Virginia Leave of Absence for Child Care is a specific type of leave that allows employees in the state of Virginia to take time off from work to care for their children. This leave is protected by the Virginia Parental Leave Act (VILA), which aims to provide job protection and maintain the employee's benefits during their absence. Under the VILA, eligible employees are entitled to up to four months of unpaid leave to care for a newborn, newly adopted child, or newly placed foster child. This leave is available to both men and women, regardless of the gender of the child. The employee must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12 months to be eligible for this leave. During the Virginia Leave of Absence for Child Care, employers are required to maintain the employee's group health insurance benefits, as long as the employee continues to pay their portion of the premiums. Additionally, employers must reinstate the employee to the same or an equivalent position upon their return from leave. It is important to note that the Virginia Leave of Absence for Child Care is distinct from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Although the VILA is similar to the FMLA in terms of providing job protection and maintaining benefits, the VILA covers a wider range of employees since it applies to businesses with as few as five employees, whereas the FMLA applies to businesses with 50 or more employees. In summary, the Virginia Leave of Absence for Child Care is an important employee benefit that allows eligible individuals to take unpaid leave to care for their children. This leave is protected by the Virginia Parental Leave Act and ensures job protection and maintained benefits during the absence.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.