<P> The Small Necessities Leave Act allows eligible employees a total of twenty - four hours of unpaid leave during any twelve - month period, "over and above" the leave granted by the FMLA . This act allows an employee to participate in school activities directly related to the "educational advancement" of his / her child . This includes parent - teacher conferences, "back to school" activities, and even interviewing for a new school . </P> <P> The term "school" includes any public or private elementary or secondary schools, Head Start programs, and licensed children's day care centers . (Gallitano) The SNLA also allows employees to attend routine medical or dental appointments with their children . In addition, the employee is allowed to accompany an "elderly relative" to medical or dental appointments or any other services that provide professional services related to elder care . (The elderly relative must be at least sixty years old and be related by blood or marriage to the employee) The SNLA includes time off to arrange for professional care at a nursing home or rehabilitation facility . </P> <P> The eligibility required for leave under the Small Necessities Leave Act is the same as for eligibility under the Family and Medical Leave Act and, like the FMLA, the employer is permitted to choose the method for determining which twelve - month period will apply when calculating the twenty - four hours of leave that may be taken by the employee . Leaves of absences can be taken intermittently . </P> <P> For example, if the employee needs to take off two hours in the morning to attend a parent - teacher conference, the employer may not require the employee to take time off in blocks of half or full days . Also, the employer is given the option of requesting certification (from a physician or school, for example) for leave requests . </P>

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