Turkish government family and education support measures

In Turkey, recent government initiatives have focused on family support and educational infrastructure. Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Işıkhan reported that 67,709 mothers have utilized an extension of maternity leave to 24 weeks, with approximately 43% of eligible mothers opting for the extension.

Following these labor updates, the Ministry of National Education (MEB) has detailed regulations for the 2026-2027 academic year under the ‘Family and Population 10-Year Plan’. To support the ‘School Path with My Family’ program, public sector employees with children entering preschool, 1st grade, or 5th grade may request up to three hours of daily administrative leave between September 7 and September 11, 2026, to assist with student adaptation. This leave is intended to strengthen the school-family bond.

New regulations also address school attire to prevent economic exploitation. School principals, in consultation with teachers and parent associations, will determine uniform models, which must remain unchanged for at least four years. Schools are prohibited from forcing parents to purchase from specific vendors, and students in intermediate grades will not be required to buy new uniforms if a model change occurs.

Additionally, the MEB and İŞKUR have initiated the recruitment of 30,000 personnel through Community Benefit Programs (TYP) to support school maintenance, hygiene, security, and landscaping across 81 provinces. Applications for these roles are managed through İŞKUR and e-Devlet platforms. As the official start of the term approaches on September 14, 2026, psychological experts have advised parents to prepare children by gradually adjusting sleep schedules and managing screen time.