Managing School-Related Leave: Best Practices for Employers

Aug 24, 2026, 9:00:00 AM

School's back in session! You may have already received time-off requests for parents to attend school-related activities. Or maybe your employee informed you he was entitled to take leave for after-school pick-up every day (no, this is not really a thing).

While the employee who thought there was mandated leave for school pick-ups was mistaken, many states and localities have enacted specific school-related leave laws for extracurricular activities, school conferences, etc. In other jurisdictions, it falls under the paid sick leave law. When you get a request, be sure you understand what you are required to provide an employee – and what your employee is required to provide you. How much advanced notice are you entitled to? Can you request documentation?

Keep in mind, even if a state/locality does not require school-related leave, all employers should consider the following best practices when managing employees with school-aged children:

Educate all managers on the company's work-life policies and ensure they are supportive of employees who take advantage of available programs.
Consider allowing employees to work flexible schedules, helping them balance work and parental responsibilities.
Consider providing reasonable leave to allow employees to attend school-related activities.
Do not retaliate against employees who take advantage of available programs.

Not sure about your jurisdiction? Reach out to your FrankAdvice HR Consultant.