Paid Parenting Leave
So, you are going to be a parent!
Congratulations! Paid parenting leave is provided to eligible full-time employees for the purpose of recovery from the birth of a child and/or for activities related to the care and well-being of their newborn or adopted child under five years of age and is to be used within the first six months following the birth or adoption.
If you are thinking of using this total rewards benefit, you will need to coordinate paid parenting leave at least 30 days in advance of your leave to collaboratively balance your needs and operational needs.
For eligibility criteria and more information on this type of leave, see the Paid Parenting Leave Policy and Paid Parenting Leave Frequently Asked Questions.
When you are ready to finalize your plan, please communicate with your supervisor and contact Organizational Development and Human Resources for next steps at leaveandaccess@valenciacollege.edu or call the HR4U helpline 407-582-4748 (HR4U).
Questions?
Contact HR4U
We are happy to help! Contact Organizational Development and Human Resources(ODHR) by phone on the HR4U helpline at 407-582-HR4U (4748). You can also reach us via email below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paid Parenting Leave
This summary is for informational purposes only and does not supersede College Policy or its implementing procedures. For more detailed information, please consult College Policy 6Hx28: 3D-06.1.1 Parenting Leave.
What is Parenting Leave?
Paid Parenting Leave is provided to eligible full-time employees for the purpose of recovery from the birth of a child and/or for activities related to the care and well-being of their newborn or adopted child under five years of age.
Does Paid Parenting Leave apply to foster children?
The benefit only covers birth or eligible adoptions.
If I’m marrying someone and I am adopting my new spouse’s children, am I eligible for Paid Parenting Leave?
You are not eligible for this benefit if you are adopting your spouse’s or partner’s current child(ren).
Who is eligible for Paid Parenting Leave?
A Parent, as defined in college policy, is a full-time regular employee and has been employed by the College for at least one continuous year (12 months).
How much Paid Parenting Leave is offered to an eligible Valencia College employee?
Within a rolling 12-month period, an eligible employee may receive up to a maximum of 30 continuous business days of leave to be taken and completed within the first 6 months following the date of a qualifying reason.
How does Paid Parenting Leave work if I have more than one event within a 12-month period?
If you are an eligible employee, you can receive up to a maximum of 30 continuous business days of Paid Parenting Leave within a 12-month period. Multiple births (e.g., twins) and simultaneous adoptions are considered one “event.”
I am planning on requesting leave for the birth of my child using only my available accrued paid leave. Am I obligated to use Paid Parenting Leave?
You can opt to decline the use of Paid Parenting Leave. Your choice may not be changed once your leave has started.
How do I apply for Paid Parenting Leave?
Contact Organizational Development and Human Resources Leave and Access Team at leaveandaccess@valenciacollege.edu or call 407-582-4748 (HR4U).
I am an employee giving birth, how do FMLA and Paid Parenting Leave work together?
Paid Parenting Leave will run simultaneously with FMLA as applicable. Organizational Development and Human Resources will determine eligibility and, work with employees to plan/coordinate the leaves.
Can I take Paid Parenting Leave on an intermittent basis?
Paid Parenting Leave shall be taken for one continuous period of leave. Any unused Paid Parenting Leave shall be forfeited and considered non-cumulative, non-compensable, and non-transferable.
What happens if an official College holiday occurs during Paid Parenting Leave?
If eligible, you will receive holiday pay in lieu of Paid Parenting Leave.
Will I continue to accrue vacation and sick leave while out on Paid Parenting Leave?
Yes, eligible employees will continue to accrue vacation and sick leave in accordance with College Policy 6Hx28: 3D-03 Total Rewards: Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave for Full Time Employees
What happens if I decide not to return to work after my Paid Parenting Leave?
Paid Parenting Leave is awarded with the express provision that you will continue working in full-time service at the College for at least six full months after completion of the Paid Parenting Leave. If you decide not to return to work after your Paid Parenting Leave, you may be liable to reimburse the College the gross salary paid to you during the term of the leave.
What if I need additional time off beyond Paid Parenting Leave?
Contact Organizational Development and Human Resources Leave and Access Team at leaveandaccess@valenciacollege.edu or at 407-582-4748 (HR4U).
What if I have a question that is not covered in this document?
Contact Organizational Development and Human Resources Leave and Access Team leaveandaccess@valenciacollege.edu or at 407-582-4748 (HR4U).