After years of campaigning, California teachers won pregnancy leave. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the 2026-27 California state budget, which provides funding for the paid pregnancy leave for educators. In addition, it funded and expanded the Community Schools program and provided money for homeless students. Previously, California did not guarantee paid parental leave and teachers were forced to use their limited sick time. The program creates up to 14 weeks of paid leave for TK-12 schools and community college employees. Fewer than half the states in the country offer paid parental leave, beyond sick days, for teachers. According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, 16 states require paid parental leave, but half of those states only offer partial pay during the leave. “California’s school staff will have up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy disability leave. This is a transformational win for California educators and families, and it belongs to every single member who raised their voice,” said CTA Secretary-Treasurer Erika Jones.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
After years of campaigning, California teachers won pregnancy leave.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the 2026-27 California state budget, which provides funding for the paid pregnancy leave for educators. In addition, it funded and expanded the Community Schools program and provided money for homeless students.
Previously, California did not guarantee paid parental leave and teachers were forced to use their limited sick time. The program creates up to 14 weeks of paid leave for TK-12 schools and community college employees.
Fewer than half the states in the country offer paid parental leave, beyond sick days, for teachers. According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, 16 states require paid parental leave, but half of those states only offer partial pay during the leave.
“California’s school staff will have up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy disability leave. This is a transformational win for California educators and families, and it belongs to every single member who raised their voice,” said CTA Secretary-Treasurer Erika Jones.