Employment gap after staying home to care for special needs child

[BeautyforAshes]

My husband has been SAHD to our daughter for the last 2.5 yrs due to health concerns/risk of infection, therapies, doctor's appointments, multiple surgeries etc.  He had just finished his master's degree right before her birth, and now that she is healthier, he is ready to return to the work force.  Obviously, he has a large gap on his resume which will require some explanation.  While we don't want to seem to be playing the sympathy card, they do need to understand that it was essential for him to stay home.  I'm not sure how understanding employers in his field (college sports) will be, either.   What/how much would you say?

[KCMichigan]

I have stayed home much longer than planned because my DDs multiple appointments, therapies, and the difficulty of getting special needs child care.

That said, I went back to work part-time last year. Being in the education field after a 5 yr gap on my resume, it worked to my advantage since I used to to explain how it gave me perspective on some of the parents I work with and also I am much more familiar with the SN community and resources. I was able to explain the ways I kept current at home and classes I took.

I would try to make sure he spins it in to a positive--- did he use the the time to keep up to date on his field? Did it give him insight into what his co-workers were trying to balance? That he wanted to return when he knew he could be available the XX hours his job would require. Etc. 

Also, many many many people have gaps for various reasons (birth of kiddos, moving, job loss, etc). As long as he explains it simply and has current references I would think it would not be too dramatic. But maybe it depends on the field of work.

I wish him luck!!!

Edited by KCMichigan - 8/22/11 at 10:01am

[RiverTam]

Just explain it as simply as possible.

I would explain in the cover-letter that I was returning to the workplace after being a stay at home parent following the birth of my child.

In an interview, if questioned about why not working part-time, I would explain that she had some problems and then explain that she is doing much better now. I would also explain that I was the one to stay home because I had just finished the Masters' program.