what should i do RE: childcare leave?

Hi!
I'm in NJ, so it might be different than NY... but just thought i would ask
DH and i are looking to start the process of adopting a baby. The agency says it should be just about a year total for the whole process...so this time next year we could be going to get our child
I would like to take the rest of the year after that, to be home with the baby. BUT... i don't have tenure yet ( this is my second year) so every year they decide if my contract should be renewed or not. SOOO I'm afriad if I tell them my plans now, they won't renew my contract for next year. They usually decide in march or april about the renewals. so should I wait until then to let them know? or let them know now and hope that it doesn't affect their decision to renew my contract?
like i said, i'm in a different state, but any input would help. Thanks!

Re: what should i do RE: childcare leave?

I wouldn't tell them anything until you get further in the process. I just had a baby in October and didn't formally tell them of my plans to take the year until last week. Good luck on your adoption!

Re: what should i do RE: childcare leave?

Don't say a thing! worry about it when the time comes. you don't want them to think you don't want to come back... although it's illegal for them not to hire you back because of that, don't even let them know until you have a plan in place.

When you get the baby, you are still entitled to your 12 weeks of FMLA. If you are untenured however, they are NOT obliged to give you the whole year. in most districts, only tenured teachers can take a year-long leave. However, they MUST give you the 12 weeks. (this will also push back your tenure date 12 weeks). Also, your DH would also be entiled to the 12 weeks at any point in the first year, so perhaps you could spread otu the time that way if you had to.

Re: what should i do RE: childcare leave?

don't say anything!!!!

when the time comes for your FMLA, that's when you'll talk to the right people about your leave. before that, less is more.

good luck to you!