Managing Family and Work

This guide helps you plan accordingly for your family's care for a successful start to work.

· Ask for Help: Tell us the ages of your children. We can help you find schools or daycare that meet your needs.

· School and Daycare Options: In the US, children usually go to school based on where they live. Once your worksite is confirmed, we will share a Settlement document, including information on the area. After you secure housing, we can help you find schools near your home. For younger children, we can help you find daycare centers. We will provide links and contact information so you can reach them directly.

· After-School Care: Most schools run from 7:30 AM to 3:00–4:30 PM. If your working schedule is after this time, you need to plan for care after school. This could be a family member, friend, or after-school program. Sponsors usually cannot adjust your work schedule for childcare. It is important to plan ahead, so that your children are cared for at all times while you are working.

· Backup Plan: Have a plan if your child is sick, school closes for holidays, or there is bad weather. This could include a trusted family member, friend, or backup daycare. Planning before starting work helps you avoid problems.

· Starting Work While Pregnant: Usually, you should be ready to work during pregnancy unless your doctor says it is unsafe. If you are in your 3rd trimester, you may start work after your baby is born and your doctor clears you. Most healthy pregnancies allow work until close to birth, but complications can change this. If this is the case, you may need to provide a doctor's note stating your condition.

· Maternity Leave: In the U.S., paid maternity leave is not always guaranteed. Many employers follow the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth of a child. FMLA Usually, it only applies after one year of full-time work with the employer. Some sponsors/employers may allow about 6 weeks off after a healthy birth, but each employer is different, so it is important to ask your sponsor directly about maternity leave, pay, and returning to work; your sponsor may save your position, but this is not guaranteed.

· Post-Birth Planning: This includes planning your return to work after recovery. If needed, your sponsor may request a doctor’s note describing your recovery time and start date. You may also ask about accommodations like a private space for pumping milk after birth. US law requires employers to provide this if requested (other than a bathroom) for nursing employees, in accordance with Department of Labor guidelines. If you are already working, start discussing these with your manager or HR.

Important reminder: BDV is not your employer. We can give guidance and suggestions, but your sponsor/employer makes the final decisions. You must follow their policies for work schedules, leave, and accommodations.