Pregnant & Classroom Placement

I'm a NYC DOE teacher and I am currently pregnant. The last 3 years I have taught on the third floor (where we have 3-5 graders). When we come back in September, I will be nearing the end of my second trimester. I am high risk due to a congenital heart defect I have and my high risk obgyn has already informed me that come third trimester, I will no longer be permitted to climb stairs. It's 40 steps up to my classroom and we don't have an elevator. If I have a medical note from my doctor, is the school required to provide me with a first floor classroom?

Re: Pregnant & Classroom Placement

I would think so, yes.

I'm so sorry about that. That sounds tough! I know we have slightly different conditions but I haven't heard this from my cardio or OB at all. Have they explained why?

Re: Pregnant & Classroom Placement

I would think so. I thought by law all buildings needed to be handicapped accessible or accommodating. Not that I am saying you are "handicapped" but what would you school do if a Non-ambulatory student came to your school?
I would think they would need to accommodate.

Re: Pregnant & Classroom Placement

That's what I was thinking too. Wouldn't it technic be discriminatory against a "handicap" to not accommodate that? I'm going to look into it with my union before bringing in a note. Just want to know my rights first.

I think it's really all just a precaution. My high risk obgyn said she doesn't think it would be a good idea in third trimester due to shortness of breath and she doesn't want any extra activity. I go up and down those stairs at least 6-8 times a day. That's her concern.

Re: Pregnant & Classroom Placement

I am a NYC teacher who is 37 weeks. My classroom is also on the third floor. I went into preterm labor at 34 weeks my last pregnancy because of this. This time around dr said no stairs since 34 weeks. They only accommodated me by having me walk up once in the morning and once at the end of the day to leave. Once that became too much they offered me an empty classroom on the first floor two days a week and my principal said it was the best she could do. Luckily I had some coworkers help me clean out and alternative room on the first floor and am teaching from there now. I don't think they are required to find you an alternative spot but I definitely think you could fight them on it if it came down to it. Talk to your union rep.

Re: Pregnant & Classroom Placement