Maternity Leave

A typical "maternity leave" has several phases that you may be eligible to use depending on a few factors.

Before your pregnancy

Consider a disability insurance policy with Prudential. This will allow you to collect payments based on the plan you choose. It can also be used for other disabilities that prevent you from working.

During your pregnancy

Start with a plan. You may use up to 20 sick days prior to your due date for a typical pregnancy. This will allow  you to collect full pay and maintain full health care coverage from FRHSD. You may also start counting the waiting period for disability from Prudental during this time. If you have additional complications during  your pregnancy, your health care provider can determine that you need to use additional sick time, if you have it. If you don't- you can also take unpaid Federal Medical Leave and keep your job.

You may use up to 20 sick days following a typical delivery at full pay and health care coverage. (Be sure to add your baby to your benefits.)  Prudential disability benefits are usually payable up to four weeks before the expected date of delivery, and up to six weeks after you give birth (or up to eight weeks for a Caesarean delivery). Again, if complications arise for your health, your health care provider can extend this time if you have sick days available or need Federal Medical Leave and disability.

To Do: 

Get a letter with your due date from your health care provider to share with HR. Share the news with your immediate supervisor and principal when you are ready. Set up an appointment with Personnel (x8511) to plan your leave at least 30 days before you anticipate leaving when possible. A letter to the BOE will also be required.

After you deliver

Be sure to file for Family Leave and Family Leave Insurance Benefits when your sick time has ended.

As per the FREA contract, tenured employees may ask the board to extend this leave of absence through the remainder of the school year AND even the following school year, without pay. Employees using this option will not maintain health care benefits. 

Employees must be working or using sick time for more than half of the school year to have the year count for longevity and salary advancements. Time on leave will not count toward this total. 

Family Connects NJ is offering Nurse Visits to support Parents and Newborns at home. Find out when your county will begin the program and sign up for a visit here.

Down the road

While the state law provides for 12 weeks of leave in a given 24-month period, federal law provides for 12 weeks of eligible leave within a period of 12 months. You can take NJ leave and then federal leave should you have your own medical condition within that timeframe.

You may wish to "Buy Back" the time you were on leave for your pension. See the FREA Newsletter for current guidance.

Local Resources

Center for Breastfeeding

Hackensack Meridian Health Village in Jackson

27 South Cooks Bridge Road, Jackson, NJ 08527

CenterforBreastfeeding@hmhn.org

732-897-3680

*Office and telehealth visits are offered

Center for Breastfeeding

HOPE Tower, 7th Floor

19 Davis Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753

Jersey Shore University Medical Center

1945 Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07753

CenterforBreastfeeding@hmhn.org

732-897-3680

*Office and telehealth visits are offered

Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders 

*NEW LOCATION!*

200 Wyckoff Road, Suite 3500 

Eatontown, New Jersey 07724 

Ph: 862-781-3755 

Fax: 732-443-3144

The building is in the Monmouth Mall parking lot by the Boscov's department store entrance.

This is NO LONGER at the Monmouth Medical Center Location