Caring for a Sick Child – Simply Explained*

Working parents are entitled to one week of caregiving leave per working year to care for a sick child. This week corresponds to their regular weekly working hours and can be used flexibly: You can take the time all at once, on a daily basis, or even hourly – as needed.

### What to do?
1. Inform your supervisor immediately if you need caregiving leave.
2. If your child is under 12 years old and falls ill again, you can apply for a second week of caregiving leave.
*Important:* The two weeks cannot be taken consecutively.

### Who provides the care?
You decide who will take care of the child – whether it’s the mother, father, or another caregiver. Employers have no say in this matter.

### Medical Certificate
To confirm the caregiving leave, we provide a certificate free of charge as soon as we are informed about the illness.
*Please note:* This certificate can only be issued promptly and not retroactively.