Kindergarten teacher needs help I am nervous about starting the school year and really don't want to

mmlv

I am a kindergarten teacher and  pregnant with my first child and due on Sept 23 which is 5 weeks after school starts. My plan was not to go back to school until after my maternity leave but because I do not have any issues with this pregnancy my HR dept says that I am required to return to work on Aug 20, when I will be 36 weeks I am a little concerned about what things I will and will not be able to do when I am that far along in my pregnancy.Also, knowing how needy and stressful the beginning of K can be I don't know if its in the best interest for my students for me to be there. I have expressed these concerns with my HR dept. but they say I still have to report to work and work normally (as if not preg) since I do not have a note from the Dr listing any limitations.
So today I want to call my dr. office and see if I can get a written note saying that I am under their prenatal care and I will have limitations in the classroom.

What kinds of things should I inform the dr of that I would have problems doing at the beginning of the year in K?

The things I have thought of are: standing for long periods of time, taking the students outside would be an issue in the incredibly hot temperatures we have been experiencing, sitting in the floor, having to go to the bathroom regularly (this is a problem b/c I will not have a full time assistant), chasing kids, and lifting heavy objects.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

MomiJerz

I am not a teacher and I am not sure how your doctor works but even if you get that letter the school can still address those issues and still have you come to work.

I understand 36 weeks is far along but you will be surprised what you can do. Is it more that you just dont want to go back to work because you had your heart set on not going back until after maternity leave?

With my daughter I was in the Army and your leave couldn't start till you gave birth ( convalescent leave). This time around I pay into a SDL so with a doctor approval I can go out up to 4 weeks before. I think it all depends on how things work at your school I would plan for having to go back to work so you don't get dissapointed.

 

But honestly if you have no complications that require  you to be out of work count your blessings, women have been having babies for centuries it will be ok.

SarahJean0

I am worried to, especially because I've never taught K before...why they would assign me K when they know I will be out on maternity leave until after Christmas break, I do not know. Any other grade would have been better (not just for me, but for the kids).

I'm planning on just going with the flow and starting the school year. I am nervous though because the K students are so small and needy.

Mostly I'm afraid of sitting on the carpet and not being able to get back up 

Good post, I will be interested to see what replies you have.

freeatlast2014

I'm sure doctors write these notes lots of times and kind of know what to say for your benefit so I'd start with talking to your doctor first. I hope it all works out!

alliedoe

Most doctors will disable you at 36 weeks. I'm a teacher too and I know that is the norm in my district.  My OB said 36 weeks is common practice to be out of work.  I taught kindergarten for 6 years before being moved to 4th.  The beginning of the year is exhausting when you are in the best shape.  I don't think it would be beneficial to anyone to have you start and leave do fast...

JessicaxLynn87

This will be my second year in Kindergarten. I plan on working up until my doctor writes me out. I am concerned about how exhausted and sore I will be, but I fully expect to receive some help. As for sitting on the floor, I will not be doing that! I have a rocking chair that I sit in. Do you have one? I also plan on sitting for as much time as I can. If I am teaching a lesson, I will definitely be sitting down to do it. We have a long walk to the cafeteria and our special classes, so I know those will be the most challenging times for me. I am worried about the heat outside, so I will just limit my time, and I am confident my team will help in monitoring my children. Fortunately, I will have an assistant, so she will help in many ways. I see it as very temporary.  I will be there for at least 4-5 weeks depending on when she comes, so I keep telling myself that I can do it. Now, if my AC has not been fixed by the time I return, I will be absolutely livid!!

bonjourbelle05

I feel your pain...I'm due Sept 9th and I'm going back to work for the first 2 weeks of school (I teach hs though).  If I don't go back they won't pay me for any of my maternity leave, by going back I get those 2 weeks paid (for working) and then 6 weeks past that.  I am incredibly nervous about starting the school year.  Do you have a principal who is fairly supportive?  You might try talking to him/her about having an assistant or even your long term sub come in (even just for a half day or for the last 2 weeks or something) to help you get through.  I would also chat with someone who teaches near your room who can watch your class when you need a bathroom break, etc. 

