emergencies