7 Resources All Working Parents Should Know About

"Of all jobs, being a parent is one of the hardest. In honor of Parents’ Day this July 25, here are seven U.S. Department of Labor resources that support working families everyone should know about. 

1. FMLA time off

While the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a& national paid leave policy, many workers still lack access to paid family and medical leave when they need time off to care for themselves or a family member. But you may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. View our employee guide to see if you qualify and how to request FMLA leave. If you have questions about taking leave for pandemic-related reasons, start here.

2. Long COVID support

We know many workers in America are experiencing long COVID symptoms that can make working difficult. If you have long COVID, you may qualify for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, even if your symptoms are temporary or episodic.

3. Equal pay check 

Working moms: Are you being paid the same as your male colleagues? Over time, a pay gap can mean a substantial loss of income and retirement savings for you and your family. Explore your state’s equal pay and pay transparency protections using our interactive map.

4. Pregnancy and nursing protections 

There are a number of federal and state laws that protect you on the job if you’re pregnant or nursing, from non-discrimination statutes to requirements ensuring you have time and a private place to express breast milk. Explore our map to see the laws in your state. 

5. Military family assistance 

Military families should know that we can help veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses connect with training and employment opportunities. Don’t miss our new virtual workshops designed to help military spouses stand out in the job market.  

6. Savings tools 

The pandemic made it clear just how important long-term financial stability is for families. We have calculators, worksheets and guides you can use to set savings goals and ensure a secure retirement.  

7. Career and training exploration  

If you’re considering a career change, looking for work or just want to boost your skills, CareerOneStop has everything you need to get started..."
Working parents 

Engage Parents to Promote Healthy Schools

"Parents have a powerful role in supporting children’s health and learning. Use CDC’s resources to get them involved in creating a healthier school!

Schools, parents, and students benefit from parents being involved in their children’s school. Research shows that parent engagement in schools is linked to better student behavior, higher academic achievement, and enhanced social skills. As students start a new school year, parents will be looking for ways to get involved. You can engage them in school health by using the strategies and ideas in the Parents for Healthy Schools resources.

What Is Parents for Healthy Schools?

Parents for Healthy Schools is a set of resources that school groups such as the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), and school wellness committees can use to get parents involved in promoting healthy schools. These resources can also be used by others interested in working with parents and getting them involved in the school, such as school nutrition directors, school administrators, school nurses, teachers, parents, and community members or organizations...
Parents and Schools

Disaster Safety for Expecting and New Parents

"Disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, can be unpredictable and devastating. Learn general tips to get prepared before a disaster and what to do in case of a disaster to help keep you and your family safe and healthy.

Get Prepared for an Emergency or Disaster

Disasters can be scary and stressful, especially if you’re expecting or have a baby. You can take the following steps now to help you prepare for an emergency and better cope if an emergency happens.

• Talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about where you will get prenatal care or deliver your baby if your doctor’s office or hospital is closed.
• If you are close to your due date, learn the signs of laborexternal icon including the signs of early laborexternal icon. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to do in case of an emergency.
• Be informed—check with your local emergency management agencyexternal icon to find out how to get emergency alerts (such as text alerts).
• Make a family communication planpdf iconexternal icon for how you and your family will contact one another and what steps you will take in different types of situations.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes a 3-day supply of food and water, health supplies including medications, baby care and safety supplies, electronics, and important documents, such as emergency telephone numbers. Plan ahead to help your baby sleep safely if you have to leave your home. Your baby is safest sleeping on her back in her own sleep area (such as a portable crib or bassinet) that does not have pillows, blankets, or toys..."
  Disasters and expecting parents

National Family Caregivers Month

"November is National Family Caregivers Month. Over the course of our lifetime, many of us will find ourselves taking care of a loved one with a disease or disability who may need temporary or long-term assistance with daily activities. Being a caregiver, or what is often referred to as a "care partner," can be fulfilling by offering the opportunity to provide a loved one, friend, or neighbor with needed help and reassurance. However, this role can also affect the life of the care partner in significant and often.."
National Caregivers Month

Need Childhood Vaccine Info? Find It Here

"As a parent—whether you have a newborn baby or a college-bound freshman—you do everything you can to keep your child safe and healthy. From securing a baby gate, to providing nutritious meals, to getting the brakes checked on your teen's car, their well-being is your top priority.

Vaccination is another important way you can protect your child. Vaccinating your child according to the recommended schedule is one of the best ways you can protect them from 16 serious diseases. To learn more about these diseases and the vaccines that prevent them, talk to your child's doctor and visit CDC's website for parents..."
Vaccines and parents

FTC Website Educates Kids about Privacy and Fraud
"Today, the Federal Trade Commission opened new areas of a “virtual mall” with content that will help kids learn to protect their privacy, spot frauds and scams, and avoid identity theft. The FTC Web site, www.ftc.gov/YouAreHere, introduces key consumer and business concepts and helps youngsters understand their role in the marketplace. The FTC is the nation’s consumer protection agency.

“YouAreHere presents practical lessons about money and business in a fun and familiar setting,” said David Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The new content takes kids behind the scenes to raise their awareness of advertising and marketing, pricing and competition, fraud and identity theft.

At the FTC’s online mall, visitors play games, watch short animated films, and interact with customers and store owners. They can design and print advertisements for a shoe store, investigate suspicious claims in ads and sales pitches, learn to identify the catches behind bogus modeling schemes and vacation offers, and guess the retail prices of various candies based on their supply, demand, and production costs..."

Bullying is Not a Fact of Life
Advice for parents and school administrator on bullying.