1. In any competitive examination given for the purpose of establishing a register of eligibles, a parental preference shall be given to persons who were previously employed by the state but terminated such employment to care for young children. This preference shall be given only for persons who were full-time homemakers and caretakers of children under the age of ten and were not otherwise gainfully employed for a period of at least two years.

2. Applicants entitled to parental preference shall be given such preference in appointments over other eligibles, excluding applicants eligible for a veteran’s preference, if all other relevant job-related factors are equal.