Maternity Leave & Childcare

dogmom19

Hi everyone! Almost 14 weeks here and a teacher about to be on summer break. Because I’ll be pretty far along by the time we go back in the fall (I’m due Dec 5), I have started talking to admin and HR now about maternity leave plans and what my options are. 

Turns out I’m able to take 12 weeks, but it is all unpaid 😫 so I’m figuring that out finances-wise. Talking to my boss has me thinking about childcare too. Have any of you started looking into childcare? I know so many places have long waiting lists- how soon are you supposed to start looking into places or putting your name on a list if you know you’ll have to go back to work/have no work from home option once maternity leave is up?

rac2718

I'm so sorry your leave is unpaid. That's so rough. Start touring places now. Get your name on any places you like now. They base it on your due date/planned time to return to work. Depending on where you live and how many childcare places there are, it can be very cutthroat. 

msd15

Looks like we are due date buddies! I would probably start looking at places now and getting on lists. Unfortunately my job has no maternity leave so I will basically loose my job, yay. Hoping maybe we will be in a good enough financial place at that point that it will be ok

dogmom19

Thank you both so much for responding! I’ll start looking at places now! I felt crazy for thinking about this already, so good to know I’m actually on track.

i am so sorry you don’t get any maternity leave! That is crazy and so unfair. I hope it all works out for you and your family

mac12822

I was a teacher with my first two babies as well. We were given a possible12 weeks, but it had to come from our accrued sick leave first. Then anything after that was unpaid. I know it can sure be tough!! You are wise for thinking about childcare this early! I hope the search goes smoothly for you!!