As we head into a new academic year, California employers are reminded that caregivers and employees with children are entitled to time off to care for sick children and attend school-related activities. 

School Activity Leave 

Under California Labor Code Section 230.8, employers with 25 or more employees at a single location must provide parents, guardians, or grandparents with custody of a child in grades kindergarten through 12, or those attending a licensed daycare facility, with up to 40 hours of unpaid leave per year. 

This allows employees to participate in school activities, such as field trips, school meetings, and childcare provider conferences. This leave benefit is capped at eight hours per month. Employers may require reasonable advance notice of the need for leave and require employees use accrued or other paid time off before taking unpaid leave. 

Suspension or Expulsion Meetings 

California Labor Code Section 230.7 prohibits employers from discharging or discriminating against parents or guardians who take time off to attend suspension or expulsion meetings. 

Paid Sick Leave 

State law and local ordinances across California require employers to provide employees with paid sick leave. This benefit allows employees time off for the diagnosis, care, or treatment of an existing health condition, and for preventive care, for both the employee and their family.  

Understanding and applying these leave entitlements as required will help employers meet their legal obligations and lower risks associated with non-compliance.