Colorado Leave of Absence for Child Care is a specific provision that allows employees in Colorado to take time off from work to care for their children or attend to their child's educational needs. This parental leave enables parents to balance their work responsibilities with their role as caregivers, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Under the Colorado Leave of Absence for Child Care, employees have the right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period. This leave can be taken intermittently, which means it can be spread out over the course of a year as needed. The primary purpose of this provision is to ensure that working parents have the flexibility to care for their children and be involved in their important milestones. It is important to note that the Colorado Leave of Absence for Child Care is different from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) because it allows leave specifically for child care purposes. The FMLA, on the other hand, covers a broader range of family and medical situations. Certain eligibility criteria must be met to qualify for this leave. Employees must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months and have accumulated 1,250 hours of service during the previous 12-month period. Additionally, the employer must have at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. Types of Colorado Leave of Absence for Child Care: 1. Colorado Parental Leave: This type of leave allows parents to take time off to care for their newborn children, newly adopted children, or newly placed foster children. Parents can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period. 2. Colorado Educational Leave: This type of leave is designed to accommodate parents who need time off to attend school-related functions or meetings for their children. This can include events such as parent-teacher conferences, school performances, or parent education programs. Employees are entitled to take time off for such events as long as they give reasonable notice to their employer. 3. Colorado Sick Leave: In certain situations, if a child is ill or requires medical attention, parents may be eligible to take time off as sick leave to care for their child. This type of leave falls under the Colorado Leave of Absence for Child Care and offers parents the flexibility to prioritize their child's health and well-being. In summary, the Colorado Leave of Absence for Child Care enables parents to take unpaid time off from work to care for their children or participate in their educational activities. By providing this provision, Colorado supports working parents in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensures that their children receive adequate care and attention during critical stages of their lives.