AlinnJo

I am due on the 25th and on the first day of school I will be 37 weeks pregnant. I also teach K. I will be working until this baby is born. The first few weeks of K are exhausting when I am not pregnant so I am also a little worried about how I will do. However, we have had many teachers in our district who teach until the baby is born and they manage to do just fine. I don't want to be sitting at home so I am going to give it my all. I have been pretty active this pregnancy so I am hoping for the best! I keep telling people I am pregnant, not disabled so I don't see why I can't keep working. I am hoping for the best! Good luck!

gingerfamily

I'm sorry but I can't see why, with a few adjustments on your part, you can't go back to work when you'll be 36 weeks pregnant. 

 

klm1221

In NJ it depends on your district. I get 4 weeks worth of sick leave before my due date and after. I am not getting the 4 weeks before this pregnancy since i'm due Sept 3. I am getting paid for the month of September. In my district most teachers take the full 2 months that we get paid. It is out of your saved sick days. We then can take NJ Family Leave. This is 12 weeks at 2/3 pays. I also pay for private disability insurancance so get paid 6 weeks post-baby for that. I worked up until June 19th and don't have to go back till Jan 2.

I teach Elem Phys Ed and my Superintendent both pregnancies has been great. He offered a extra week off the last time before my daughter was born. I was suppose to return to school Dec 21st this time but he called me saying see you in Jan. (Dec 21st is the last day before Christmas break). He was a Phys Ed teacher though and has 2 kids so maybe i'm just lucky.

fadsmama

alliedoe:

Most doctors will disable you at 36 weeks. I'm a teacher too and I know that is the norm in my district.  My OB said 36 weeks is common practice to be out of work.  I taught kindergarten for 6 years before being moved to 4th.  The beginning of the year is exhausting when you are in the best shape.  I don't think it would be beneficial to anyone to have you start and leave do fast...

Ms. Alliedoe I know you!!! lol

OP - I am also a k teacher and am headed into my eighth year. I would say with all honesty, it would be very, very difficult to begin k at 36 weeks. There are so many reasons, but the physical demands of k are the greatest. I am certain that those who do not teach k are just not aware of how trying it is in September. Of course, you could do it, but you would need to make many modifications. Also, the principal would need to devise a plan for bathroom breaks, recess time and potential "runners." With no assistant, it would be really tough. I agree with my friend Alliedoe, it would not benefit anyone to have you there, then leaving. It is a tough transition regardless, and this would be another potential problem for many of your students.

I would also inquire about disability. In NJ, it is not at all unusual for this to begin at 36 weeks. Perhaps things differ state by state. 

olsentobe

klm1221:

In NJ it depends on your district. I get 4 weeks worth of sick leave before my due date and after. I am not getting the 4 weeks before this pregnancy since i'm due Sept 3. I am getting paid for the month of September. In my district most teachers take the full 2 months that we get paid. It is out of your saved sick days. We then can take NJ Family Leave. This is 12 weeks at 2/3 pays. I also pay for private disability insurancance so get paid 6 weeks post-baby for that. I worked up until June 19th and don't have to go back till Jan 2.

I teach Elem Phys Ed and my Superintendent both pregnancies has been great. He offered a extra week off the last time before my daughter was born. I was suppose to return to school Dec 21st this time but he called me saying see you in Jan. (Dec 21st is the last day before Christmas break). He was a Phys Ed teacher though and has 2 kids so maybe i'm just lucky.

NJFLI is only 6 wks to bond with the child not 12 weeks. In my NJ district you can take up to 40 sick days paid if you have them and then I also have the private disability. However, we have to work 120 days in order to get our increment each year so I will be going back in dec, so I dont loose my step this year.

OP my dr wrote me a note once I started swelling that I needed someone to walk my kids to and from specials etc. I say just do the best you can and listen to your body. I am not returning 1st day as I am a RCS on aug 27, but I do understand your fears.

alliedoe

It is the case in NJ as others have posted.  You get four weeks before your due date.