Medical leave

[torontokids]

So I have spoken to my Dr about the possibility of going on medical leave before my mat leave. I have really bad rheumatoid arthritis and I have had it for more that 12 yrs. It is normally managed by medication really well. Usually during pregnancy I feel better than ever and actually go into what they call remission (something to do with all those great pregnancy hormones). I had to go off of one of my meds now that I am in my 3rd trimester and this wasn't an issue in previous pregnancies because I essentially had a desk job. I am in a lot of pain now though. My Dr. said I am a candidate and was agreeable to doing the paperwork. My concern is the daycare families and also my contract.

My contract states a months notice by both parties. In a situation like this, I am guessing I still need to abide by this?

My daycare families are going to want an explanation and I am pretty comfortable sharing some of this with them, however I don't know if they need to know everything. What would you share? I think because we are a small knit group, they ask more than they should and probably expect more answers than they should.

I have 3 families left. One is done at Christmas so they are not effected. One has a spot for end of Jan. I don't know if the provider can take them earlier. I haven't asked because I wasn't sure what I would do. The other is a parent on mat leave with baby #2. She was staying with me until the end (mid Feb) because she finds it difficult to have both kids and has already started making plans for when I close e.g. having a helper 3 mornings a week.

I've never done this before so any advice is appreciated.

Oh- is there a possibility that my Dr approves it and then EI rejects my claim? I am worried about giving notice and then having EI reject me and then having no income.

[torontokids]

I think I may need to disclose the reason because I will need families to stop sending their children in overalls or onesies with snaps etc. I am finding some of that stuff hard now too.

[Lee-Bee]

Depending on what you are comfortable with and what you think will leave the least negative impression when they spread the word I would either tell them you need to be on medical leave for your sake....or the doctor has ordered medical leave for the babies health.

As much as you have a contract sometimes crap happens. I would think most families will be understanding that you have doctors orders to be off work.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

I asked my son about contract part of your question. He contract lawyer. He said yes, they can hold you to one month or take action for breach of contract just as we could if they not give us proper notice or if they breach any agreed terms.

He did suggest asking to be released. He said it amazing how kind some people can be. He said to take each person aside and speak to them and ask them if it possible they could find alternative arrangement as you have been advised to take medical leave. He said just lay it out. Be honest, give some detail but only what you comfortable with. Make clear that your doctor wants you off sooner and see if they open to it.

As long as you willing to work if they say no, but he said they likely will understand and go sooner. Just don't shut and refuse because you might be open to action. He not able to say for sure without see your contract.

[Suzie_Homemaker]

And he said if they do agree go sooner, then write something up and get them to sign so it not come back and bite you. Just detail that due to ill health, client has kindly released you from contracted notice term and agreed it in interest to end contract earlier.