North Dakota Leave of Absence for Child Care allows eligible employees to take time off from work to care for their children. This unpaid leave is protected by state law and guarantees job protection and benefits continuation during the absence. Key features of the North Dakota Leave of Absence for Child Care include: 1. Eligibility: To be eligible for this leave, employees must have worked for their employer for at least 12 consecutive months and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the past year. This includes both full-time and part-time employees. 2. Covered Reasons: The leave can be taken for various child care-related situations, such as the birth or adoption of a child, the placement of a foster child, or to care for a child suffering from a serious health condition. 3. Duration: The maximum duration of the leave is 12 weeks within a 12-month period. Employers may require employees to use any accrued paid time off (PTO) or sick leave during this period. 4. Employer Notice: Employees must provide their employer with at least 30 days' advance notice of their intention to take a leave, except in cases where it is not feasible or practical. 5. Intermittent Leave: In certain circumstances, employees may be allowed to take the leave intermittently, such as for taking their child to medical appointments or to address any ongoing health condition. Types of North Dakota Leave of Absence for Child Care: 1. Maternity and Paternity Leave: This type of leave applies to birth mothers and fathers, allowing them to take time off to bond with their newborn or newly adopted child. 2. Adoption and Foster Care Leave: Employees can take leave to welcome a newly adopted child or when a child is placed under their foster care. 3. Family Medical Leave: This type of leave is applicable when a child has a serious health condition requiring the employee's care and attention. 4. Parental Leave: Parental leave encompasses all the above situations, providing employees the opportunity to take time off to fulfill their parental responsibilities. During the North Dakota Leave of Absence for Child Care, employers are required to maintain the employee's health insurance coverage as if they were actively working. However, employees are responsible for their portion of the premium payments. It is essential to consult the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights or a legal professional to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding this leave.