Sometimes, an employee may need to appear at their child’s or ward’s school in connection with disciplinary action by the school. The Education Code allows school districts to adopt policies requiring that parents or guardians attend class with their student after the student returns to school from a suspension. All employers, regardless of size, are prohibited from discriminating against an employee who takes time off to appear at their child’s or ward’s school in connection with a suspension from a class or school.1 The time off can be paid or unpaid.

Documentation of School Appearance Leave

The parent or guardian should receive a written notice from the school stating that they must attend a class. You can require a copy of the notice or some other certification from the school stating that the employee’s presence is required.


1. Lab. Code sec. 230.7