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Family and Medical Leaves of Absence

Overview: There are four leave programs: Federal FMLA, Connecticut FMLA, Connecticut Paid Leave, Connecticut Paid Sick Leave. Each program serves a unique purpose in CTs comprehensive leave framework. Some overlap in coverage, but understanding the distinctions will help you to maximize available benefits and protections. On October 1, 2025, the landscape changed significantly when coverage of CT FMLA and CT Paid Leave expanded to include non-certified school employees.  Take a few minutes and review the SPS CT Employee Leave Programs: Updates Effective 2025. 

Effective October 1, 2025: Changes in legislation for Connecticut leave laws took effect, particularly the Connecticut  Family Medical Leave Act and Connecticut Paid Leave program.

 Process for Employees Needing a Leave of Absence: 

  1. All employees will complete the Request for Leave of Absence form.
  2. There are two FMLA Certification forms. Select the applicable form and submit to health care provider for completion: a) FMLA Certification for Employee's Serious Health Condition; b) FMLA Certification for Employee to Care for a Family Member.
  3. Request that your health care provider fax the completed form to HR (860) 628-3211. You also may hand-deliver the form to the HR office.
  4. HR will review the information and determine eligibility for federal FMLA (certified employees), or for both federal and state FMLA (non-certified employees).
  5. Employees who are not eligible will be provided with information regarding a non-FMLA leave of absence.
  6. Prior to returning to work from any leave of absence, all employees are required to submit a Medical Release to Return to Work form, signed by their health care provider.

Employee Leave Options Guides ~ Which Leave Laws are available to you?: This presentation provides an overview of the similarities and differences between federal and state FMLA, CT Paid Leave, and an update regarding CT Paid Sick Leave.  Prior to October 1, 2025, all non-certified staff were able to register for one of six sessions to review this information and ask questions.

Employee Leave Options ~ Quick Reference Guide: This one-page document is a quick reference to the key leave programs available, highlighting their eligibility, benefits, and important distinctions.

Contact HR (860) 628-3200, ext. 10355: We understand that navigating FMLA could be overwhelming and encourage you to connect with the human resource team to assist you through this process.

Michelle Passamano, mpassamano@southingtonschools.org 

Justine Pagano, jpagano@southingtonschools.org

Kelly Coulter, kcoulter@southingtonschools.org