Bethany I don't know if all states are the same or not, I work for Dept of Ed wa. and I dont actualley think that it makes much difference. However having said that it says in our award we can start maternity leave any time from 6 weeks before the birth untill 6 weeks after the birth of a child, so if that is true you should be able to start after the christmas break. If you are unsure check with the State Union they will have all the relavent information.