Rhode Island Leave of Absence for Child Care is a program that allows eligible employees in the state of Rhode Island to take time off from work to care for their children. This leave of absence is specifically designed to provide parents with the necessary flexibility and support to balance work and family responsibilities. Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act (PF MLA), employees are entitled to take leave for child care purposes. This allows parents to take time off to care for a newborn child, a newly adopted child, or a newly placed foster child. The leave of absence can be taken immediately following the birth or placement of the child or within a specified timeframe. There are two types of Rhode Island Leave of Absence for Child Care: 1. Rhode Island Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): This leave provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave within a 12-month period. During this time, employees may continue to receive health insurance coverage, and upon returning to work, they are entitled to return to their previous position or an equivalent position. 2. Rhode Island Parental and Family Medical Leave Act (PF MLA): This leave builds upon the FMLA and provides eligible employees with up to 13 weeks of paid leave within a 12-month period. Unlike the FMLA, the PF MLA offers partial wage replacement during the leave period, providing financial support to parents during their time off. Employees are also entitled to maintain their health insurance coverage during the leave and have the right to reinstatement to their previous position or an equivalent position upon returning to work. To be eligible for Rhode Island Leave of Absence for Child Care, employees must meet certain criteria, including working for an employer with 50 or more employees, having worked for at least 12 months, and having accumulated at least 1,250 hours of work over the previous 12 months. Overall, Rhode Island Leave of Absence for Child Care aims to support working parents by allowing them to take time off to care for their children without fearing the loss of their job or financial instability. This program recognizes the importance of family and provides the necessary provisions to promote work-life balance for employees in Rhode Island.