PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Data released by the Providence school department shows two dozen employees placed on paid leave last year because of Department of Children, Youth and Families investigations missed more than 1,100 school days combined.

A day after it was reported that employees missed 278 days during pending investigations, WPRI-TV reported that nearly 900 additional days were missed by workers before they were permitted by the school department to return to work.

DCYF cleared nearly all employees of wrongdoing.

Teachers Union President Maribeth Calabro told The Providence Journal subsequent investigations by police and human resources are contributing to the absences.

Investigations can stem from allegations that an employee violated the mandatory reporting law.

Calabro said many innocent teachers have been caught up in a "knee-jerk" reaction to the law.

Information from: WPRI-TV, http://www.wpri.com