Being a Working Parent in Poland: What You Need to Know

If you’re an expat parent planning to move to Poland with your children, three big questions are probably on your mind: Where are we going to live? How will I support my family? Where will my children go to school? Our Poland Relocation Roadmap covers all of this – from signing your child up for school and renting a flat to financial support for parents and getting your qualifications recognised.

But let’s assume you’ve got the basics sorted. You have a home, a job, and your children are enrolled in school. Sounds straightforward, right? Well, the day-to-day reality of being a working parent in Poland can be a little more complicated. Here’s what to expect.

Types of Employment in Poland: Why They Matter

There are various forms of employment in Poland, each with different levels of security and flexibility. Some contracts come with long office hours but also perks like paid parental leave; others may offer more flexibility but less protection.

This article focuses on the challenges faced by parents who work regular working hours – but even if your hours are flexible, it’s still worth a read. Understanding how Polish schools work will help you plan ahead.

School Holidays in Poland: What Do Working Parents Do?

Children in Poland get a lot of time off. The summer break alone is two months or more, and there are also two weeks of winter holidays. We’ll come to Christmas, Easter, and other days off later – but just these two breaks alone require some serious planning.

Unless you’re very lucky and so many days off work are not a problem, depending on your contract type it will be either impossible or simply not feasible to take that much time off.

So how do Polish families manage? Here are the most common approaches:

• Taking turns. Parents use their annual leave in shifts so at least one of them is around.
• Working from home. Some employers are flexible about this, though it’s not always an option.
• Relatives. Some relatives may be happy to help out. In Polish culture, retired grandparents often play a big role in childcare.
• Babysitters. If no relatives are available – or if parents simply prefer it – hiring a babysitter is another option.
• Camps (kolonie/obozy). Week or two-week residential camps are very popular, often themed around art, sport or language, with accommodation and meals included. Skiing camps are a big hit in winter.
• Day camps (półkolonie). A more affordable alternative. Children spend the day doing activities and trips, then head home in the evening or late afternoon. Organised by schools, cities, and private companies – they fill up fast, so check your local offer and book early. 
• „Healthy child care days” (opieka nad dzieckiem zdrowym) – depending on your contract, you may be entitled to a small number of days per year to look after a child who is not ill. Certain conditions and limitations apply, so it’s worth checking with your HR department first. 
• Private employee benefits – it is not common, but some companies offer employee benefits in the form of extra days off for family life – something worth knowing if you have kids and are planning to look for a job in Poland.

Do Children in Poland Get More Public Holidays?

Not exactly, but it can feel that way. On public holidays, working parents usually get the day off – but schools often give children extra days around those holidays too. For example, a parent might only have Easter Monday off, while their child is off from Maundy Thursday until the following Wednesday.

The usual options apply: use annual leave, call in the babysitter, or ask your employer about working from home. Camps are less common around Christmas and Easter, as these tend to be family time.

One handy option worth knowing about: Polish primary schools often provide childcare on days around public holidays. The place in school where they go in such situations is called świetlica. Check whether your child’s school offers it, how many days it covers, and whether you need to sign up in advance.

My Workday Ends at 4 – My Child’s School Day Ends at 1

Primary school lessons in Poland often wrap up well before the end of a typical working day. In some areas where schools are oversubscribed, there may even be split shifts – one group in the morning, another in the afternoon.

This is where the świetlica really comes in handy. In fact, its main function is to ensure children can safely spend time before or after lessons while their parents are still at work. They can play, take part in teacher-led activities, or revise for a test. As of 2025, primary schools in Poland are required to provide childcare outside lesson hours (usually in the świetlica) if there is a justified need and within reason, which means that while schools are generally not open until late evening, they usually provide childcare in the świetlica between 7–7:30 a.m. and 4.30–5 p.m. Check the details with your child’s school, and don’t be afraid to communicate your needs as a working parent to teachers.  

Some schools also offer after-school interest clubs (koła/kółka zainteresowań) as well as sports activities through the school’s sports club (SKS). The offer varies considerably, so it’s best to ask your child’s school directly.

What About Very Young Children?

If your child is in przedszkole (preschool, typically ages 3–6), you’ll be glad to hear that preschools usually stay open longer than primary schools and generally don’t follow the same academic calendar, which makes it easier to combine childcare with work. The same goes for żłobki (nurseries), which cater to even younger children.

My Child Is Ill – What Are My Rights as a Working Parent in Poland?

This depends a lot on your employment situation. In some cases, your employer is legally required to give you paid time off to look after a sick child. In others, you may have little or no protection at all – and will need to rely on your employer’s goodwill or sort something out yourself.

Working and Raising Children in Poland: Final Thoughts

Being a working parent in Poland has its tricky moments, but there’s a lot of support too. State primary and secondary schools are widely available and free, parents can get financial support from the government (check your eligibility in our Roadmap), and there’s plenty on offer for children outside school hours. And a lot comes down to the people around you – understanding managers, helpful colleagues, and a good team atmosphere can make a real difference.

Author: Elżbieta Pawlas-Matuszek