404 Child-Rearing Leave
Xref: PPP 400
404.1 Definition of Child-Rearing Leave
Child-rearing leave is an unpaid leave available to employees who wish to devote their time to caring for a newborn or newly-adopted child. A parent wishing to remain at home with a newborn or newly-adopted child shall be granted such a leave.
404.2 Duration of Child-Rearing Leave
Child-rearing leave may extend for up to 26 continuous weeks. In instances of maternity, child-rearing leave is granted in addition to the period of pregnancy disability.
An employee may use accumulated vacation, personal, and sick days at the commencement of the leave, but in no event can the total absence for child-rearing leave exceed 26 weeks, including any paid time taken.
404.3 Benefits During Child-Rearing Leave
The University will continue to pay its share of health, long-term disability and non-contributory life insurance premium costs for employees on child-rearing leave, for a period not to exceed 26 weeks. An employee who makes any contribution to insurance coverage must make arrangements with the Benefits Office to continue coverage.
Further, an employee on child-rearing leave:
- accrues vacation and sick days for use after the employee has returned to a regular position scheduled at 20 hours or more per week; at least 30 calendar days must elapse after return before such time can be used.
- is eligible for pay for holidays or recess days that occur within any paid portion of the leave.
- is not eligible for tuition assistance.
404.4 Return From Child-Rearing Leave
The returning employee must confirm the intention to return by informing the department supervisor at least two weeks prior to the end of the leave.
404.5 Termination
An employee who accepts employment elsewhere, except as approved by the University in advance of the leave, applies for Unemployment Compensation in Connecticut or any other state, or fails to return to work on the date agreed upon, is considered to have voluntarily resigned.
