Latvia school year preparations focus on trust and parental leave

As the new school year approaches in Latvia, families are preparing for the transition of children entering school. For many, this involves the significant decision of selecting a school and subsequently building a relationship of trust between the family and the educational institution. Parents are increasingly prioritizing social environments, safety, and emotional support over academic curricula alone.

Parallel to these preparations, questions regarding labor rights have emerged for parents of first-graders. While many parents wish to attend their child's first day of school on September 1, Latvian law does not guarantee a specific holiday for parents of first-graders. The State Labour Inspectorate has clarified that such time off must typically be taken as additional leave, which may not be available if a parent has already exhausted their leave entitlement.