Family Child Care providers who serve subsidized children may be eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) — a state benefit providing up to 26 weeks of paid leave for qualifying medical or family reasons. PFML is administered by the Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML), not EEC.

This page covers EEC's specific policy for FCC providers taking Intermittent Leave or a Reduced Leave Schedule — the most common scenario for providers who continue serving some children while taking partial time off. For all other PFML information, visit mass.gov/dfml.

General PFML Overview

PFML is funded through a Massachusetts payroll tax and is separate from both the federal FMLA and from PTO (see PTO for Family Child Care Providers (2.10) for shorter-term leave).

Eligibility and application are determined by DFML, not EEC. If you want to apply for PFML, start at mass.gov/dfml.

EEC's Policy for Intermittent or Reduced Leave

Intermittent Leave = leave taken in separate periods of time (for example, occasional days off for medical appointments, or several days spread over months).

Reduced Leave Schedule = a temporary reduction in your usual hours or days per week.

EEC has issued specific requirements for how these leave types interact with your subsidized child care program.

Notification Requirements

When you submit an application to DFML for Intermittent or Reduced Leave, you must simultaneously notify:

1. Your FCC System or CCR&R (in writing, including your anticipated leave schedule and expected duration)
2. The parent or guardian of each child enrolled in your program (in writing, with the same schedule and duration)

If you amend your leave schedule, you must notify DFML, your FCC System/CCR&R, and all enrolled parents/guardians as soon as possible.

Leave Must Match Your Subsidy Placements

Intermittent Leave or Reduced Leave must be taken in increments that match your subsidy placements — either full-time or part-time. You cannot take partial days off under PFML.

• If you only have part-time subsidy placements, you must take part-time PFML leave
• If you have full-time subsidy placements, you must take full-time PFML leave

Entry into CCFA

Your FCC System or CCR&R is responsible for entering your Intermittent or Reduced Leave into CCFA — not you.

What PFML Does Not Cover

PFML is for extended medical or family leave situations (illness, bonding with a new child, caring for a family member, military exigency). For shorter absences — sick days, vacation, personal days, bereavement — use PTO (2.10) instead.

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Next Steps

• To apply for PFML: Visit mass.gov/dfml
• For shorter-term leave (sick, vacation, personal): See PTO for Family Child Care Providers (2.10)
• Contact your FCC System or CCR&R when you submit a PFML application
• Contact DFML at mass.gov/dfml for eligibility determinations and application questions