One at One: During COVID-19, Do Employees Qualify for Paid Sick Leave to Pay for Childcare?

Today’s Issue:

If an employee cannot perform their work due to the need to care for a child whose childcare provider or school is no longer available because of COVID-19, will the employee qualify for paid leave?

Answer:

An employee may qualify for up to 12 weeks paid leave, at 2/3s their regular rate of pay (capped at $200.00 per day). The Family First Coronavirus Response Act expanded the Family Medical Leave Act and created the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act to include a paid benefit for individuals who are unable to perform their work, either remotely or at the worksite, due to the unavailability of child-care.

Resources:

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

To Learn More about FPSCTT’s Education and School Law Practice, please contact:

Lester Taylor, Partner and Co-Chair
Christine Soto, Partner and Co-Chair
Afshan Ajmiri Giner, Senior Associate

This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.