Parental Leave Act

- Know Your Rights in the District of Columbia -

Work Leave for Parenting Purposes

The District of Columbia Parental Leave Act allows employees who are parents or guardians to take 24 hours of leave

(paid or unpaid) during a 12 month period to attend school-related activities. School events include but are not limited

to: parent-teacher conferences, concerts, plays, rehearsals, sporting events, and other activities where the child is a

participant or the subject of the event, not a spectator.

The employee must notify the employer 10 days before the requested leave unless the school-related activity was not

If you believe an employer has wrongfully denied you parental leave under this statute,

you can file a complaint within one year of the incident with the Office of Human Rights

(OHR). To file a complaint, visit:

Questions about the OHR process can also be answered by phone at (202) 727-4559.

• Online at ohr.dc.gov; or

• In-Person at 441 4th Street NW, Suite 570N, Washington, DC 20001.

An employee is considered a parent or guardian for purposes of this Act if he or she is:

• biological mother or father of a child;

• person who has legal custody of a child;

• person who acts as a guardian of a child;