Federal Leave and Family Support
When you need time away from work for your health or to care for your family, understanding your leave options can make the process easier. The CCPS Federal Leave Unit reviews requests for Family and Medical Leave (FML), Georgia Paid Parental Leave, and Georgia Paid Maternal Birth Leave. These benefits have different eligibility rules and may apply to the same absence. Submit your request as early as possible so we can help identify the leave available to you.
Family and Medical Leave (FML)
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave during 12 months for qualifying reasons. These include your own serious health condition; caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition; the birth of a child; placement of a child for adoption or foster care; and certain military family needs. Eligible employees may receive up to 26 work weeks during a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a qualifying serious injury or illness.
To qualify, you generally must have worked for CCPS for at least 12 months and completed at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12 months immediately before your leave begins. The Federal Leave Unit will review your eligibility and the information supporting your request. FML may be taken continuously or, when supported by the qualifying reason, intermittently. FML itself is unpaid, although available paid leave may apply during an approved absence.
All Family and Medical Leave (FML) requests remain pending until the Federal Leave Unit issues a written determination of the request status (approval or denial). Submitting a request does not, by itself, constitute approval of FML-protected leave. Misrepresentation or misuse of FML-protected leave is not permitted and will be addressed administratively.
Georgia Paid Parental Leave (PPL)
Georgia Paid Parental Leave provides eligible employees with up to 240 hours of paid leave during a rolling 12-month period following the birth of a child or the placement of a minor child for adoption or foster care. Employees generally become eligible after six continuous months of employment; additional hours-worked requirements may apply to hourly employees.
You may qualify for PPL even if you do not yet qualify for federal FML. If both benefits apply, the Federal Leave Unit will explain how they coordinate and how your leave will be recorded.
Georgia Paid Maternal Birth Leave
Georgia Paid Maternal Birth Leave provides an eligible employee who gives birth with up to 120 hours of paid leave to recuperate during the three (3) weeks immediately following childbirth. This benefit applies to qualifying births on or after July 1, 2026, and is separate from Paid Parental Leave. Employees who qualify for both should request Maternal Birth Leave for the immediate recovery period and discuss their subsequent Paid Parental Leave plans with the Federal Leave Unit.
Eligibility depends on your employment status and length of service. Because this leave must be used immediately following childbirth, contact us before your expected delivery date whenever possible.
If You Do Not Qualify for FML
Employees who have worked for CCPS for at least 90 days, but do not meet the federal FML eligibility requirements may be considered for a medical leave of absence under CCPS procedures. Medical leave is separate from FML and is reviewed based on the circumstances of the request and supporting documentation. Contact the Federal Leave Unit to discuss the appropriate documentation and next steps.
How to Request Leave
1. Notify your administrator and bookkeeper of your expected absence as soon as you can. If the need for leave is foreseeable, provide advance notice. If it is unexpected, notify them as soon as practicable and follow normal absence-reporting procedures.
2. Complete the CCPS Family and Medical Leave Request Form. Indicate the type of leave you are requesting, your anticipated dates, and whether you expect a continuous or intermittent absence. If you are expecting a child or welcoming a child through adoption or foster placement, identify the paid family leave benefits you want reviewed.
3. Provide supporting documentation. For leave related to a serious health condition, ask the appropriate health care provider to complete the applicable Certification of Health Care Provider Form. For parental or maternal birth leave, the Federal Leave Unit will advise you of the documentation needed for the qualifying event. Complete all employee sections and include required signatures and dates.
4. Submit your request and documentation to the CCPS Federal Leave Unit at FamMedLeave@clayton.k12.ga.us. You may also submit forms in-person to the Federal Leave Unit at CCPS Central Office [1058 Fifth Avenue]. Submit medical information only to the Federal Leave Unit, not your school or department.
5. Watch your email for next steps. A Federal Leave Analyst will review your submission, notify you if additional information is needed, and provide a determination once your request has been processed. Continue to follow your usual absence-reporting procedures while your request is under review.
Questions about which leave applies to you? Email FamMedLeave@clayton.k12.ga.us. We can help you identify the appropriate request and documentation.
Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
8 Steps to Family and Medical Leave (FML)
Family and Medical Leave Request Form (PDF; Fillable)
Family and Medical Leave Request Form (PDF; Standard)
Important Information Regarding Your Benefits
Medical Release and Intent to Return to Work Form